Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning
Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning
The Institute transforms learning through business education innovation, unprecedented faculty support & development, and world-class educational facilities.
Mission
Made possible by the largest gift in Darden history from Sands Capital Founder, the late Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63), The Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning supports learners globally by providing transformational learning experiences in business education at all stages of their career, through both degree and non-degree programs, in a variety of formats. We achieve this through three primary focal points: world-class learning environments, innovative programming, and recruitment and retention of top-ranked faculty.
Access Latest Insights: Managing Up
New research from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business’ Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning and The Burning Glass Institute sheds light on the critical intersection of management education and the future of the workforce. Download a copy of the research paper, "Managing Up," to understand the evolving workforce landscape and how management education can help bridge the talent gap by preparing employees to step up into manager roles, no matter their educational background.
The Future of Learning at Work Summit 2024
The Future of Learning at Work: A Roadmap for Talent Development in the Age of AI was the Sands Institute's inaugural summit, which brought together thought leaders in lifelong learning from Ed Tech, academia, private equity, policymaking and corporations. Featuring panel discussions, expert speakers, case discussion and special events, this interactive summit aimed to shape the national conversation on how AI is revolutionizing the approach and role of lifelong learning in today’s modern workforce. Read more about key summit highlights and check out a few photos from the April 2024 event below.
Thought Leadership and News
Faculty
Faculty support and development includes the establishment of new faculty chairs to bolster excellence and innovation in pedagogy and engagement with practice, including case writing and course and program development. A $35 million Sands Professorship Fund, comprised of a $21 million donation from Sands plus $14 million in matching funds from the UVA Bicentennial Professor Funds, will support 12 faculty chairs.
Four distinguished professorship chairs honor Darden professors with a legacy of exceptional teaching and commitment to the School:
Melissa Thomas-Hunt
Vice Dean; Senior Associate Dean for the Residential Full-Time MBA Program & Special Advisor to the Dean on Connection, John D. Forbes Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, Professor of Public Policy at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
George (Yiorgos) Allayannis
Robert F. Bruner Distinguished Professor of Business Administration
Alan R. Beckenstein
Robert D. Landel Distinguished Professor of Business Administration
Robert L. Carraway
Yiorgos Allayannis Distinguished Associate Professor of Business Administration
An additional eight emerging scholar chairs, called the Sands Professorships, will enable Darden to recruit and develop top faculty as the next generation of master teachers and scholars. In October 2020, the School announced the first faculty appointments to the Sands Professorships:
Toni Irving
Frank M. Sands Sr. Professor of Practice
Lynn A. Isabella
Frank M. Sands Sr. (M.B.A. ’63) Associate Professor Emerita of Business Administration
Paul J. Simko
Frank M. Sands Sr. Associate Professor of Business Administration
Scott A. Snell
Eleanor F. and Phillip G. Rust Professor of Business Administration
Kimberly A. Whitler
Frank M. Sands Sr. Associate Professor of Business Administration
Peter Belmi
Scott C. Beardsley Associate Professor of Business Administration
Elizabeth A. Powell
Julie Logan Sands Associate Professor of Business Administration, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Director, Compassionate Care Initiative
June A. West
Marjorie R. Sands Associate Professor of Business Administration
Leadership
Meet the team leading the Sands Institute, including the CEO and supporting staff.
In the face of global uncertainty, rapid changes in technology, and a dynamic marketplace, leaders must be able to continually grow, learn and develop to create positive change.