Matthew Lilley, President, Hult International Business School

In an interview with Invest:, Matthew Lilley, president of Hult International Business School, discussed adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education, leveraging Boston’s rich educational and industry ecosystem, and the strategic focus on practical, technology-integrated education that prepares students for the demands of modern business environments.

What have been the major highlights and recent successes for Hult International Business School over this past year?

Our successes this year can be categorized into three main areas. First, enrollment in our undergraduate and postgraduate programs, particularly in the Boston area, has seen robust growth. We also have campuses worldwide, contributing to our increasing student numbers. Second, we continue to enhance and expand our programs. We’ve launched new degrees, added specializations aimed at boosting employability, introduced STEM options, and integrated AI business challenges and sustainability topics into all programs. Lastly, we’ve gained significant external recognition. We won a MERIT Award for ‘Innovation in Higher Education & Learning’ for our redesigned BBA program, and Hult is now Great Place to Work-Certifiedâ„¢ 

in all three countries where our campuses are located (the United States, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates) and in Hong Kong. Additionally, our rankings have improved notably, with our MBA program achieving its highest rankings ever across several global lists.

How do you see higher education evolving in the region, and what are the biggest opportunities?

Higher education is rapidly evolving, particularly in North America, where demographic changes are causing a decline in student numbers. To thrive, institutions must attract more international students and convince domestic students of the value in terms of time and expense. Universities need to ensure they offer skills that are relevant and applicable in the workplace. At Hult International Business School, our ethos, “For those made to do,” reflects our focus on practical learning. We emphasize teamwork, critical thinking, and real-world business challenges. This approach is becoming increasingly important as other schools recognize the need to adapt to how technology changes information accessibility and job nature.

How does the school leverage its Boston location to benefit students and faculty?

Boston is an excellent location for us. Our students enjoy living here; it’s safe, beautiful, and rich with cultural, sports, and natural resources. It offers a vibrant learning atmosphere. There are numerous educational institutions in Boston where our students can attend classes and lectures, and we also receive students from these institutions. This enriches their study experience. Post-graduation, many choose to stay in Boston, which is thriving in industries like AI and Biotech. For us as an institution, Boston is beneficial not only for attracting students but also for recruiting and retaining top faculty. We draw applicants from around the world who are eager to teach in such a culturally and academically stimulating environment.

What are the most requested certifications and topics from your students?

Core subjects like Finance, Marketing, and Leadership remain consistently popular. However, business analytics has recently become one of our largest programs, attracting high employment rates and salaries. Over the last 18 months, there’s also been a significant interest in artificial intelligence. As a business school, our focus isn’t on creating AI technologies but on teaching students how to use AI to enhance their business and management skills. We’ve integrated AI usage across all our programs, making it a fundamental part of our curriculum.

What are the strategic goals of the Hult President’s Fund?

As a nonprofit, we rely on tuition and donations. In our first 20 years, we’ve grown from a small institution to one recognized internationally, with about 5,000 students annually. Now, we aim to  increase funding from alumni donations in order to continue innovating. Our goal with the President’s Fund is to make education more accessible to diverse students who may not be able to afford it. Despite high costs in the United States, we’re reaching out to our global alumni network of more than 30,000 to support this initiative. It’s a long-term effort, especially as our oldest alumni are in their early 40s, which is younger than typical major donors at other institutions.

How are you underscoring STEM education as well as entrepreneurship at Hult?

STEM education aligns closely with the most in-demand jobs, offering students better employment and salary prospects. We’ve made STEM a significant component of all our programs, which also helps international students qualify for extended work visas in the United States. Entrepreneurship and innovation have been central to the Hult curriculum from the start, attracting students and faculty who are, or have been, entrepreneurs. Our practical approach to business challenges is a critical part of our learning environment, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit of our founder and the ethos of our institution.

How does the Bachelor of Business Administration program bridge the gap between graduation and employment?

We’ve redesigned the undergraduate program to integrate disciplines like Finance, Strategy, and Marketing more seamlessly. Instead of teaching these subjects in isolation, we’re focusing on how they intersect in real business scenarios. The curriculum is structured around practical challenges. For instance, early in the program, students must devise a business plan for a socially responsible startup within set constraints. This approach not only teaches the fundamentals of business but also emphasizes teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Throughout the program, students face increasingly complex tasks that enhance their skills and judgment in real-world business contexts.

What are some of the key partnerships or collaborations you have in the Boston region?

We’ve partnered with Coursera globally to offer our students access to a broad range of learning content, and our Boston students benefit greatly from this. The partnership allows students to pursue additional certifications alongside their primary studies. Another significant collaboration is with EY, where we run a staff MBA and Master’s program. Hundreds of EY employees have graduated from these programs, which exemplify our commitment to practical, accessible education.

Adding to that, we also have a CPA internship program with EY, which prepares students directly for careers in Accounting. This program enables students to earn necessary certifications through practical experience rather than additional degrees. Additionally, our partnership with Coursera enhances our curriculum, allowing students to study diverse topics, such as leadership theories coupled with unique subjects to foster critical thinking.

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years?

I’m extremely optimistic about the future. The skills and knowledge we impart to our students are more relevant and valuable than ever. Additionally, our programs are optimally designed to provide not just the skills and knowledge but also the mindsets for a successful career. I believe our offerings are precisely what learners need, and we see positive feedback from that. Being in the Boston area enhances our appeal to our community of students, faculty, and staff. Our priorities are clear: we must ensure our programs deliver on their promises. Our students should acquire the skills, capabilities, and knowledge they expect, securing good jobs through our industry connections, both globally and locally. It’s also vital that we remain an excellent workplace for our dedicated staff and faculty who commit wholeheartedly to our students every day.