Dean Benjamin Akande

If you are like me, your key ring is heavy with metal designed to help you throughout your day. I look at mine and see a key opening the front door of my home, a key to let me into my car, a key that unlocks my desk drawer and even a key that will secure the luggage I take to the airport today. All are helpful and all will make my life easier. But none are the key to my success.

That key in my life is education. It has opened up a world of opportunities for me and has helped me do the same for others. What did George Washington Carver mean when he said “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom”? As a man born into slavery, was he referring to freedom from captivity? Maybe. As a chemist and horticulturist, maybe he meant freedom from ignorance? Or, as an educator, was he talking about the independence and self-determination education gives those who embrace it?

In this issue of NotaBene we introduce you to several School of Business and Technology graduates who have enjoyed the open doors a Webster education has unlocked for them. And because of Webster, they have been able to help others the world over. You will also learn of ways Webster can still help shape your future with our new certificate of nonprofit management program and our doctorate of management degree which is designed for working adults. And just last week, Ambassador Bert Walker and his wife Carol made a $10 million donation to the School of Business and Technology. This generous gift will open even more doors for thousands of Webster students all over the world for years to come. Remember, we don’t lock the doors to learning at Webster after you graduate. Your key will always work for you here, so please come on in!

Stay well and stay in touch.

My best,


Benjamin Ola. Akande