ABOUT WBRF
The WBRF Story
In the spring of 1984, Barron H. Harvey, of Howard University, convened a meeting with a group of representatives nominated by their colleges and universities and a research forum was proposed for the 1985-1986 academic year.
The Faculty representatives were from the Consortium of Universities Schools of Business which included the following: American University, Catholic University of America, Gallaudet College, Georgetown University, Howard University, University of Maryland – College Park, and the University of the District of Columbia.
Mission of annual Washington Business Research forum.
To provide a dynamic platform for business researchers to collaborate, sheer cutting edge insights, and drive innovation that addresses the challenges and opportunities shaping business and industry nationally and globally.
Vision of annual Washington Business Research forum.
To be recognized as a vibrant research forum that fosters meaningful connections and actionable solutions empowering business researchers to address rapidly evolving global business challenges and opportunities and contributing research that aids in the sustainable growth and prosperity of communities worldwide.
The Faculty representatives of the Washington Consortium Schools of Business Research Committee created the Research Forum to
Encourage research within and among Consortium business faculty;
Encourage joint research (institutional and faculty) and promote the sharing or pertinent information on research in the area of business;
Host a research forum once a year at a Consortium university or college where papers and research ideas will be presented and discussed; and Publish the proceedings of the research forum, including abstracts of papers presented.
Since 1985 there have been annual forums hosted by a variety of member universities and colleges.
The current representatives from the Consortium of universities include the following:
Dr. Barron Harvey Chairman
Howard University
Dr. Narendra Rustagi
Howard University
Dr. Behnaz Quigley
Marymount University
Dr. Lawrence M. Lossen
University of Maryland
In 2007 the Washington Consortium School of Business Research Committee expanded participation in its annual research forum to universities and colleges beyond Washington, D.C. The organization was renamed the Annual Washington Business Research Forum (WBRF) and hosted its inaugural forum on January 4-5, 2008 in Arlington, Virginia.
In 2010, the Annual Washington Research Forum entered into a partnership with the National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable to financially support and encourage the faculty of member schools to both attend the forum and present their research.
In 2010 the Annual Washington Business forum inaugurated the Washington Business Research Journal.