Overview
The Leonard W. Wood Center for Real Estate Studies is an integral part of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, situated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The center's mission is to significantly enrich the real estate education experience for students, faculty, alumni, and employers by fostering a community of real estate leaders committed to lifelong learning and career development. Entirely funded through the generosity of alumni and friends, the center reflects strong connections within the industry and academic community, serving as a key resource for real estate talent on the UNC campus.
Key Features and Offerings
- Comprehensive Educational Programs: The center offers a rigorous academic curriculum at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including a full-time MBA real estate concentration. Practical initiatives such as the Student-Managed Real Estate Private Equity Fund provide students with hands-on investment fund operation experience. The programs emphasize real-world experiences and practical exposure, underscored by organized conferences featuring industry leaders.
- Networking and Industry Integration: The Wood Center hosts several industry-focused events such as the annual UNC Real Estate Conference, "HiRE a Tar Heel Expo," and the CREDA Real Estate Research Symposium. These events facilitate networking between students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals, focusing on current real estate research and trends.
- Engaged Alumni Network: A highly active network in the real estate sector, the alumni network consistently offers support to current students and recent graduates in securing employment and building industry connections across major geographies.
Leadership and Faculty
- Advisory Board: The board comprises prestigious alumni and industry experts dedicated to supporting the center's vision of being a global leader in real estate education. The board plays a pivotal role in steering the strategic direction through annual meetings and financial contributions.
- Faculty: The center boasts diverse faculty members with significant industry expertise and academic credentials. Noteworthy faculty include:
- Richard Barkham, Professor of the Practice, with extensive experience in macro and real estate economics.
- Sylvia Gross, a Senior Advisor focusing on Real Estate Funds and Business Strategy.
- David J. Hartzell, Distinguished Professor in Real Estate Finance, who also directs the center’s strategic initiatives.
Strategic Initiatives and Events
The center is actively involved in several strategic initiatives, notably the Real Estate Development Case Competition, inviting top MBA programs globally to Chapel Hill. Such events embody the center's commitment to shaping future leaders and maintaining informed engagement on industry dynamics and innovations.
Community Engagement and Development
The Wood Center actively supports community engagement through co-curricular initiatives, providing students with real-world insights and enhancing their understanding of market dynamics. Mentorship through its advisory board and faculty reinforces a comprehensive approach to education.
Competitor Landscape
The Wood Center operates within a competitive landscape alongside prestigious institutions like the Wisconsin School of Business, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, NYU's Schack Institute of Real Estate, and the University of Georgia Terry College of Business. These schools offer top-rated programs characterized by strong industry connections, practical learning experiences, and networking opportunities. By leveraging unique offerings and its competitive positioning, the Wood Center can enhance its appeal in real estate education.
Location and Contact Information
- Address: 360 Kenan Drive, Ste. 401, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3440
- Phone: 919-962-6749
- Email: realestate@unc.edu
- Web Presence: The Wood Center maintains a robust online presence on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, further engaging its community with updates and resources.
