Christian Brothers University (CBU) has received a $6.2 million gift from Bob and Paula McEniry to strengthen the University’s School of Business and expand its role in preparing the next generation of business leaders for Memphis and beyond.

In recognition of the McEnirys’ generosity and longstanding commitment to CBU, the school will be renamed the McEniry School of Business, Education and Humanities. The gift represents a significant investment in the future of business education at CBU and will support the continued growth of key academic programs, including the Master of Business Administration and accounting programs.

CBU will also pursue additional opportunities to strengthen the School’s academic distinction and reputation and will launch a national search for a dean to lead its next chapter.

“This $6.2 million gift is an investment in our students, in CBU and in the future of Memphis,” said Ronald L. Brandon, President of CBU. “Bob and Paula share our belief in what CBU can mean for this community. Their generosity will create new opportunities for our students and strengthen our ability to prepare graduates who are ready to build careers, lead organizations and contribute to the city we all call home.”

For generations, CBU has educated students who have gone on to build careers, lead organizations and strengthen the Memphis community. The McEnirys’ gift will allow the University to deepen the School of Business’s connections with employers and the broader business community while creating new opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, experience and professional skills needed to succeed.

“CBU has always been an important part of Memphis,” said Bob McEniry, CBU Trustee Emeritus and former chairman of nexAir. “It gives talented students the opportunity to earn an outstanding education here, build their careers here and become leaders in the companies and organizations that move our community forward. Paula and I believe deeply in CBU’s mission, and we are proud to invest in a School of Business that can help prepare the next generation of leaders Memphis needs.”

CBU’s School of Business combines a broad range of undergraduate business programs with an applied approach to learning and strong connections to the Memphis business community. Students can pursue degrees in accounting, business administration, finance, management and marketing, with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and engagement with local employers. 

At the graduate level, CBU’s MBA and specialized certificates are designed to help working professionals build immediately applicable skills in areas such as leadership, project management, strategy and business analytics. Across its programs, CBU emphasizes the ethical leadership, personal attention and real-world preparation that are hallmarks of its Lasallian educational mission.

“This gift will expand what is possible for our students and faculty,” said Matthew Domas, CBU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. “It will help us build on the strengths of our programs, respond to the needs of the Memphis business community and give students the foundation they need to lead with purpose and integrity.”