Ambitious professionals in Central Oregon will soon have a powerful new way to take their careers to the next level. Starting September 2014, the Lundquist College's Portland-based Oregon Executive MBA program will offer a videoconferencing option from the University of Oregon's Bend Center, conveniently located in the city's Bend River Mall.

This new delivery model brings the program's world-class education to the region and requires only eight days of travel to Portland and one trip to Eugene per year.

“Several recent graduates from Bend had commuted to the program each week. They convinced us that Bend has a thriving business community that is need of business education for mid- and top-level managers, which is the focus of our program," said the program's executive director Dale Morse.

The twenty-month program features concierge services so that busy executives can focus on their studies without having to worry about buying textbooks and tracking down course materials. Classes meet on alternating Fridays and Saturdays and meals are provided on-site.

Tuition includes all materials, fees, and a global study tour. Each admitted student from Central Oregon is eligible for a $15,000 scholarship.

“We aim to get a minimum of three students from the Bend area this fall and hope to have at least that many each year going forward," said Morse.