ATLANTA, GA (April 17, 2025) – Emory University’s Goizueta Business School announced today a $5 million gift from esteemed alumnus Billy Harbert 09MBA, a visionary leader in the construction and real estate industries. This transformational investment will establish the BL Harbert Real Estate Center, marking a new era of excellence in real estate education, thought leadership, and practice at Goizueta.
The new center will capitalize on Atlanta’s thriving real estate market, which is rapidly expanding with commercial and residential developments. With 75% of Fortune 1000 companies holding offices in the city, Atlanta is also home to 16 Fortune 500 company headquarters. The world-class real estate program will not only shape the future of the industry but also fuel innovation and economic development across Atlanta and the entire region.
“We are deeply thankful to Billy Harbert for his extraordinary generosity. This gift represents a significant milestone for Goizueta and the entire Emory community,” shared Gareth James, John H. Harland Dean for Goizueta. “The BL Harbert Real Estate Center will enhance our ability to educate the next generation of real estate leaders, create a robust talent pipeline for leading firms, and strengthen our connection to the industry. It is a testament to the strength and influence of our alumni network.”
Building on nearly 20 years of real estate courses and initiatives, the new center will accelerate Goizueta’s momentum in this critical sector. Last year, a group of two dozen alumni, led by Randy Evans, established a transformative $3 million endowment to fuel additional leadership of the program. A national search is now underway for a Distinguished Industry Professor to guide the Real Estate program into its next era. Additionally, the school’s annual real estate conference—launched in 2022 by alumni including John Schellhase 23EvMBA, Russell Hardin 21MBA, Bernard Clevens 22MBA, and John Hillman 21MBA—has quickly gained recognition as one of the Southeast’s premier industry gatherings, attracting top professionals and decision-makers.
“The energy and excitement surrounding real estate at Emory and Goizueta Business School are unmistakable,” says Robert C. Goddard III, chair of the Emory Board of Trustees. “With Goizueta’s expanding real estate program, the school is poised to become a premier hub for real estate education and thought leadership. Given Atlanta’s position as a thriving commercial and investment center—serving as the economic engine of the Southeast—our students and faculty have unparalleled access to a dynamic market, influential industry leaders, and a wealth of opportunities. We are building something truly extraordinary.”
Through the BL Harbert Real Estate Center, Goizueta is developing a hands-on curriculum that equips students to excel as real estate entrepreneurs and practitioners. The center, supported by three key pillars—research, community engagement, and curriculum—will advance innovations in the field by increasing Goizueta’s influence as a hub for engagement, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.
Students have access to hands-on learning both in and outside the classroom that strengthens their skill sets and resumes. Through the Real Estate Private Equity Fund, students will manage real-world investments by identifying undervalued REITs or those with consistent returns, and by researching real estate fixed income instruments that present strong investment opportunities. Goizueta will continue to offer its Real Estate career trek to New York, providing students a unique opportunity to meet with top firms, explore career paths, and strengthen professional networks nationwide. Moreover, the center will facilitate internships, case competitions, conferences, and real-world projects with industry partners.
“Industry innovation will not happen in a vacuum; it will be driven by research and a curriculum that brings real world problems and cutting-edge research to the classroom,” shared Sergio Gárate, director of the Goizueta Real Estate Program. “This generous investment by Billy Harbert will significantly enhance our students’ educational experience. By expanding professional networking, conference participation, and real estate competitions, we will better prepare our students for successful careers in real estate.”
Billy Harbert, chairman and CEO of BL Harbert International, has long been recognized for his innovation and leadership in construction and real estate. He has overseen numerous high-profile projects across the world that have left a lasting impact on the industry.
“I am proud to support the launch of the new center and hope to continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of real estate education and practice,” shared Harbert. “I look forward to seeing how Goizueta will inspire and prepare the next generation of industry leaders.”
Interested in getting involved? Visit Goizueta Real Estate to find out more.
About Emory University’s Goizueta Business School
Business education has been an integral part of Emory University’s identity since 1919. That kind of longevity and significance does not come without a culture built on success and service. Emory University’s Goizueta Business School offers a unique, community-oriented environment paired with the academic prestige and rigor of a major research institution. Goizueta develops business leaders of today and tomorrow with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Full-time MBA (Two-Year MBA & One-Year MBA), Evening MBA, Executive MBA, MS in Business Analytics, Master of Finance, Master in Management, Master in Business for Veterans, Doctoral degree, and a portfolio of non-degree Emory Executive Education courses. Together, the Goizueta community strives to solve the world’s most pressing business problems. The school is named for the late Roberto C. Goizueta, former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
For more information, visit goizueta.emory.edu.
