WashU and the Brookings Institution ended their yearslong collaboration. (Charlotte Balla | Staff Photographer)

After 15 years, WashU and the Brookings Institution will conclude their partnership on June 30, 2026, according to Brookings’ website. The independent, nonpartisan think tank based in Washington, D.C., conducts research, analysis, and educational programming on public policy issues, including economics, foreign policy, and governance.

According to The Source, WashU and the Brookings Institution have collaborated since 2009 on academic programming, research initiatives, and educational partnerships designed to connect Olin’s business students with policy scholars in Washington. The partnership gave WashU a dedicated presence inside Brookings’ headquarters, operating as “WashU at Brookings.” 

Through the partnership, Olin offered specialized courses and certificate programs focused on public leadership, global economics, and foreign and domestic policy-making. Many of these courses incorporated discussions with Brookings scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders, emphasizing the intersection of business strategy and government decision-making. Executive education programs and MBA immersions were also held in Washington through WashU at Brookings, allowing students to engage directly with the policy environment. 

The University’s administration has not formally announced the conclusion of this partnership, and neither institutions have issued public statements explaining why the pair decided not to renew their partnership agreement. In an email to Student Life, Associate Vice Chancellor for WashU Marketing and Communications, Kedra Tolson, said the decision was reached “after extensive market assessment and consideration of stakeholder input.” 

Professor and Vice Dean of Executive Education at Olin, Markus Baer, said “the ending of the partnership is primarily the result of a new economic reality.” WashU has faced mounting financial pressures in recent years, driven by shifting enrollment trends, rising operational costs, expenditures on Workday, and cuts to federal funding. 

Programs already scheduled for the 2025-26 academic year will continue as planned through June 2026 — including custom and immersion offerings. After June 30, executive education programs specifically tied to the Brookings Partnership will conclude. These include courses such as Cultivating a Positive Organizational Culture (D.C.), and Negotiation: Strategies for Results. 

However, Olin Business School’s Executive Education division — which also designs and delivers custom programs, open-enrollment courses and professional certificates — functions separately within the business school. As such, it will continue offering various open-enrollment courses and certificates such as the Advanced Management Certificate and women’s leadership programs through Olin’s St. Louis Campus and virtual platforms after the partnership ends.  

Tolson added that Olin intends to maintain Washington-based degree program immersions — particularly within its Executive MBA program — though these will operate without a formal partnership with the Brookings Institution. However, the LEGIS Fellows program will end come June.