Bob Alig is a seasoned higher education leader whose career spans over 25 years in MBA admissions, college access, alumni relations, and student-centered advising. With a deep commitment to educational equity and institutional excellence, Bob has shaped transformative initiatives across premier institutions and national nonprofits.

As Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at The Wharton School, Bob oversaw a 65% increase in applications and expanded global outreach from 10 to 35 countries. He pioneered strategic partnerships and engaged alumni, faculty, and students in a reimagined recruitment model that prioritized diversity and a holistic approach to candidate evaluation.

Bob’s dedication to college access deepened at the College Board, where as Vice President of the Middle States Region, he led efforts to increase Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance among underrepresented students—growing minority AP participation by 91% and success rates by 99%. His leadership helped shape state- and district-level innovation in K-12 and higher education pathways.

Bob has long championed first-generation and low-income students, exemplified by his work with Minds Matter, a national college access nonprofit. As a longtime board member and Interim Co-CEO, he helped to strengthen university partnerships, supported national fundraising strategies, and expanded student support systems.

At the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), he played a pivotal role in simplifying MBA admissions through the launch of BusinessCAS, improving accessibility and transparency for both students and schools. His efforts helped positioned GMAC as a global leader in graduate management education strategy.

In alumni engagement roles at the University of Pennsylvania and St. George’s University, Bob led strategic initiatives to connect global alumni networks with current students, increasing participation, advancing diversity, and fueling institutional growth through inclusive programming and communications.

A Penn College of Arts and Sciences and a Wharton MBA graduate, Bob brings a rare blend of operational excellence, strategic insight, and mission-driven leadership. He is a mentor, speaker, and advocate whose work continues to center upon student success, equitable access, and the transformative power of higher education.