The most popular course in UC Davis' M.B.A. program is not taught by academics but by former chief executive officers from major American businesses. One such CEO, Edward M. Carson, paid serious attention to the business of banking for more than 43 years. He retired last year after serving as the CEO and chair of the board of the 12th largest commercial banking company in the United States, First Interstate Bancorp. When asked to serve as the executive-in-residence at the Graduate School of Management, Carson couldn't refuse the offer. His course this spring has been focusing on helping students broaden their view of the corporate world. "M.B.A. students today need to learn to grapple with the changing nature of corporate life," says Carson. "Those in the corporate world who have survived the reengineering of American business have done so by expanding their skills and having confidence in their ability to adapt to new circumstances." In this course, Carson has leveraged his experience and understanding to help the business students become better prepared.