It was named after American billionaire John E. Anderson in 1987, after he donated $15 million to the School of Management (the largest gift received from an individual by the University of California at the time).

In 1987, John E. Anderson (1917–2011), class of 1940, donated $15 million to the school and prompted the construction of a new complex at the north end of UCLA's campus.

In July 2018, Judy D. Olian, who served as the eighth dean of UCLA's Anderson School of Management, became Quinnipiac University's first female president when she took over for John Lahey, who retired in June 2018.

The new building features four floors, interactive work, learning and event spaces, LEED Platinum certification, and will serve as the prominent entrance to the Anderson complex.

UCLA Anderson’s teaching model combines case study, experiential learning, lecture and team projects.

Students complete strategic projects for companies partnering with the school, ultimately presenting recommendations to senior management.

[19] Besides this UCLA Anderson School of Management also offers executive programs on corporate governance, creativity & innovation, women leadership and media.

[20] The following academic units currently offer doctoral training: In September 2017, the School announced the publication of a new online journal chronicling its faculty’s research into crucial issues in business, the economy, and the wider world.

[27] The Harold and Pauline Price Center for Entrepreneurial Studies oversees all teaching, research, extracurricular, and community activities related to entrepreneurship at UCLA Anderson.

It helps participants such as Head Start directors, early childcare professionals, and owners of developing businesses to direct and grow their organizations with a focused, well-managed, entrepreneurial flair.

UCLA Anderson also has a Center for International Business Education and Research, which was founded in 1989 as part of a network of 28 CIBERs created by the United States Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988.

150-200 MBA students each year participate in classes, lunches with executives, Days on the Job, field studies, speakers, and other activities with the Institute.

[29] One initiative on campus is "Challenge for Charity," a competition between West Coast business schools to put in the most volunteer hours per student and raise the most money for Special Olympics.