This document outlines 16 steps to building a world class department of management information systems (MIS) over 14 years from 2000 to 2014. It summarizes the key initiatives and achievements in 3 steps: 1) Establishing strategic alliances both internally at the university and externally with industry partners, and fostering a culture of strategic impatience. 2) Developing an epic storytelling narrative to communicate the department's identity and evangelize its mission to students, faculty, and staff. 3) Validating the department's curriculum and resources through partnerships with industry, and positioning the department at the forefront of emerging fields like analytics, innovation, and digital transformation.