With its recent re-accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Eastern Kentucky University’s School of Business has again earned a distinction that less than 7 percent of the world’s business programs can claim.
The five-year re-accreditation covers baccalaureate degree programs in all majors – Accounting, Finance, Computer Information Systems, Insurance, Management, Marketing, General Business and PGA Golf Management, as well as the School’s redesigned MBA program.
AACSB International is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. Approximately 800 business schools in 53 countries and territories maintain AACSB accreditation.
“Since 1919, AACSB International has been the premier accreditation organization of business programs,” said Dr. Tom Erekson, dean of EKU’s College of Business & Technology. “AACSB accreditation ensures students, parents and employers that EKU’s School of Business provides a high-quality business education based on rigorous international standards. Graduates of AACSB-accredited business programs are recognized worldwide by employers and universities. In fact, some employers only hire graduates from AACSB-accredited business schools. This is important when seeking employment and applying to graduate school.”
EKU’s School of Business has been accredited by AACSB International since 2003.
“Students who study in EKU’s School of Business are assured their professors and curricula are up to date, and that the supporting services provided are appropriate to the School’s mission,” Erekson said. “They should know their education is worth their investment of time and resources and will provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful throughout their lives.”
Achieving accreditation is a process of rigorous internal focus, engagement with an AACSB-assigned mentor, and peer-reviewed evaluation. During this multi-year path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to align with AACSB's accreditation standards. These standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation; student, faculty, and staff as active participants; learning and teaching; and academic and professional engagement.
Stephanie Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International, said: "Every AACSB-accredited school has demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning. The intense peer-review process exemplifies their commitment to quality business education."
Erekson credited “the School of Business faculty and staff for all their hard work, the Business Advisory Council for its support of the School of Business and, especially, Professor Judy Spain, who headed the team of faculty who prepared the reports for the peer review team visit.”
He also thanked EKU President Michael Benson and Interim Provost Deborah Whitehouse for their “continuing support” of the College of Business & Technology.
For more information about programs in EKU’s School of Business, visit business.eku.edu.
As the world's largest business education alliance, AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) connects educators, students and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence and professional development services to more than 1,600 member organizations and more than 800 accredited business schools worldwide. AACSB's mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation and amplify impact in business education.