Our 25+ Year Journey To AACSB Accreditation

Abstract

How does a publicly supported university with a primary focus on teaching, achieve accreditation from the premier agency and service organization for business schools all over the world, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)? Our journey began in 1978 when a college department hired a Dean, became a separate business school and had a vision to become a successful leader in business education. Our goal was achieved and culminated on January 7, 2005 with the accreditation of our undergraduate and graduate business programs. The who, what, where, when and why of our 25+ year journey will be provided. Particular emphasis will be placed on our numerous hurdles and how the goal was achieved such as funding availability; curriculum reform; raising publication rates, and why it took so long to get accredited.