Williamson College’s accreditation extended

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, the hallmark of excellence for business schools worldwide, has extended its accreditation for undergraduate and graduate programs in the Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University.

“AACSB accreditation is external validation of the quality of our faculty, staff, students and programs,” YSU President Jim Tressel said. “This global recognition places our business programs in the top 5 percent in the world. Our students are ensured a high quality business education coupled with the professional development opportunities that enable them to maximize their competitiveness in the job market.”

Betty Jo Licata, WCBA dean, said the college’s business faculty members are to be commended for their dedication to excellent teaching, impactful research and engagement with the business and nonprofit communities.

“Each and every day they are driven to fulfill our mission of preparing students to be successful business professionals and leaders,” she said. “Our accreditation reflects the faculty’s commitment to excellence through engagement with our students, the profession and business.”

AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. Today, 716 business schools in 48 countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation.

“It takes a great deal of commitment and determination to earn and maintain AACSB accreditation,” said Robert D. Reid, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International. “Business schools must not only meet specific standards of excellence, but their deans, faculty and professional staff must make a commitment to ongoing continuous improvement to ensure that the institution will continue to deliver the highest quality of education to students.”

Innovation, impact and engagement are strategic priorities for the WCBA and drive the expansion of academic programming, research and outreach services, Licata said. Notable accomplishments include the significant engagement of students in completing projects for the business community, extensive internship and professional development programs, internationally recognized faculty, and outreach programs in entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership and international business.

The WCBA’s contributions in international business have been designated as a Center of Excellence in International Business by the Ohio Board of Regents. The award- winning Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU and International Trade Assistance Center serve more than 300 clients each year and provide valuable career-related experience for undergraduate and MBA students.