Concord University’s Department of Business in now accredited through ACBSP, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, an honor that recognizes the department’s superior curriculum and faculty.
ACBSP is a global business education accrediting body and the only organization to offer accreditation to all levels of collegiate business educational degree programs.
Dr. Susan Robinett, chair of the Business Department, is proud of the hard work that went into the accreditation process. “The department faculty have worked to develop better processes in student learning and curriculum management to meet the standards of accreditation while maintaining their academic and professional qualifications to ensure a high-quality faculty,” Dr. Robinett says. “We are excited to have our hard work solidified and acknowledged by ACBSP.”
The process to achieve this recognition has been a long-term goal. Concord’s business faculty examined the department’s curriculum and over several semesters, developed a business core based on best practices and current topics. Faculty recognized the importance of staying current in their respective disciplines which is reflected in scholarly activities including research and professional development. As a result, they altered requirements to make publications and professional development a priority.
Over a ten year time period, the business department focused on processes and building faculty portfolios that would be needed for accreditation. In the fall of 2017, they committed to attaining ACBSP accreditation and embarked on a multifaceted process that included a comprehensive report that faculty worked on over the summer, a self-study report, and a site team visit that was conducted in February of this year.
After a complete review by the ACBSP Board of Commissioners, Concord was notified on April 28th that the Department of Business had received full accreditation.
President Kendra Boggess says she appreciates the work that has been done to accomplish this goal, and she understands the importance of external endorsement for university programs.
“Each of Concord’s academic programs are fully accredited indicating the high quality, currency, and value they offer our students, graduate schools, and regional employers,” Boggess says. “Those programs, such as business, social work, and education – which are further field accredited – provide additional evidence of Concord’s high quality programs that have earned peer validation.”
Concord University will celebrate the Department of Business’ ACBSP accreditation on May 7 in the State Room of the Jean and Jerry Beasley Student Center from 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM.
