The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has granted initial accreditation to West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP). The council is a specialized accrediting organization that reviews the quality and integrity of business degree programs. ACBSP accredits all business programs at all degree levels.
The ACBSP Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners and Associate Degree Board of Commissioners meet twice a year in Kansas City, MO, to review the quality and integrity of business degree programs at colleges and universities seeking ACBSP accreditation. In April, the two boards granted initial accreditation WVUP and 33 other institutions.
“These campuses have shown their commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process. The initial accreditation and reaffirmation of accreditation granted to these institutions shows their commitment to provide the highest quality business education for their students,” says Steve Parscale, ACBSP director of accreditation.
A team of faculty members at WVUP began the process of seeking national accreditation for the college’s business programs more than two years ago. Programs that will now be accredited include the associate of applied science (A.A.S.) in business administration with areas of concentration in accounting, entrepreneurial studies and general business; the A.A.S. in business technology; the A.A.S. in journalism; the A.A.S. in business administration; the bachelor of applied science (B.A.S.) in business administration with areas of concentration in business information technology, financial management, management and marketing, and public relations and the B.A.S. in business administration with areas of concentration in accounting and general business.
“We were thrilled to get the news of accreditation,” says WVUP resident Dr. Marie Foster Gnage. “We’ve always been confident in the quality of our business programs, but this official stamp of approval reassures students they are getting an education that meets national standards.”
Business, economics and mathematics division chair Steven Morgan and professor Pam Braden provided leadership to the accreditation committee, which also included faculty members Jeff Holland, Stephen Smith and Sy Sarkarat. Faculty members Carol Thomas, Dianne Davis, Roger Lewis, Vijay Shah, John Altman, Debra Baker and Torie Jackson and staff member Lauriel Edwards also contributed.
“I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of our business faculty and staff,” said Morgan “This is a tremendous honor and one that will be very beneficial as we strive for continuous improvement in all that we do. From the senior administrative leadership right through the entire organization, this has truly been an outstanding team effort. I am blessed to be part of such a wonderful group of people.”
Colleges and universities initially accredited by ACBSP must undergo a process of reaffirmation every 10 years in order to maintain accredited status.
