Business programs within Eastern Washington University’s College of Business and Public Administration (CBPA) have earned extended accreditation from the highly respected AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
There are more than 16,000 colleges and schools of business around the world and only 5 percent are accredited by AACSB.
“Achieving AACSB accreditation is synonymous with ‘the highest standards of excellence’ in programs that we offer our students,” Ahmad Tootoonchi, dean of the CBPA, said in a May 1 news release. “EWU is proud to be among the finest universities around the globe to earn this elite status.”
Eastern’s business programs earned their initial accreditation in 1974 and have maintained that status of excellence ever since.
“As difficult as it is to earn the initial accreditation from AACSB, it is equally challenging to maintain the standing,” Tootoonchi said. “I am truly proud of our team of outstanding faculty and staff who were determined to do the work necessary to sustain this highly regarded external validation of the quality of our programs.”
Eastern received a number of commendations as part of the visiting team’s report. In particular, the college was recognized for establishing an engaging and “comprehensive and effective curriculum management and Assurance of Learning [Assessment] system.” Additionally, AASCB commended the college on its “one of a kind degree and certification program in partnership with Microsoft (Data and Business Analytics),” and on “the creativity, impact and multiple layers of engagement from its entrepreneurship program.”
“I am very proud of our business programs for achieving successful reaffirmation of AACSB accreditation,” EWU President Mary Cullinan said. “This is a tribute to the exceptional leadership demonstrated by Dr. Tootoonchi, and to the excellent quality of our faculty that led to such high praise from the visiting accreditation team.”
“AACSB accreditation is a sign of excellent program quality that presents an outstanding opportunity and value for our students,” EWU Provost Scott Gordon added. “Students can be confident that they are receiving an education from one of the very best business schools in the state of Washington.”
AASCB also praised the college for “the career preparation services for students” by having a designated career advisor in-house who is committed to providing “extensive service through one-on-one assistance to students, collaborating with faculty to include professional development content in courses, offering networking events, etiquette experiences, workshops, recruitment events, and arranging faculty visits to major employers.”
Tootoonchi added, “I would like to emphasize that we owe this outstanding achievement to the leadership and support from President Mary Cullinan and Provost Scott Gordon, as well as the encouragement and support from rest of EWU community, the College of Business Advisory Board and our wonderful students who played an active role before and during the Peer Review Team’s visit of our college.”
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