Lander University's College of Business has earned a five-year extension of accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
Since less than five percent of the world's business schools are AACSB accredited, the designation secures Lander's College of Business status as being a member of a highly exclusive group. In fact, five years following graduation, the majority of alumni from AACSB-accredited schools are either in senior-level positions or have risen to high levels in their organizations.
"Congratulations to you, the faculty, staff and students and all supporters of the school," said AACSB Senior Associate Antonio Goodson in his letter confirming the organization's decision to reaffirm its stamp of approval.
According to Dr. Barbara Wheeling, dean of Lander's College of Business, the reaccreditation process is an intensive one-year process that culminates with an on-campus visit from an AACSB team.
"Throughout the year, we monitor a host of performance standards to ensure we're providing an exceptional educational opportunity for Lander business students," said Dr. Wheeling. "This includes ensuring our business faculty not only maintain but improve their qualifications through efforts including research publications and presentation activities. We also continually assess our students' learning and problem solving skills throughout each academic year."
Dr. Wheeling confirmed that members of the AACSB reaccreditation team were particularly impressed with Lander's experiential learning opportunities, which emphasize business students working directly with businesses in the Greenwood community, and the early emphasis on career preparation.
"Unlike many business schools that offer a single career-prep course during a student's senior year, Lander's College of Business begins a student's career preparation in their sophomore year, and it continues through their junior and senior years," she said.