The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs was founded in 1988 to create an organization and an accreditation process designed to fit the needs of business programs focused on teaching and learning.

History

Early foundations

Founded in 1988, the ACBSP was created to accredit business schools with an emphasis on teaching and learning. Based in Overland Park, Kansas (a suburb of Kansas City), ACBSP was created to fulfill a need for specialized accreditation by colleges and universities with business schools and programs.

In 1988, only 260 out of 2,400 schools of business were accredited, all by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Most or all of the AACSB accredited schools had an emphasis on research, while most other schools had an emphasis on teaching. On April 28, 1988, 150 of the non-accredited schools met in Kansas City, Missouri to consider alternatives to AACSB accreditation for teaching-oriented schools.

ACBSP in education

On May 12, 1989, a study group completed a feasibility study and submitted recommendations for standard for accreditation by the ACBSP. In August 1992, ACBSP was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accreditation agency for business education. In 1996, the DoE changed its policies to recognize only agencies that affected Federal funding. At its meeting on January 22, 2001, the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) Board of Directors reviewed the recommendations of the CHEA Committee on Recognition regarding the recommendation and recognized by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.

In 2003, ACBSP implemented its "Better Than Ever" initiative. The purpose of this initiative was to include everyone involved in the education of students at an institution, including both faculty and administration, in the efforts to improve business education. ACBSP approved a new strategic plan with new mission and vision statements in June 2005. The seven regions that previously included only the United States were expanded to the provinces of Canada.

ACBSP today

The ACBSP continues its belief that teaching and learning are important areas for accreditation of schools of business. ACBSP recognizes the importance of scholarly research and believes that such activity facilitates improved teaching.

Mission

ACBSP develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education and accredits qualified business programs.

Vision

ACBSP will be the global leader enhancing the quality of business schools and programs focused on teaching excellence.

Members

As of July 2008, ACBSP had over 6,200 individual members in 591 educational member institutions, with 449 being accredited institutions. This also includes those in ACBSP's 15 Corporate Partners and other Emeritus members.

Organization

Boards

• Board of Directors: Jack Egan, President (New Jersey City University, NJ)
• Board of Commissioners, Bachelor/Graduate: Abiodun Ojemakinde, Chair (Albany State University, GA)
• Board of Commissioners, Associate: Von Plessner, Chair (Northwest State Community College, OH)

Committees

• Member Services - provide guidance and action on issues important to member services.
  • Articulation
  • Business/Industry Relations
  • Global Business Education
  • Member Services
• Awards and Governance - make award recommendations or actions and conducting the internal business of ACBSP
  • Audit
  • Bylaws
  • Executive
  • Marketing
  • Nomination
  • Personnel
  • Annual Conference
  • President's Advisory
  • Strategic Planning
  • International Teaching Excellence Award

Benefits to Finance Majors and Minors of ACBSP Schools

Due to global recognition agreements with the ACBSP which comprises hundreds of accredited business school programs internationally, the board certification of MFP Master Financial Planner Professional from the American Academy of Financial Management is available to ACBSP business school graduates with a finance or financial planning concentration.

References

• ACBSP Website

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