The Dhillon School of Business has joined the ranks of the world’s top business schools by achieving accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.
Synonymous with the highest standards of quality, AACSB Accreditation inspires new ways of thinking within business education globally and, as a result, has been earned by less than five per cent of the world’s business schools.
“Earning AACSB Accreditation is a significant step forward for the Dhillon School of Business and reflects the excellence of our faculty and administrators, and our history of creating transformational experiences for our students.” says Dr. Mike Mahon, the U of L’s president and vice-chancellor. “This achievement recognizes the vision and mandate of the Dhillon School of Business, its innovative and expanding curriculum, focus on new technologies and the integration of theory and research into practice. We’re extremely proud to have earned AACSB Accreditation and the opportunities it presents our students, faculty and the University of Lethbridge as a whole.”
Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting students, educators and businesses worldwide. Only 20 per cent of Canadian business or management schools are accredited by AACSB International, and the Dhillon School of Business is just the third to become accredited in Alberta, joining the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary and the School of Business at the University of Alberta.
“AACSB Accreditation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development and student learning,” says Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice-president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International. “We congratulate the University of Lethbridge on earning accreditation and applaud the entire Dhillon School of Business team – including the administration, faculty, directors, staff and students – for their roles in earning this respected honor.”
The Dhillon School of Business, long respected for its excellence in creating experiential education opportunities for its students, is building on its current curriculum by expanding its focus on finance and business innovation, entrepreneurism and internationalization. The Dhillon School of Business will emphasize futuristic learning through innovative subject areas and new technologies such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies and new growth industries.
“Having recently transitioned to the Dhillon School of Business and now being able to announce our AACSB Accreditation, it’s been a very exciting spring for our group,” says Dr. Bob Boudreau, dean of the Dhillon School of Business. “This accreditation validates the extensive work we have done over the years in creating an engaging learning environment for our students and further empowers us to push boundaries as a leader in finance and business innovation.”
AACSB Accreditation provides a framework of 15 international standards against which business schools around the world assess the quality of their educational services. These standards ensure continuous improvement and provide focus for schools to deliver on their mission, innovate and drive impact. AACSB-accredited schools have successfully undergone a rigorous review process conducted by their peers in the business education community, ensuring that they have the resources, credentials, and commitment needed to provide students with a first-rate, future-focused business education.