GSW’s College of Business and Computing renews prestigious AACSB Business Accreditation

Less than 5% of the world’s business programs achieve this elite standard of excellence

AMERICUS (October 17, 2024) — Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) business programs within the College of Business and Computing (COBAC) has maintained its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.

“Over the last 15 years, the College of Business and Computing has strived to develop innovative ways to engage our students, support our faculty, and continuously improve the educational experience we provide,” said Dean of the College of Business and Computing Gaynor Cheokas, DBA. “We are dedicated to delivering high-quality business and computing education that meets the needs of our students, community partners, and future business trends. This was a team effort, and I am so proud of everyone’s hard work and support in helping achieve this distinction.”

Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master's and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. AACSB Accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education. Today, there are 1,026 business schools in 65 countries and territories that maintain AACSB Accreditation.

“I am immensely proud of the administrators, faculty, and staff in the College of Business and Computing for maintaining AACSB Accreditation and delivering world-class education at GSW," said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jill Drake, Ed.D. "With less than 5% of the world’s business programs earning this prestigious accreditation, our inclusion in this elite group underscores our commitment to providing exceptional education that equips our students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as professionals in a global business environment. Our AACSB-accredited programs enable students in Southwest Georgia to achieve social mobility, pursue a wide range of careers, and contribute to the economic growth of the region."

Achieving accreditation is a process of rigorous internal focus, engagement with an AACSB-assigned mentor, and peer-reviewed evaluation. During this multiyear path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to align with AACSB’s accreditation standards. These standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation; student, faculty, and staff as active participants; learning and teaching; and academic and professional engagement. Once accreditation is achieved, each institution participates in a five-year continuous improvement peer-review to maintain high quality and extend its accreditation.

Already fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), GSW’s business programs initially earned AASCB accreditation in 2009 with renewal in 2015 and 2020. This most recent renewal will last through the 2030-2031 academic year.

“AACSB congratulates each institution on their achievement,” said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. “Every AACSB-accredited school has demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning. The intense peer-review process exemplifies their commitment to quality business education.”

The accreditation is additionally valuable to COBAC’s online programs because it shows students the online programs meet the same strict standards as on-campus programs.

To learn more about GSW’s business programs, visit gsw.edu/COBAC.