Once again, the University of West Georgia’s Richards College of Business continues to showcase their dedication to excellence as the college’s business and accounting accreditation has been extended for another five years by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.

“AACSB commends each institution for their exemplary work in holding the highest honor in business school accreditation,” said Robert D. Reid, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International. “During this peer-review process schools must demonstrate alignment with AACSB’s global accreditation standards, as well as how they encourage engagement, innovation and impact across the communities they serve.”

The Richards College of Business achieved AACSB accreditation in business in 1984 and in accounting in 1998. The college has been reviewed every five years by business deans and accounting chairs from across the country to maintain this status.

Dr. Faye McIntyre, Richards College of Business Dean and Sewell Chair of Private Enterprise, said upholding the AACSB’s rigorous standards isn’t the end-game, but rather the reward for a job well done.

“We simply do all the things that a good business school should be doing anyway,” McIntyre said, “and we document it so that when the team comes they can clearly see all the great work that our faculty, staff and students have accomplished.”

McIntyre pointed out that AACSB accreditation helps the college stand out among prospective students as well as prospective employers.

“Many businesses look for AACSB accreditation when they’re hiring,” she said. “And a lot of graduate schools will only accept students who are coming from an undergraduate program with accreditation. This accreditation signifies to students that we have quality programs, that our faculty are staying current in their disciplines, and that we have the support services needed to help our students succeed.”

Faculty say they are excited about the accreditation renewal and that it is proof of what they already know: Richards College of Business is a great place to learn, work and succeed.

“The accreditation is one of many things that makes Richards College of Business a special place,” said Director of External Services and Programs Simone Lee. “It's a continuous process, but at the end of the day it comes down to our people—our leadership. As dean, Dr. McIntyre continues to set high standards for the college, and she leads by example. Clearly, strong leadership results in high achievement.”