May 30, 2008

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) announced that The University of West Alabama was awarded reaffirmation of accreditation of their business school by the ACBSP Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners. UWA will be presented with their certificate of accreditation during the ACBSP Annual Conference in New Orleans, La., on June 22, 2008. This will represent the 18^th annual presentation to institutions being accredited and reaffirmed since the founding of ACBSP 20 years ago.

Douglas G. Viehland, ACBSP executive director, spoke of the accomplishment of this accreditation, “The University of West Alabama has shown their commitment to teaching excellence by participating in the accreditation process, achieving accreditation and continuing the process of quality improvement. This accreditation is evidence of UWA’s commitment to quality business programs.”

“The College of Business is exceedingly pleased to receive reaffirmation of accreditation,” said Dean Ken Tucker. “Our faculty and staff have worked very hard to meet the rigorous requirements demanded by ACBSP, which will ensure that UWA continues to rank at the highest level of business schools. This notable recognition validates that the highest quality of teaching, service and outreach activities will be maintained for years to come, thereby guaranteeing an excellent business educational product for both our students and their prospective employers.”

“Mr. Jim Todd and Dr. Wayne Bedford served as co-chairs of both the steering and self-study committees and provided invaluable leadership in championing this huge undertaking,” he continued. “This accomplishment was truly a team effort, and our faculty, staff, students and business and university partners are to be congratulated.”

For institutions that achieve accreditation for their business schools and programs, this attainment certifies that the teaching and learning processes within that institution meet the rigorous educational standards established by the ACBSP. The ratification of accreditation by ACBSP covers a 10-year period during which time UWA must continually reaffirm its quality through periodic reports. 

ACBSP’s mission is to establish, promote and recognize educational practices that contribute to the continuous quality improvement of business education programs, teaching of business courses and student learning outcomes in colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad. ACBSP was established in 1988 and is the only business accrediting organization for both two year and four year institutions.