AACSB Extends Accreditation for Williamson College

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The AACSB International has extended its accreditation of the Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University, placing the college in the top 5% of business colleges worldwide.

The peer review team from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business commended YSU on its global initiatives, professional development programs for students and the Center for Career Management.

Globally, just 862 schools hold the accreditation.

“AACSB accreditation is external validation of the quality of our faculty, staff, students and programs,” said Youngstown State President Jim Tressel in a statement. “Our students are ensured a high quality business education coupled with the professional development opportunities that enable them to maximize their competitiveness in the job market.”

Added Williamson College’s dean, Betty Jo Licata: “Each and every day they are driven to fulfill our mission of preparing students to be successful business professionals and leaders. Our accreditation reflects the faculty’s commitment to excellence through engagement with our students, the profession and business.”

With strategic priorities of innovation, impact and engagement, Williamson College has expanded its academic programming, outreach services and research. 

As examples, Licata cites students working on projects for the local business community, extensive internship programs, internationally recognized faculty and outreach programs in entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership and international business.

In its accreditation process, the AACSB looks at strategic management and innovation, students, faculty and staff as active participants, learning and teaching, and academic and professional engagement.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.