SAU’s Rakin College of Business earns AACSB accreditation extension

MAGNOLIA — The David F. Rankin College of Business at Southern Arkansas University has had its esteemed AACSB accreditation extended for five years following an encouraging peer review, according to SAU representatives.

A continuous improvement review team visited the SAU College of Business in the fall semester, and its recommendation for accreditation extension was ratified recently by the Board of Directors of AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

The peer-review team commended the Rankin College of Business for the many opportunities provided to students, highlighting specifically the low-cost travel opportunities including regional, national and international student trips. The trips were described as "amazing and horizon-opening opportunities and certainly a best practice."

The team also commended the Rankin College for its strategic plan and strategic planning efforts, describing the process as "an excellent example of planned ongoing strategic plan review, revision, and progression." AACSB considers a robust strategic plan as core to a successful business school. It is one of the first documents reviewed by the peer-review team to identify a school's mission, goals, strategies and allocation of resources.

"This re-accreditation recognizes the excellent work by our faculty and staff to provide an impactful education for our students," said Dr. Robin Sronce, dean of the Rankin College of Business and Peoples Bank

Endowed chair. "By engaging our students with the community and business professionals, connecting them to travel, internships and other opportunities in our region and beyond, and preparing them to transition from classroom to career, we equip them to follow in the footsteps of our many successful graduates," she said.

"Accreditation by AACSB International is the gold standard in business education and demonstrates the Rankin College of Business meets the highest standards of quality — comparable to any other top-notch program in the country," Academic Affairs Provost and Vice President Dr. David Lanoue said. "I am so proud of Dean Sronce and the outstanding faculty and staff of the Rankin College for this latest achievement."

AACSB is the premier business school accreditation credential in the world. The process of initial accreditation occurs only after meeting a rigorous set of standards, and the Rankin College of Business earned its initial accreditation in 2005. It is a distinction that has been achieved by fewer than 10% of business schools worldwide.

The Rankin College of Business offers programs in accounting, finance, information systems, general business, management, and supply chain management, among many others, and students can choose majors that suit their talents and ambitions.

SAU's nationally recognized PBL Chapter, the Business Student Advisory Council, the Business Student Investment Advisory Council and Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society are some of the programs offering students the opportunity to build relationships and leadership skills.