Recognition Available to Only Six Percent of Schools of Business Worldwide
The State University of New York at Old Westbury has earned accreditation for its School of Business from AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
“AACSB accreditation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning,” said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. “We congratulate State University of New York at Old Westbury and Dean Shalei Simms on earning accreditation and applaud the entire team — including the administration, faculty, staff, and students—for their roles in earning this respected honor.”
Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide.
“Earning AACSB accreditation is all about our dedication to our students and our faculty’s commitment to excellence,” said SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy E. Sams. “AACSB sets the highest standards, so students and graduates of our School of Business now have more proof of what we’ve always known – that they receive a rigorous, relevant education that readies them for success in the careers and lives they want for themselves.”
Synonymous with the highest standards of quality, AACSB accreditation inspires new ways of thinking within business education globally. As a result, less than 6 percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.
“Only the strongest business schools in the world have earned AACSB accreditation,” said Dr. Shalei Simms, acting dean of the SUNY Old Westbury School of Business. “After AACSB’s intensive review process and through the commitment and expertise of our faculty, we are proud to be able to say that AACSB recognizes that we deliver on our promise to prepare the next generation of business leaders.”
AACSB accreditation ensures continuous improvement and provides focus for schools to deliver on their mission, innovate, and drive impact. AACSB-accredited schools have successfully undergone a rigorous review process conducted by their peers in the business education community, ensuring that they have the resources, credentials, and commitment needed to provide students with a first-rate, future-focused business education.
“The School of Business has more than 11,000 alumni around the region, state, nation and world who can attest to the quality that AACSB is now recognizing,” said Patrick C. Stines, a 1998 SUNY Old Westbury graduate, partner in the accounting firm Novak Francella LLC, and current chair of the School of Business Advisory Board. “Through these connections and its active partnerships with businesses and organizations across the region, the School of Business has a track record of developing the talent local businesses are looking for, both today and for the future.”
The accreditation of the School of Business by AACSB adds to the list of prestigious, specialized accreditations earned by SUNY Old Westbury. In 2022, the School of Education earned approval from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. In 2019, the University’s Bachelor of Science program in Public Health was accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. In 1996, the University’s Bachelor of Science in Chemistry was the first to earn such recognition from the American Chemical Society, a distinction it continues to hold today.
“As Chair of the Initial Accreditation Peer Review Team, I would like to add my congratulations to the School of Business and the administration of SUNY-Old Westbury," said Ed Bashaw, Dean and Jones Distinguished Professor in the School of Business and Technology at Emporia State University. "An initial accreditation for AACSB is and extremely difficult process. Dean Simms, the leadership team, and the faculty have my respect for the effort that went meeting each of the accreditation standards, but also the culture change that normally takes place during the process."
“State University of New York at Old Westbury’s commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of their dedication — not only to their students, alumni network, and greater business community, but to the higher education industry as a whole,” said Bryant. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the addition of the State University of New York at Old Westbury to the network of AACSB-accredited business schools will have a lasting positive impact for their institution, both locally and globally.”
About AACSB International
Established in 1916, AACSB International (AACSB) is the world’s largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners, and business to create the next generation of great leaders. With members in over 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation, and amplifies impact in business education. Learn how AACSB and business schools from around the world are leading boldly in business education at aacsb.edu.
About the SUNY Old Westbury School of Business
SUNY Old Westbury has been preparing students for careers in business for more than 45 years. With degree programs centered in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance and Marketing, the School of Business pursues its mission of empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and values to think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibly in the constantly changing landscape of business today. Serving more than 700 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the School of Business offers rigorous academic training in a small class atmosphere.