The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) recently earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for its School of Business and Economics. Graduates will complete degrees from a program ranked among the top 20 percent in the nation and top 5 percent in the world.

“AACSB accreditation is an external recognition of our commitment to establishing and maintaining quality business education for our students, our economy and the people of the greater central Wisconsin region,” said Gary Mullins, head of the UWSP School of Business and Economics.

Earning AACSB accreditation is a significant accomplishment, one that resonates with prospective students and business practitioners worldwide who seek the best in business education. “Current and prospective students can be confident they are learning the skills and abilities critical to success in global business,” Mullins said.

Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. AACSB accreditation is considered the hallmark of excellence in business education.

“Achieving AACSB accreditation took many years of work by faculty and the persistence of Professor Gary Mullins,” said Marty Loy, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “It also required support from our university administration as well as many business partners and alumni.”

Business support is an important consideration in the accreditation process, and UWSP has had remarkably strong regional partners, Loy noted. For example, Sentry Insurance provided its largest gift, $4 million, in 2016 to endow two faculty positions and create a new data analytics major.

“Sentry Insurance is a strong proponent of the UW-Stevens Point business curriculum. Achieving this AACSB accreditation for the School of Business and Economics is a significant validation to students, parents and employers of the quality of the business school experience,” said Jim Weishan, executive vice president and chief investment officer.

Business partners support students through scholarships as well. The John C. Seramur Economics and Business Scholarship fund, now exceeding $1 million, recognized the scholastic achievement and potential of more than 200 students majoring in economics, business administration and managerial accounting since its inception in 1978.

Seramur is the former chief executive officer and president of First Financial Corp. (now Associated Bank).

“The most important asset in any organization is its people. We are blessed that UW-Stevens Point is preparing our future employees to compete in a global economy. The AACSB accreditation means businesses in central Wisconsin are benefactors of a rigorous curriculum, excellent professors and well-educated graduates,” said Jim McIntyre, president and CEO of Greenheck Group, Wausau.

The UWSP School of Business and Economics has more than 1,100 students taught by more than 20 full-time faculty and staff. It offers majors in accounting, business administration and economics.

“Education and specialization within the world of business is the key to our economy’s future success. Today, UW-Stevens Point takes its place with the top business schools nationwide,” said Jim Anderson, president of Ellis Construction in Stevens Point. “This accreditation will highlight for prospective students that UWSP should be their first choice, which will only help central Wisconsin grow with many more very capable graduates.”

To learn more about the School of Business and Economics and programs for students, visit www.uwsp.edu/busecon.

For more information, visit www.aacsb.edu.