Gabelli School of Business Earns International Re-Accreditation for Excellence and Distinction in Business Education

AACSB International recognizes business schools that meet the highest standards for business education

By Jill Rodrigues '05
Exterior of Gabelli School of Business building.

BRISTOL, R.I. – Roger Williams University’s Mario J. Gabelli School of Business (GSB) has earned re-accreditation from AACSB International, a designation that recognizes GSB as meeting the highest standards for business education. Only five percent of business schools worldwide have achieved this elite accreditation.

This marks the 15th year that the Gabelli School has held international accreditation from AACSB, the world’s largest business education alliance. In July, AACSB extended accreditation for GSB and 40 other business schools.

“AACSB congratulates each institution on their achievement,” said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. “Every AACSB-accredited school has demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning. The intense peer-review process exemplifies their commitment to quality business education.”

In the rigorous accreditation review, AACSB commended the Gabelli School for its innovative Master of Business Administration (MBA) 4+1 program; for its distinctive offerings with respect to experiential learning, including the Center for Advanced Financial Education (CAFE) program and GSB’s involvement with the American Advertising Federation’s annual competition; as well as for the highly positive educational experience reported by GSB students, both graduate and undergraduate. 

“We are very pleased that the Continuous Improvement Committee of AACSB International has concurred with and the organization’s Board of Directors has ratified our Peer Review Team’s recommendation for full extension of accreditation for the Gabelli School of Business. This major achievement is the result of the commitment and hard work of our faculty, students, staff and all supporters of the school,” said Gabelli School of Business Dean Susan McTiernan. “We are especially pleased that the Gabelli School was commended for our innovative practices with respect to assurance of learning, experiential learning and industry engagement, the success of the MBA program and the strong level of satisfaction with their experience at the Gabelli School that was expressed by our students. AACSB remains the most elite accreditation that can be earned by business schools, with only five percent of all schools globally and 30 percent based in the United States holding this distinction.”