In consultation with Drake University President David Maxwell and Provost Deneese Jones, the Drake University College of Business and Administration’s leadership decided to voluntarily withdraw its programmatic accreditation with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) while the CBPA faculty work to meet the association’s increased research productivity expectations. This action has no impact on the University’s institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, and is in no way a reflection on the quality of education currently provided by the CBPA.
The college will reapply for accreditation with AACSB in spring 2015, the earliest date allowed after withdrawal. Charles Edwards, dean of the Drake University College of Business and Public Administration, said, “Our challenge going forward is to balance AACSB requirements for more original research generated by faculty with Drake University’s high standards of exceptional teaching, advising, and service.”
This decision reflects new research goals and does not reflect on the quality of the CBPA’s academic program, which remains strong. In addition to its commitment to fulfilling the University’s mission, the CBPA and its faculty are dedicated to student development, learning, and success. The college prepares its learners to be proficient in their fields, strategic problem solvers, effective communicators, inclusive leaders, and ethical stewards. The evidence of the college’s success can be seen in student outcomes: 99.3 percent of last year’s graduating class had jobs or were enrolled in graduate school within six months—well above national placement rates.
AACSB’s Peer Review Team commended many of the college’s foci, including its career and professional development program, “Passport to the Future,” a career-ready focus of study that integrates a core of specialized courses, career activity expectations, and interaction with a multitude of business professionals. Additionally the team noted the college’s relationships with area professional organizations, support from area businesses, and community engagement.
The college’s successes have been noted by readers the Des Moines Business Record, who have voted Drake’s M.B.A. program best in the metro for seven consecutive years. Additionally, the School of Actuarial Science has been designated as a Center of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries, a designation held by only 17 programs in North America.