YOUNGSTOWN — The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University has received accreditation through a premier agency for business schools worldwide.

The recognition by AACSB International applies to the college’s undergraduate and graduate programs and places them in the top 5 percent in the world.

It is an “external validation of the quality of our faculty, staff, students and programs … Our students are ensured a high-quality business education coupled with the professional development opportunities that enable them to maximize their competitiveness in the job market,” said YSU President Jim Tressel.

Today, 862 institutions across 56 countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation.

Achieving accreditation is a process of rigorous internal focus. The AACSB’s accreditation standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation; student, faculty and staff as active participants; learning and teaching; and academic and professional engagement.

Betty Jo Licata, dean of the college, commended its faculty.

“Each and every day they are driven to fulfill our mission of preparing students to be successful business professionals and leaders,” she said. “Our accreditation reflects the faculty’s commitment to excellence through engagement with our students, the profession, and business.”

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