College of Business one of four in nation to achieve ACBSP accounting accreditation

Janel Shoun | 01/13/2012

The Lipscomb University College of Business has become the first college of business in the state, and the fourth in the nation, to achieve specialized accreditation for its accounting program from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).  The College of Business was also awarded reaffirmation of overall re-accreditation by the ACBSP.

“Achieving business accreditation in itself shows a university’s willingness – and its ability – to meet the highest standards, but accounting is so important to the world of business and so complex that accrediting agencies have chosen to highlight that program with an additional accreditation standard,” said Turney Stevens, dean of the College of Business. “Our accounting program, under the leadership of department chair, Charles Frasier, has been one of the outstanding programs in the field for many years and this recognition confirms that other professionals have certified the program as one of high excellence.

“The ACBSP accounting accreditation may afford Lipscomb graduates a streamlined process when applying for the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) exam, depending on the state, and there are many employers – local and throughout the nation – who put a preference on graduates from accredited accounting programs,” Stevens said.

ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business school at Lipscomb University meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP. The association accredits all business programs at all degree levels, from associate degrees in accounting and other business disciplines to doctorate degrees in management.

The college’s accreditation committee was led by Associate Dean Ray Eldridge. Accreditation self-studies are multi-year processes which culminate in a site visit by a committee of three outside experts, chosen by the accrediting body. This committee spends several days in intensive interviews and reviews all aspects of the operations and learning outcomes of the College.

“Lipscomb University has shown their continued commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process,” said ACBSP Director of Accreditation Steve Parscale, who will present the Certificates of Reaffirmation of Accreditation and Initial Accounting Accreditation at the ACBSP Annual Conference in Baltimore, Md., on June 17.

“This accreditation is evidence that Lipscomb University is committed to providing the highest quality business education for their students for the past 10 years and for the next 10 years. By simultaneously pursuing specialized accreditation for their accounting program, Lipscomb University has set a new standard of quality for their business school,” said Parscale.

About the Lipscomb College of Business

The mission of the College of Business is to provide a faith-informed, dynamic learning environment that develops leaders of excellence and integrity. The College of Business seeks to provide students with the skills they need to be successful in today’s global business environment through faculty whose passion is helping students achieve their goals.

About ACBSP

ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation council for business education supporting, celebrating and rewarding teaching excellence. Established in 1988, ACBSP is the only business accrediting organization for all associate, baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. Its mission is to promote continuous improvement and recognize excellence in the accreditation of business education programs around the world.