By Heather Campbell, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University has received specialized accreditation for its business and business-related programs through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) of Olathe, Kan.
The degree programs accredited by the IACBE are the bachelor of science degrees in accounting, administrative technology, business administration, computer information systems, economics, management, marketing and organizational management as well as the bachelor of science in business administration degree.
The master of business administration degree is also accredited by the IACBE. The IACBE is a professional organization that accredits business programs at colleges and universities throughout the world.
“We’ve been working for about two years for this accreditation,” said Dr. Pat Cowherd, professor and dean of the School of Business and Economics. “The entire staff of the School of Business and Economics has been working hard to gain this accreditation.”
Cowherd said that in order to become accredited by this organization, a lot of self-studying must be completed along with an extensive outcome assessment plan.
“We had a site visit in which two people from the IACBE in Kansas came to review our programs and conduct interviews with the school of business and economics faculty and students,” she said.
Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academics, said, “Unit accreditation adds an extra approval for programs in the School of Business and Economics. Congratulations to Dr. Cowherd and the faculty of the School of Business and Economics for achieving this milestone.”
Campbellsville University president Michael V. Carter said the accreditation will be invaluable in attracting quality students to the programs offered by CU. “And with the online MBA, we expect more students enrolling to obtain a quality program that is accredited by the very important IACBE,” he said.
Cowherd said the school is looking at possibly adding another major (healthcare management) to its existing programs.
The School of Business and Economics received their award in April in Kansas.
The IACBE has over 200 members in the United States and throughout the world. According to their website, they promote, develop and recognize excellence in business education. The IACBE evaluates on the outcomes of the assessments rather than input standards.
Campbellsville University, now celebrating her Centennial year, is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,310 students who represent 100 Kentucky counties, 32 states and 28 foreign nations. Listed in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” 14 consecutive years as one of the leading Southern master’s colleges and universities, Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his eighth year as president.