The Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College has received an extension of its accreditation from AACSB International, reaffirming the school's commitment to excellence in business education and continuous improvement.
AACSB accreditation is recognized globally as the gold standard for business education. Fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide have earned the distinction, which is awarded through a rigorous peer-review process that evaluates academic quality, strategic management, innovation, teaching, research, and student learning.
The accreditation extension recognizes the Katz School's ongoing efforts to provide students with a high-quality, hands-on business education grounded in community engagement and real-world experience.
“This extension is a recognition of the work our faculty and staff do every day to ensure our students receive the best business education,” said Liz Cartier, dean of the Katz School of Business. “We know that our programming, our roots in our community and the hands-on experience our students receive is unique. It is wonderful to know others see all the great work that’s going on here.”
AACSB currently accredits 1,085 institutions in 71 countries and territories. Accreditation reviews are mission-driven and focus on continuous improvement. Schools undergo a comprehensive evaluation that includes an in-depth assessment of operations, mentorship from AACSB advisors, and peer review by leaders from accredited business schools around the world.
“These mission-driven standards require excellence across strategic management, innovation, research, and teaching and learning,” Cartier said.
The designation provides assurance to students, families, and employers that Fort Lewis College business programs meet the highest standards in business education. Accredited schools must demonstrate a commitment to superior faculty, relevant curriculum, and ongoing assessment to ensure graduates are prepared for today's complex business environment.
“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.
For students, AACSB accreditation signals that their degree comes from a program recognized worldwide for academic rigor and continuous improvement. For employers, it provides confidence that graduates have received an education that has been thoroughly evaluated by leaders from some of the world's most respected business schools.
At FLC, the Katz School of Business combines personalized instruction, small class sizes, and experiential learning opportunities to prepare students for careers in accounting, business administration, business economics, entrepreneurship, computer information systems, marketing, and quantitative business analysis.
“Here, it's business, and it's personal,” said Cartier. “Our students build meaningful relationships with faculty, gain practical experience, and develop the confidence to pursue ambitious goals in their careers and communities.”
About the Katz School of Business
The Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College offers undergraduate programs in accounting, business administration, business economics, entrepreneurship, computer information systems, marketing, and quantitative business analysis. The school emphasizes student-centered learning, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experiences that prepare graduates to lead in a rapidly changing business environment. The faculty includes experienced teacher-scholars engaged in research and scholarship that addresses important business and economic issues while enriching student learning.