Leading the Way

Today AACSB International (AACSB), the world’s largest global education network, recognized Seattle University for its commitment to creating and incubating cutting-edge business innovations and fostering entrepreneurship in the next generation of business leaders.

Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics is one of 35 business schools around the globe to earn this distinction.

The Albers School was recognized for its submission centered on the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC), which inspires and equips exceptional entrepreneurial leaders who are values-driven and committed to advancing the common good in their businesses, their lives, and the world.  While the IEC as a whole was recognized for its excellence, the new Resource Amplification & Management Program (RAMP) program was spotlighted by AACSB. RAMP partners with Seattle Central Area organizations to augment the capacity of underserved neighborhood businesses to stay, grow and thrive as Seattle rapidly expands.   These businesses require simple, easy access to funding, capacity-building resources, targeted technical assistance, coaching, and support networks.  RAMP has connected dozens of local businesses with resources for their future success, while providing experiential training opportunities for Seattle U students.  As an anchor institution, Seattle U has a legacy of working in underserved communities, and the IEC is gaining a strong reputation for serving local businesses and helping to build the local economy.

“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center,” said Albers Dean Joseph Phillips. “Its work with the local community has allowed our students to learn first-hand the skills, mindset, and creativity needed to make a lasting impact on the world. The RAMP program in particular exemplifies our focus on the mission, vision, and values of Seattle University and the Albers School.”

In its inaugural year, AACSB’s Entrepreneurship Spotlight Challenge highlights AACSB-accredited schools that deliver innovative and creative best practices through a range of distinctive entrepreneurship programs, or through a variety of impactful center formats. Accredited schools were invited to submit one example of how they demonstrate a unique commitment to student learning, while providing opportunities for students to gain the skills required to be successful in business—whether it’s in a startup or within a world-renowned corporation. Central to the challenge was uncovering schools’ unique approaches to engaging the business community, expanding the reach of education beyond the classroom and positively impacting society.

“I am pleased to recognize Seattle University for its commitment to developing thoughtful, dynamic education experiences that instill entrepreneurship and creative thinking in its students,” said Thomas R. Robinson, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International. “Entrepreneurship is about problem solving and working to make improvements – whether on a business or society at large – and AACSB celebrates Seattle University for striving to instill that same sense of responsibility in its business education curriculum.”

About AACSB International

As the world’s largest business education alliance, AACSB International (AACSB) connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and professional development services to over 1,500 member organizations and more than 785 accredited business schools worldwide. With its global headquarters in Tampa, Florida, USA; Europe, Middle East, and Africa headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, AACSB’s mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify impact in business education.

About the Albers School of Business and Economics

Established in 1947, the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University is home to over 1,600 graduate and undergraduate business students. The Albers School develops exceptional business leaders who are values-driven and committed to advancing the common good. Albers offers students undergraduate degrees in business and economics. Our graduate degrees include three MBAs, the Bridge MBA for career starters with limited work experience, the Professional MBA for mid-career professionals looking to advance their careers, and the Leadership Executive MBA, for experienced top managers who want to become more effective decision-makers at strategic levels within their organizations. We also offer specialized master’s degrees in accounting, business analytics, and finance. Our undergraduate, Professional MBA, Leadership Executive MBA, and Master of Professional Accounting programs are all nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. The Professional MBA and undergraduate programs are also nationally ranked by BusinessWeek. Albers is accredited by AACSB International, a distinction earned by less than 5% of business schools world-wide.