PNC Business Programs Earn Initial Accreditation

The Purdue University North Central College of Business programs have been awarded initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) following its recent meeting in Overland Park, Kansas.

This decision certifies that the PNC Baccalaureate degree programs in Business, Human Resources and Organizational Leadership as well as the Masters in Business Administration have met the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.

"Earning ACBSP accreditation is a significant accomplishment for our campus. It confirms the quality of our Business programs," said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. "Through the years, the PNC Business programs have produced leaders and professionals in accounting, economics, human resources, marketing and management who work in a variety of organizations in our area."

Established in 1988, ACBSP is a specialized accreditation organization devoted to promoting excellence in teaching and learning. Based on the Baldridge Education Criteria for Performance Excellence, it reinforces a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and scholarship.

"Purdue North Central has shown its commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process," said Steve Parscale, ACBSP director of Accreditation. "This accreditation is evidence that PNC is committed to providing the highest quality business education for its students."

Dr. Cynthia Roberts, professor of Organization Behavior and Leadership and dean of the College of Business added, "The accreditation process is yet another way that we ensure the quality of our curriculum, faculty and educational processes. It requires us to show how our programs meet the mission of the College as it relates to student learning, faculty research and discovery, community engagement and economic development."

PNC currently has approximately 1,040 students enrolled in undergraduate programming studying accounting, economics, human resources, management, marketing or organizational leadership and approximately 50 students in the Saturday MBA program.

Dr. Carolyn Roper, interim chair of the PNC Department of Business and Leadership and designated ACBSP Champion of the accreditation process, noted that, "The accreditation process allowed the department faculty members, staff, students, graduates and stakeholders to closely examine all aspects of our educational programming to ensure that we are equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in our changing world of work. It is truly a team effort."

The Certificate of Initial Accreditation will be presented to PNC at the ACBSP Annual Conference on June 29 in Chicago.