School of Business Earns Coveted Reaccreditation from AACSB International

AACSB International (AACSB) recently announced that St. John Fisher University’s School of Business is among 86 institutions internationally that have earned reaccreditation.

“Fisher’s business programs have graduated thousands of business leaders in the Rochester community and beyond. This continued accreditation from AACSB is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the School of Business leadership, faculty, and staff who strive to prepare professionals who meaningfully impact their organizations, communities, and the ever-evolving global economy and society,” said Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president of the University.

Achieving AACSB accreditation is a mission-driven, rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor, and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement. During this multiyear path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to achieve their mission and align with AACSB’s accreditation standards. These principles-based standards require excellence in strategic management, innovation, research, and teaching and learning. 

“This AACSB reaccreditation confirms our collective commitment to excellence here at Fisher and the dedication of the faculty and staff in the School of Business. We remain focused on preparing engaged and talented professionals for the greater Rochester business community and beyond,” said Dr. Kevin Railey, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Fisher’s accreditation process included a self-evaluation and peer-review, as well as a site visit. This is the third time the School has received continuing accreditation since its initial recognition in 2003.

“This reaccreditation affirms the quality of work that is done day in and day out at the School of Business. It recognizes the impact we are having on the stakeholders we serve, validates how we are living our core values and mission, and reflects our dedication to continuous process improvement and serving the greater good,” said Dr. Dan Connolly, dean of the School of Business. “We are a business school that is on the move, devoted to advancing business practices through our applied research, working as a catalyst for business innovation and sustainability, and preparing the next generation of business leaders through our forward-looking and industry-relevant course offerings.”

The University has a long history of offering academic programs in business disciplines with members of the pioneer class of 1955 earning degrees in general business and accounting. In 1983, the Master of Business Administration became the University’s first graduate program, and in 2002, the School of Business became Fisher’s first professional school. Today, the School has grown to include undergraduate degree offerings in accounting, finance, marketing, and management. 

The School of Business has grown in scale and stature in recent years. In 2011, the University received a $2 million gift from Victor E. Salerno ’66 to build the Victor E. Salerno Center for American Enterprise which would become home to the School of Business. In 2019, Walter and Barbara Parkes gave $500,000 to create the Walter and Barbara Parkes Trading Lab, which features 12 Bloomberg Terminals and provides real-time access to the latest data analytics technology and financial market data. Each student also graduates with Bloomberg certification. In 2021, they followed with an additional gift to create the Walter and Barbara Parkes Trading Room Endowment to continue to support the technology and equipment needs of the space. That same year, thanks to the generosity of Fisher alumna and Trustee Rebecca Pelino ’86, the Rebecca Pelino ’86 Entrepreneur-in-Residence faculty position was designed and established to create a robust entrepreneurship program at the School. Also in 2021, a $1 million gift from John ’71 and Carol ’74 (Sloan) Almeter created the John and Carol Sloan Almeter Accounting Innovation Fund and the John and Carol Sloan Almeter Accounting Scholars Fund. The first fund was designed to allow the School to invest in technologies and resources in areas including data analytics, accounting information systems, and forensic accounting, while the second fund offers financial assistance to accounting students.

Alumni of Fisher’s business programs go on to work for Fortune 500 companies, start their own ventures, or find success in the local, national, and international business landscape.

Today, in addition to rigorous academic programs, the School of Business provides a robust internship program and thriving student organizations including the American Marketing Association, Entrepreneurship Club, Family Business Club, Accounting Club, and Investment Club. Fisher undergraduates have opportunities to hone their skills outside of the classroom as well through national competitions and participation in regional and national conferences. For the past few years, Fisher’s chapter of the American Marketing Association has consistently earned honors in a variety of categories at the annual international conference.