Dr. Emmanuel Omojokun, Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business (center), meets with students.

The Reginald F. Lewis College of Business at Virginia State University (VSU) has been awarded reaffirmation of accreditation by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), International. Following an in-depth review of the College’s programs and personnel, AACSB granted a five-year extension of reaccreditation to the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business for demonstrating continuous improvement and for its exemplary work in engagement, innovation and societal impact.

AACSB Accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education, and has been earned by less than 5 percent of all business schools in the world. As the longest serving global association dedicated to advancing management education worldwide, the AACSB accredits 780 of the world’s best business schools across 53 countries and territories.

Dr. Emmanuel Omojokun, dean of the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business, praised the College’s students, alumni, faculty, and staff for all of their hard work.

“This reaffirmation could not have been possible without tremendous work by a lot of people including faculty, staff, students, alumni advisory board and industry advisory council,” said Omojokun, who has been in the College for nearly 30 years. “It was teamwork and it began with a commitment by President Makola Abdullah. AACSB accreditation is not easy but President Abdullah supported the College every step of the way. The accrediting body also praised the College for ‘the strong leadership of Dean Omojokun as an effective and respected leader who is transforming the College.’”

Dr. Makola Abdullah, president of VSU added, “I commend the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business on being granted a five year reaffirmation of accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Virginia State University is proud of our College of Business and all of their accomplishments. Accreditation signals to alumni, students, prospective students, faculty and staff and our friends in industry and government that Virginia State University is a place where a young person can go to achieve their dreams.”

AACSB also noted the College of Business for its faculty research, a top-notch advising center, contributions in the community, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

“We are fortunate to have a terrific team in the College of Business,” said Dr. Donald E. Palm, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Our faculty put in a lot of hard work to ensure that they retained accreditation. It should be noted that AACSB accreditation is a faculty driven process. Despite their many responsibilities, the College’s faculty gave of themselves to make this happen.”

AACSB was particularly impressed with what the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business characterizes as providing students premium access to industry. Acknowledged for being a leader in providing internships, shadowing, networking and several other opportunities, the College’s students weighed in on what reaffirmation of accreditation means for them.

Aiyana Glover, a marketing major shared, “I am setting myself apart from other students as the opportunities that I have been provided are superior and some of these opportunities are once in a lifetime occasions.”