University News

WIU Earns Continued AACSB Recognition

December 2, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University is proud to announce the School of Accounting and Business Administration within the College of Business and Technology (CBT) has earned a full six-year extension of accreditation in both Business and Accounting from AACSB International (AACSB).

WIU has maintained its prestigious AACSB Business accreditation since 1978 and its supplemental specialized Accounting accreditation since 1998. Today, only 6% of institutions offering business degrees worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation, placing WIU among a highly selective group of business schools recognized for excellence. The 2025 reaffirmation extends accreditation across all undergraduate business degrees, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the Master of Accountancy (MACC).

This extension reflects a rigorous, faculty-driven review demonstrating WIU's strong performance across faculty qualifications, teaching effectiveness, intellectual contributions, assurance of learning and engagement with industry partners and community stakeholders. Peer evaluators highlighted the College's continuous improvement mindset, mission-centered approach, alignment with workforce expectations and expanding societal and regional economic impact. The evaluation also recognized WIU's commitment to maintaining academically qualified and professionally engaged faculty who ensure that students receive a high-quality, relevant and future-focused education.

The review process was guided by the leadership of interim dean of the College CBT Tara Feld and Jessica Lin, who has served as director of the school of Accounting and Business Administration and is now associate dean. Their collaborative approach, combined with the faculty's deep dedication to quality, innovation and student success, helped demonstrate WIU's long-standing strengths and ambitious, forward-looking trajectory.

"Our faculty, staff and students should feel tremendous pride in this achievement," Feld said. "AACSB accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to exceptional academic standards, applied learning and strong industry partnerships. This reaffirmation underscores WIU's dedication to preparing the next generation of leaders."

This accreditation shows WIU's commitment to providing the highest quality education and continuing a long legacy of excellence.

"Maintaining AACSB accreditation is a powerful statement about the strength and relevance of our business and accounting programs," Lin said. "The faculty's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement made this possible and we are honored to continue WIU's legacy of distinction."

Established in 1916, AACSB is the world's largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners and business to create the next generation of great leaders. With members in over 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation and amplifies impact in business education. Learn how AACSB and business schools from around the world are leading boldly in business education at aacsb.edu.

To learn more about WIU's College of Business and Technology, visit wiu.edu/cbt.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing