AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business announces that Valdosta State University has earned accounting accreditation for its Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration. Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide.

"AACSB Accreditation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning," said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International. "We congratulate Valdosta State University and dean Wayne Plumly on earning accreditation for its accounting program, and applaud the entire Langdale College team—including the administration, faculty, directors, staff, and students—for their roles in earning this respected honor."

Synonymous with the highest standards of quality, AACSB Accreditation inspires new ways of thinking within business education globally and, as a result, has been earned by less than 5 percent of the world's business schools. Today, 799 institutions across 53 countries and territories maintain AACSB Accreditation. Furthermore, after today's ratification, 186 institutions now maintain an additional specialized AACSB Accreditation for their accounting programs.

"Both Dr. Ron Stunda, department head of Accounting, and I wish to thank those at AACSB International for this recognition. The Accounting Department at Valdosta State University has worked hard to achieve this distinction and will continue to promote and employ the standards established by AACSB," noted L. Wayne Plumly, VSU's dean of the Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration.

AACSB Accreditation provides a framework of 15 international standards against which business schools around the globe assess the quality of their educational services. These standards ensure continuous improvement and provide focus for schools to deliver on their mission, innovate, and drive impact. AACSB-accredited schools have successfully undergone a rigorous review process conducted by their peers in the business education community, ensuring that they have the resources, credentials, and commitment needed to provide students with a first-rate, future-focused business education. 

To realize accounting accreditation, an institution must first earn or maintain AACSB Business Accreditation. Then, in addition to developing and implementing a mission-driven plan to satisfy the business accreditation quality standards, accounting accreditation requires the satisfaction of an additional set of accreditation standards that are specific to the discipline and profession of accounting.

"Valdosta State's commitment to earning both business and accounting accreditation is a true reflection of their dedication, not only to their students and the greater business community, but to the accounting industry as a whole," said Bryant. "Today's ratification signals that VSU accounting graduates have completed a program grounded in exceptional foundational skills, and are prepared to assume critical responsibilities and serve the public interest while promoting a sense of integrity to their practice of accounting."