SMITHFIELD, RI – The College of Business at Bryant University, a leading private university offering a uniquely integrated business and liberal arts education, has earned re-accreditation by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Bryant’s nationally recognized business programs have been AACSB-accredited since 1994.

Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. AACSB Accreditation is recognized as the hallmark of excellence in business education. Today, only five percent of all business schools world-wide (831 business schools in 52 countries) have achieved AACSB accreditation.

A commitment to Academic Excellence and Business Education 

Bryant’s top ranked academic programs reflect the University’s commitment to academic excellence and a business education that is highly attuned to the emerging needs of industry and society. The College of Business offers a distinctive learning experience that provides graduates global perspective and equips them with innovative approaches to problem solving that empowers them to create value in any organization.

"AACSB's glowing recognition of Bryant's innovative and world-class academic programs and faculty is a source of great satisfaction. I am particularly proud of our academic leadership team and all the faculty and staff who work daily to ensure our business program is absolutely first-rate.” – Bryant University President Ronald K. Machtley

“Bryant University is extremely proud of this international recognition of our College of Business. In the competitive world of business, it is especially important to be among the select universities recognized by this prestigious accrediting organization," said Bryant University President Ronald K. Machtley. "AACSB's glowing recognition of Bryant's innovative and world-class academic programs and faculty is a source of great satisfaction. I am particularly proud of our academic leadership team and all the faculty and staff who work daily to ensure our business program is absolutely first-rate.”

“Our AACSB accreditation is a reflection of our outstanding business programs and dedicated faculty,” says Provost and Chief Academic Officer Glenn Sulmasy, J.D., LL. M. “The components of the Bryant education recognized by AACSB—including the integration of business and liberal arts; teaching innovation; high-touch formal and informal advising and mentoring; global perspective; and specifically the Archway Investment Fund and award-winning Academic Innovation Center—are all hallmarks and critical differentiators of Bryant’s innovative educational experience.”

“I am especially grateful to College of Business Dean Madan Annavarjula for his leadership through the rigorous accreditation process over the past year, and for the continuing efforts of Dr. V.K. Unni,” Sulmasy added.

Bryant’s College of Business programs received commendations for best practices in a number of areas including:

• Requiring all business students to choose a minor in Liberal Arts;
• Commitment to creating a state of the art physical learning environment ;
• Providing students with a centralized advising service delivered by professional staff with advising support from faculty in their respective disciplines;
• Strong study-abroad programs revealed to be one of the highlights of students’ learning experiences;
• Sponsoring the Sophomore International Experience (SIE) program to give students an opportunity for a two-week study experience. Approximately 13 countries were visited by students;
• Establishment of the Academic Innovation Center for promotion of excellence in teaching and learning;
• Establishment of 12 new Bloomberg terminals to enhance experiential learning in finance;
• Sponsoring a student-managed Archway Investment Fund (AIF) which grew from $200,000 in 2005 to $1.2 million presently;
• Establishment of the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership to provide government officials with knowledge, skills, and tools to make informed decisions and lead effectively;
• Establishment of the Chafee Center of International Business to provide international consulting to companies planning to penetrate the international market or expand operations in global market;
• Initiating a Teaching/Learning enhancement program called “Faculty Without Boarders” (FWB) that allows faculty to observe in each other classes to learn the best teaching practices from one another;
• Other initiatives and programs: Research and Engagement Day, AIB Best Paper Award, Outstanding IB Research Award, and Collaboration with the Rhode Island Commission for Women and Girls in support of women’s efforts to achieve equality

Madan Annavarjula came to Bryant in 2006 and established the Bachelor of Science in International Business (BSIB) Program, which today is ranked No. 25 in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report 2019 Annual College Rankings. He was named Associate Dean in 2013 and appointed Dean in 2016. Annavarjula received the International Educator of the Year Award from NASBITE (North American Small Business International Trade Educators) and he currently serves as president of NEBDA, the Northeast Business Dean’s Association.

“This important accreditation is a testament to our dedicated College of Business faculty in both the undergraduate and graduate programs,” says Annavarjula. “It underscores the value of the Bryant education of today and inspires us to even greater achievements in the future.”

“AACSB congratulates each institution on their achievement,” said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB, in announcing the news. “Every AACSB-accredited school has demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning. The intense peer-review process exemplifies their commitment to quality business education.”

Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I., is a leading private university offering an innovative and uniquely integrated business and liberal arts education. The University's 3,700 undergraduate and postgraduate students study in an intensive and immersive learning environment that has been purpose-built for high achievement. Bryant’s groundbreaking academic programs have been nationally recognized by organizations including the Davis Educational Foundation and Hanover Research. Founded in 1863, Bryant is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, College Factual/U.S.A. Today, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, and Barron’s. 

About AACSB International

As the world’s largest business education alliance, AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and professional development services to more than 1,600 member organizations and over 800 accredited business schools worldwide. AACSB’s mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify impact in business education. The global organization has offices located in Tampa, Florida, USA; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Singapore. For more information, visit aacsb.edu