Xavier University of Louisiana, established as a university with the declaration of its College of Arts and Sciences just shy of 100 years ago in 1925 by St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, had humble beginnings as a preparatory and teaching school. For the last century, Xavier has striven for success and excellence as it has grown and expanded exponentially. As the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic university approaches a historic centennial, departments across campus are gearing up to serve Xavier students for the next 100 years to the best of their abilities. Xavier’s Business Division, committed to preparing students for early success and empowering them for a lifetime of progress and service, was recently reaffirmed in their mission with its reaccreditation with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation assures Xavierites majoring in business an education of the highest standards available.
Xavier’s award-winning business program has long been recognized for producing success-driven, business-intelligent, morally focused, and passionate students. Along with its network of alumni that spans the globe, a highly regarded faculty, award-winning students, and dynamic and innovative programming has earned the division its place among the top HBCU Business Programs.
The renowned program cultivates the ability to think critically, analytically, and morally within its pupils, with a key focus on ethical leadership development. A strong emphasis on analytics and principles equips students with the skills necessary to make just and responsible decisions as leaders in their communities and workplaces. Using a demanding pedagogy that requires students to tackle and solve real-world problems, the curriculum is built around understanding supply chains, global finance, the analytics of sales and marketing, and accounting through immersive teaching and the high expectations of the program and faculty.
The division actively promotes social justice and global citizenship through various initiatives and programs embedded within its curriculum and operations. Additionally, the division prioritizes diversity and inclusion, creating a supportive learning environment that values students from diverse backgrounds and fosters a sense of belonging. Through community engagement projects, students can apply their business knowledge to address social issues and contribute positively to their communities. Global experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad programs and international internships expose students to diverse cultures and perspectives, cultivating a global mindset and preparing them for success in an interconnected world. The division also integrates sustainability principles into its curriculum and operations, emphasizing environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility.
The program’s continued presence in the ACBSP network is a testament to its high standards and excellent practices.
“Accreditation holds significant importance for the Division of Business at Xavier University of Louisiana as it ensures the maintenance of high standards in programs, faculty, and student outcomes,” says Dr. Cary Caro, the chair of the Division of Business at Xavier. “With accreditation from reputable organizations like ACBSP, the Division of Business and Xavier University gain enhanced credibility and reputation, signaling to stakeholders their commitment to excellence in business education.”
The ACBSP is an accrediting body with global distinction and accolade. Formerly the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, the ACBSP is a national organization offering accreditation services to business programs focused on teaching and learning. Accreditation by ACBSP offers students more marketability and gives them a competitive advantage in the hiring process. The blueprint for Xavier’s Division of Business curriculum is shaped by the ACBSP accreditation.
By adhering to the rigorous standards of ACBSP, the program ensures continuous improvement in processes and outcomes for the education of students. Consistently evolving to meet the dynamic demands of the business landscape, the division equips those in the program with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers in the business sphere.
“Xavier’s accreditation is paramount, signifying the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, continuous improvement, and adherence to rigorous standards of quality,” said Dr. Caro. “ACBSP accreditation, in particular, serves as a badge of honor for Xavier, reinforcing its reputation as a provider of high-quality business education.”
With standards that uphold and promote academic excellence, continuous improvement, pedagogical rigor, ethical leadership, and social responsibility, the ACBSP re-accreditation demonstrates the Division of Business’s dedication to promoting a more just and humane society, which Xavier has been driven to do for the last 100 years and will continue to do as it enters its next century of service.