Christine Clements elected to global accreditation board

February 22, 2013

As dean of the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, Christine Clements leads one of the best business schools in the country.

Starting this summer, she'll help steer the course of management education in colleges and universities around the world.

Clements is among seven new members elected to the board of directors of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the respected accreditation organization.

AACSB recognition represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Less than five percent of the world's 13,000 business programs have earned that honor. UW-Whitewater is one of them.

AACSB-accredited schools produce graduates who are highly skilled and more desirable to employers than those from other non-accredited schools.

"What I love about AACSB is that it holds us to higher standards and results in better schools," Clements said. "This group is comprised of thought leaders in business management and education. Members look at what's happening in the business environment and use their deep knowledge and rich understanding to make important changes in higher education. AACSB sets the standard."

The 30-person board makes decisions regarding school accreditation, and ensures those standards are applied appropriately and consistently.

Voting members from 53 countries cast ballots in the most recent election. Clements will be the only person from Wisconsin on the board. Her three-year term starts July 1. She previously served on several AACSB committees, including a current role as vice chair of the initial accreditation committee.

"It's exciting because I'll be involved in discussions with deans from high-profile schools about the future of management education," Clements said. "There will be tremendous opportunities to learn from one another. I also hope it will enhance the visibility of UW-Whitewater, and showcase our faculty members and the innovative methods we use to achieve student outcomes."