Dalton State College was recognized as having one of the country's top business schools last week by an international accrediting body, school administors said.
The recognition will improve students' odds of landing good jobs and will boost the reputation of the college, they said.
"This can only mean better things for Dalton State and the region as a whole," said Dalton, Ga., Mayor David Pennington, a graduate of Dalton State and member of the School of Business' Advisory Council.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, one of the oldest international accrediting bodies for business schools, has accredited Dalton State's School of Business, said Dean Donna Mayo.
"As a very young business school, we are extremely pleased to attain this level of quality in business education for Dalton State and Northwest Georgia," Dr. Mayo said.
Fewer than 5 percent of business schools earn AACSB accreditation and the honor is expected to help attract top-notch students and faculty to the college.
"This has been a concerted effort led by our faculty, supported by the administration at Dalton State, and encouraged by the business community of Dalton and Northwest Georgia," Dr. Mayo said.
Dalton State is now among 579 business schools in 35 countries that have AACSB accrediation.
Fast factsThe School of Business at Dalton State has 750 students majoring in accounting, management, management information systems, marketing, operations management and technology management. For more information on the School of Business, call 706-272-4507 or visit the website at www.daltonstate.edu/business.
"AACSB accreditation represents the highest achievement for an educational institution that awards business degrees," John Fernandes, president of AACSB, said in a statement. "Dean Mayo and the faculty, directors and administrative staff of Dalton State are to be commended for their role in earning initial accreditation."
Dalton State President John Schwenn said students will be the benefactors of the business school's "elite status."
Many businesses won't consider hiring a recent graduate who hasn't graduated from an accredited business school, he said.
"Our students benefit from the stringent requirements," Dr. Schwenn said.