ACBSP Conference – Phoenix, Arizona

June 17, 2026

ACBSP Conference – Phoenix, Arizona

Dr. Deloris McBride, Professor
DBA Chairperson

I attended the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona. The Theme for the conference was “Bridging the Gap-Meeting the Needs of Today’s Businesses.”  The conference brought together business educators, administrators, and accreditation professionals from across the country and internationally to engage in discussions centered on academic quality, continuous improvement, and innovation in business education.

Key Highlights

  • Accreditation and Continuous Improvement
    Sessions emphasized best practices in maintaining accreditation standards, with a strong focus on assessment, data-driven decision-making, and outcomes-based education. Institutions shared strategies to strengthen quality assurance processes and enhance student learning outcomes.
  • Innovative Teaching and Learning Approaches
    Presentations explored emerging trends such as:
    • Integration of artificial intelligence in business curricula
    • Experiential learning opportunities
    • Industry partnerships to enhance workforce readiness
      These innovations align with current efforts to modernize business programs.
  • Student Success and Engagement
    Several sessions highlighted methods to improve retention, persistence, and student engagement, including mentoring programs, early intervention strategies, and co-curricular activities such as student organizations.
  • Networking and Collaboration
    The conference provided valuable opportunities to connect with:
    • Fellow ACBSP Region 3 members
    • Peer institutions implementing similar programs
    • Potential collaborators for future initiatives
  • Student Showcase and Best Practices
    A notable feature of the conference was the student showcase, which demonstrated outstanding student research and innovation. Institutions also shared successful program models that can be adapted to enhance academic offerings.

Relevance to Morris College

The knowledge gained from the conference will directly support ongoing initiatives at Morris College, including:

  • Strengthening ACBSP accreditation efforts
  • Enhancing curriculum innovation, particularly in areas such as AI and emerging technologies
  • Supporting student engagement initiatives, including the reactivation of the Student Business League
  • Informing strategic planning within the Division of Business Administration
  • Being awarded our Reaffirmation Certificate.

Conclusion

The ACBSP Conference in Phoenix was highly informative and beneficial, providing actionable insights and reinforcing the importance of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration in business education. The experience will contribute to advancing the quality and competitiveness of Morris College’s business programs. I would like to express thanks to Morris College, Dr. Lewis Graham, and Dr. Said Sewell for allowing me to attend and participate at the 2026 ACBSP National Conference.