Doctor of Business Administration at Coles College Honored with Innovation Award

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has honored the Kennesaw State University – Michael J. Coles College of Business for their innovative Doctor of Business Administration program (DBA).

The “Innovations That Inspire” award is in its inaugural year, created as part of AACSB’s Centennial Anniversary and upcoming Visioning Initiative. The award seeks to honor AACSB member schools and their work to innovate and diversify the world of business education.

AACSB International, the global accrediting body and membership association for business schools,  believes that business schools are instrumental in redefining the way academic institutions engage with students and the community. The DBA program at Coles College, beginning in 2009, was the first AACSB-accredited doctorate with a research program aimed specifically towards working professionals. Furthremore, over 80% of graduates from the DBA program pursue positions in academia, resolving the problem of many universities that lack doctoral faculty.

Thomas R. Robinson, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International, discussed his pleasure with Coles College and the contributions they have made towards the business education landscape. “Through our Innovations That Inspire recognition, the Coles DBA stands as a testament to how business schools are driving positive impact within their communities and society at large, through their groundbreaking practices and continuous focus on excellence.”

According to Coles College dean Kathy Schwaig, the DBA program was a response to the continued international shortage of business faculty. Through the Coles model, experienced- but busy- working professionals can continue their career while simultaneously gaining the necessary research experience for an education degree.

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