AACSB recognizes Rohrer College of Business program among “Innovations That Inspire”

International accrediting body AACSB today named Rowan University’s Rohrer College of Business to a very exclusive group: the Innovations That Inspire spotlight program.

In naming RCB one of just 24 schools worldwide to the program, the AACSB highlighted the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, in particular its Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy.

The eight-day, non-residential program is open to all rising high school juniors and seniors, regardless of their intended major or college, and has been particularly powerful in its support of underrepresented students.

In fact, said RCB Dean Dr. Sue Lehrman, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging have become hallmarks of the annual program.

“We aim to be a leader in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students as they learn how to become the innovators of tomorrow,” Lehrman said.

The free summer entrepreneurship program awards three college credits to rising high school juniors and seniors who complete it.

"Our students develop the creativity, initiative and persistence that characterize the entrepreneurial mindset,” Lehrman said. “Thanks to support from the TD Charitable Foundation, this summer we will award our 1,000^th hour of free college credit to deserving high school students.”

Now in its seventh year, the AACSB’s Innovations That Inspire initiative has highlighted nearly 200 business school efforts that exemplify forward-looking approaches to education, research, community engagement or outreach, entrepreneurship and leadership.

The Rowan program, which this summer will be offered for its sixth consecutive year, runs Monday through Thursday, June 20-23, and Monday through Thursday, June 27-30, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Seating is limited and rising high school juniors and seniors must apply by midnight on May 28.

Dr. Eric Liguori, founding head of the new School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship within the RCB, said students of entrepreneurship develop skills that enable them to start and run a business but, even if business ownership is not their goal, it helps them to think creatively and assertively for success in any field.

​"The Think Like an Entrepreneur academy is one of many ways we in the College build pathways and facilitate access to high-quality education,” he said. “It's a key part of our Pathways to Entrepreneurship initiative, an effort designed to make Rowan's award-winning entrepreneurship resources available to our K-12 and community college partners.”

“Progress toward more welcoming, inclusive spaces requires action, and Rowan University demonstrates leadership in this important effort,” Beck-Dudley said. “Through collaborations—among business schools, businesses, and communities—our goal is to create a strong global society and equip leaders for positive impact.”

About AACSB International

Established in 1916, AACSB International (AACSB) is the world’s largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners, and business to create the next generation of great leaders. With a presence in more than 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation, and amplifies impact in business education. Learn how AACSB is transforming business education for a better society at aacsb.edu.