MOUNT OLIVE — The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has announced that Mount Olive College has been awarded initial accreditation of its business program by the ACBSP Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners.

ACBSP is the leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating and rewarding teaching excellence. The association is the only accrediting body for business schools that offers accreditation for all degree levels of business education including associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

For institutions that achieve ACBSP accreditation for their business schools and programs, this attainment certifies that the teaching and learning processes within that institution meet the rigorous educational standards established by the ACBSP.

The Tillman School of Business has been a member of ACBSP since 2005, and joins other prestigious institutions receiving initial accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation. ACBSP membership includes over 540 institutions and over 5,600 individuals at these institutions located in 25 different countries.

Commenting on the honor of ACBSP accreditation, Dr. William Byrd, president of MOC, said, “Mount Olive College is pleased to be a leader in education and is honored to be included in this distinguished organization. As the college is currently educating an enrollment of more than 5,000 students, we believe that MOC brings a distinctive and exciting presence to ACBSP through our focus and successful history with delivering business education.”

Dr. Ken Stokes, dean of the Tillman School of Business, and selected members of the faculty will attend the ACBSP Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June where the ACBSP Board of Commissioners will present a certificate honoring the School.

“Our vision is for the school to become a destination for those who seek the pursuit of excellence in business education, responsible leadership and a positive contribution to the North Carolina's further development,” Stokes said. “ACBSP accreditation moves us closer to realizing our vision.”

To learn more about the business education programs at MOC, visit www.moc.edu/tsb.

Mount Olive College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges of Decatur, Ga., to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.