AACSB Congratulates the Latest Virginia Tech Post-Doctoral Bridge Program Graduates TAMPA, FL (August 5, 2009) — On Friday, July 31, Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business graduated its second group of participants in the AACSB-endorsed Post-Doctoral Bridge to Business Program. Offered through five AACSB-accredited institutions— Grenoble Ecole de Management in France, University of Florida, University of Toledo, Tulane University, and Virginia Tech—these innovative programs prepare experienced doctoral faculty from non-business disciplines for new careers as business faculty members. "Launched last summer, the Post-Doctoral Bridge to Business Program has carefully assimilated a total of 62 qualified Ph.D.'s for the management education market," said John J. Fernandes, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International. "We congratulate the newest Virginia Tech graduates on their achievements, and wish them well in their new roles within colleges of business." While eligibility requirements vary for each of the five Post-Doctoral Bridge to Business Programs, all candidates must have a doctoral degree from an institution recognized for producing successful scholars, and as appropriate, the institution must maintain any necessary specialized accreditation for that field. Candidates must show excellent capabilities for conducting scholarly research and teaching in a field related to the business discipline for which they are applying. The 11 participants in Pamplin's program hold doctorates in a number of fields, including economics, education, and hospital and tourism management. By utilizing skills obtained through the program, seven graduates have already been reassigned to new positions at their home institutions to teach and conduct research, and AACSB is providing job search resources to participants who are currently seeking employment in a business program. Graduates receive a certificate of completion indicating that they are qualified to teach in their respective business discipline at an AACSB-accredited school for five years from the date of graduation. To maintain academic qualification past the five-year period, each graduate must perform appropriate activities as both a scholar and a teacher. For more information on the Post-Doctoral Bridge Programs, including information on graduates or program requirements for each of the participating institutions, visit the Post-Doctoral Bridge to Business Program on the AACSB International website. About AACSB International AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), founded in 1916, is an association of almost 1,200 educational institutions, businesses and other organizations in 71 countries. AACSB's mission is to advance quality management education worldwide through accreditation and thought leadership. AACSB accreditation is the mark of quality distinction most widely sought after by business schools — less than 5% worldwide have earned the achievement. As the premier accreditation body for institutions offering undergraduate, master's and doctorate degrees in business and accounting, the association also conducts a wide array of conferences and seminar programs at locations throughout the world. AACSB's global headquarters is located in Tampa, Florida, USA and its Asia headquarters is located in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.aacsb.edu. ###