AACSB Outreach to Biden-Harris Administration

Dear President Biden, Vice President Harris, and members of the Cabinet,

I write on behalf of the business education community to extend my well-wishes and offer support to the Biden-Harris administration. Building on more than a century of excellence in business education, AACSB is a global association connecting educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Today, we represent more than 1,600 business schools worldwide, including more than 600 in the United States.

Business education is much more than the MBA—it’s also undergraduate and doctoral education, and executive education and non-degree programs that support lifelong learning. Business education is research and thought leadership that support innovation, workforce development, and economic forecasting and growth. Business education prepares learners who go forth to create lasting, positive impact in every community and industry in the world.

At AACSB, we’ve defined five areas of focus for business education to enhance societal impact, and invite the new administration to join us as we:

• Connect business, community, and government to deliver results
• Solve problems based on knowledge-sharing and research
• Develop purpose-driven leaders with the vision to tackle the toughest challenges
• Create hubs for lifelong learning to promote prosperity and elevate economies
• Inspire innovations with the power to change the world

We further believe that the positive impact of business schools hinges on our shared commitments to diversity and inclusion in collegiate business education. It was an honor to participate in a 2015 convening at the White House as AACSB joined the Council on Women and Girls, the Council of Economic Advisers, and fellow business school deans to articulate best practices on expanding opportunities for women in business. Our core values call us to push for the achievement of full participation and belonging within business education, business, and society.

AACSB emphasizes the need to strengthen student and faculty mobility across universities, including supportive immigration policies across governments, to ensure access to the world’s top talent. Expanded access to student visas, Optional Practical Training, long-term employment, and citizenship are imperative to reverse the detrimental economic impact of recent, restrictive policies.

AACSB relies on our strong working relationships to create agile and innovative partnerships among learners, within universities, and across business and government. I applaud your message of unity and commitment to purpose-driven leadership and welcome further dialogue about the pivotal role of business education in the future success of the United States and the world.

Best regards,
Caryn L. Beck-Dudley
President and CEO
AACSB International