AACSB International (AACSB)-the world’s largest business education network-recognized the University of Evansville’s Schroeder School of Business among 25 business schools as highlights of its Innovations That Inspire member challenge. An annual initiative, the challenge recognizes institutions from around the world that serve as champions of change in the business education landscape. This year’s theme, “Catalysts for Innovation,” emphasizes business education’s efforts to elevate entrepreneurial thinking and new business creation.
The Schroeder School is recognized for its Access to Capital and Expertise for Emerging Entrepreneurs (ACE3) program, which is sponsored, funded, and co-managed by Old National Bank. Students in the program manage a $100,000 portfolio, which offers microloans to women and minority owned businesses. Students interface with clients, review business plans, and serve as underwriters for loans.
“The demand for innovation that engages experts across disciplines and addresses the needs of both local and global communities has never been more apparent than in these unprecedented times,” said Thomas R. Robinson, president and CEO of AACSB. “We are honored to feature the Schroeder School for its valuable role in elevating entrepreneurship through research, teaching, and community engagement.”
Now in its fifth year, the Innovations That Inspire challenge has highlighted more than 120 business school efforts that exemplify forward-looking approaches to education, research, community engagement or outreach, and leadership. To date, members of AACSB’s Business Education Alliance have shared nearly 1,000 innovations, creating a robust repository in AACSB’s DataDirect system to inform and inspire fellow members and the industry.
