Dr. Joe Ricks, Chair of the Division of Business, has been elected Chair-Elect of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Board of Directors, one of the world's premier accrediting organizations for business education.

Ricks' election places Xavier among an elite group of colleges and universities represented at the highest level of international business education leadership. As Chair-Elect, Ricks will help shape the strategic direction of an organization that serves hundreds of member institutions across more than 60 countries and is recognized globally for advancing excellence in teaching, learning, and continuous improvement in business education.

"Serving as Chair-Elect of ACBSP is both a tremendous honor and a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the future of business education," Ricks said. "I am proud to represent ACBSP and Xavier on the international stage and to collaborate with outstanding educational leaders who are committed to preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving global economy."

Founded in 1988, ACBSP is a global accrediting body that champions teaching excellence and continuous improvement. Its accreditation standards are based on the Malcom Baldridge quality criteria and emphasize student learning outcomes, innovation, ethical leadership, and institutional effectiveness, making ACBSP accreditation a recognized mark of quality for business programs worldwide.

As Chair-Elect, Ricks will work with the Board of Directors and executive leadership to guide the organization's strategic priorities, support member institutions, and promote excellence in business education across a diverse international network of colleges and universities. Upon completion of his term as Chair-Elect, he will assume the Chair’s role for the 27/28 academic year.

For Xavier, this appointment strengthens its profile among peer institutions worldwide, expands opportunities for collaboration with global academic leaders, and reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality, student-centered business education. The leadership role also provides the institution with a prominent voice in conversations shaping the future of business education accreditation and quality assurance.