KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 29, 2020 – The University of Rhode Island College of Business has earned Highest Honors status for its chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, the exclusive international honor society for AACSB accredited business programs.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’ recognition praised the College’s dedication and support for the chapter, earning the accrediting group’s highest distinction for the 2019-2020 academic year. It is the third year in a row that the URI chapter has earned the honor.

“For our program to earn this honor means that all the good work we are doing at the College of Business is helping to create successful future business leaders and a meaningful business climate,” said Donna Gamache-Griffiths, chapter adviser, senior lecturer, and coordinator of the International Business Program.

As members of the honor society, students can take part in numerous educational benefits, such as a waiver of fees on graduate exams, scholarships, tuition discounts, attend conferences, achieve ethical leadership certification, and participate in various lecture series. The College supports the society by sending chapter co-executives to the society’s annual leadership summit, along with promoting the group to current and future students, implementing chapter activities, and encouraging members to support other College and URI clubs.

“To join the society, business students must be in the top 10% of their class year and represent the ‘best of the best,’” Gamache-Griffiths said. “Graduate schools and employers know this and the distinction makes our graduates very valuable as interns, graduate students and employees.”

The AACSB’s Highest Honors status makes the chapter eligible for the outstanding chapter of the year award. The chapter can also nominate candidates for global awards, such as outstanding chapter adviser and dean of the year, as well as for the business and entrepreneurial achievement awards.

The College of Business, which opened in 1923, has maintained its accreditation from the AACSB since 1972. It is the longest standing, continuously accredited business program in Rhode Island. The College serves more than 2,100 undergraduates and almost 300 graduate students. It offers 10 undergraduate majors, eight graduate programs, and three Ph.D. specializations.