The University of Florida gateway by Heavener Hall

Heavener School recognized by AACSB International for Innovation in Leadership Development

GAINESVILLE, Fla. –  In response to rapid global change, business schools are no longer educating students about the ways of the world, they are educating them for a world that does not yet exist. Bold and innovative approaches to leadership development are key to their success. The Heavener School of Business was recognized by the AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) among 30 global institutions that are defining what it means to lead in the face of uncertainty and cultivating a winning skillset in the next generation of business leaders as part of its Innovations That Inspire challenge.

The third annual Innovations That Inspire challenge recognizes institutions from around the world serving as champions of change in the business education landscape, with a specific focus on innovation in leadership development, a key pillar of the accreditation process and one of five opportunities identified in the Collective Vision for business education.

“The biggest risk to business schools is not the rapid pace of change. It is in failing to prepare the next generation of business leaders to cope with that change,” said Thomas R. Robinson, president and CEO of AACSB. “Through its best-in-class leadership development program, the Heavener School of Business is ensuring that the business leaders of tomorrow will be ready for whatever lies ahead.”

The Heavener School of Business, which is home to Warrington’s undergraduate students, was recognized for its P&G and UF Emerging Leaders Case Competition, which was submitted under the category of Strengthening the Understanding of Effective Leadership Development, highlighting how business schools are partnering with industry to gather data-driven insights on the most effective leadership practices and approaches.

The P&G and UF Emerging Leaders Case Competition is a unique learning initiative created in partnership with Procter & Gamble that focuses on critical thinking and key leadership principles such as emotional intelligence, leading teams and influence.

“The Heavener School maintains a strong reputation among international case competitions,” said Dr. Alex Sevilla, Associate Dean and Director of the Heavener School of Business. “This success has inspired us to create innovative ways to offer all of our students an award-winning, experiential learning opportunity that combines the best elements of a case competition with a number of core leadership principles taught in the curriculum.”

Read more about the P&G and UF Emerging Leaders Case Competition and how it gives our students an authentic real world experience and allows them to put their leadership skills in action.