AACSB Survey shows Rise of Women Leaders in Business Schools

A new report has been published entitled ‘Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)’ survey that says the total number of women who are leading business schools is increasing with the rise of demands in tech fields dedicated business concentrations in addition to offering online master of business administration (MBA) programs.

According to the survey, 30 per cent of deans were females in 2023-24 that rose from 26 per cent in 2020-2021. A survey amongst 434 deans and 36 interim deans has been conducted by the international accrediting body and disclosed that the diversity is increasing in business school leadership.

University of Michigan Ross School of Business’ Dean, Sharon Matusik stated, “This not only provides encouragement for women faculty who aspire to academic leadership roles in the future, but it also provides examples for young women who may be considering a business education of the different ways that women can use a business education to make an impact in the world. My hope is that these increases inspire even more women to pursue a business education at all levels – undergraduate, master’s level, and PhD.”

Additionally, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Business School’s dean, Debora Jackson expressed his contentment towards the increasing number of women-leading business schools and said it reflects a changing education landscape.

He continued, “At the WPI Business School, I am the first female, first African American, and first non-academic hired as dean of the business school. My presence demonstrates that changing times and changing demands have paved the way for a different kind of leadership. This is not unique to WPI. The changing demographic of leadership at the dean's level demonstrates that many institutions are sensing the winds of change and moving in accordance.”