Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s College of Business Administration Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Academic Resources, Cheryl Wyrick, has been recognized by AACSB International as a Collaborative Colleague.
The recognition highlights Wyrick’s active engagement on the AACSB Exchange, a professional network connecting business education leaders worldwide. The badge celebrates members who foster collaboration, share insights, and strengthen relationships among institutions.
Wyrick’s collaborative spirit has been instrumental in Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s successful application for dual AACSB accreditation, a distinction held by fewer than 3% of business schools worldwide. Earlier this year, the college and the Singelyn Graduate School of Business achieved supplemental accounting accreditation, reaffirming their place among the world’s top business schools.
Congratulations on being recognized by AACSB as a Collaborative Colleague Contributor. What can you tell us about the work that earned you this honor?
Beginning July 1, 2026, AACSB’s Continuous Improvement Review (CIR) cycle will transition from a five-year to a six-year period. This change reflects AACSB’s commitment to long-term strategic planning and continuous improvement across accredited institutions. I facilitated a meeting attended by 22 associate deans from different universities to discuss the evolving expectations around faculty qualifications as part of the expanded CIR application. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to clarify AACSB’s updated standards and share insights on how institutions can proactively address potential risks to accreditation alignment. As a result of this effort, I was honored to receive the Collaborative Colleague contributor badge from AACSB, recognizing my role in fostering dialogue and peer engagement across institutions.
How has your role here at the CBA helped to foster collaboration between the college and industry partners?
In my role as associate dean, I’ve had the opportunity to maintain relationships with my former students, as well as actively cultivate relationships with industry partners through strategic initiatives, advisory boards, and active engagement in academic/professional organizations. By aligning our academic programs with evolving industry needs, we’ve created meaningful opportunities for students to engage in real-world experiences—such as internships and intercollegiate competitions. These partnerships not only enhance student learning but also ensure our curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the demands of the business world.
What is the importance and impact of an AACSB (dual) accreditation hold specifically for our business school?
Holding dual AACSB accreditation for business and accounting is a prestigious distinction that places our college among the top tier of business schools worldwide. It signals to students, employers, and academic peers that our programs meet the highest standards of excellence. Employers especially value AACSB accreditation, recognizing it as a mark of rigorous academic preparation and professional readiness. Notably, Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is one of only four CSU campuses to hold this dual accreditation, which gives our College of Business Administration a significant competitive advantage within the California State University system and globally. This distinction enhances our reputation, attracts high-caliber faculty and students, and strengthens our ability to secure funding, partnerships, and industry engagement. It’s a powerful testament to the quality and integrity of our academic offerings and a key differentiator in a today’s educational landscape.
What is your favorite aspect of collaboration within your role and how does that motivate your daily dedication?
My favorite aspect of collaboration is the opportunity to bring diverse voices together to solve complex challenges. I find great fulfillment in fostering a shared purpose and driving impactful outcomes, especially in a continually evolving environment. This collaborative spirit keeps me engaged and focused—it’s about working together to achieve results that matter.