Overland Park, KS, USA – The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Emmett P. Tracy as its new President, effective April 16, 2025.
Dr. Tracy, a globally recognized leader in business education, brings over two decades of experience in academic innovation and institutional leadership. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for IACBE as it continues to expand its mission of advancing academic quality in business programs worldwide.
“Dr. Tracy’s strategic vision, international experience, and deep commitment to innovative education models make him the ideal leader for IACBE at this pivotal time,” said Dr. Jorge Cardenas, IACBE Board Chair and Assistant Dean at the University of Arizona Global Campus. “We are confident that his expertise will help strengthen our organization’s global impact, drive membership growth, and foster collaboration among institutions dedicated to excellence in business education.”
Dr. Tracy’s career includes more than two decades of leadership in international business education and a deep commitment to pioneering unique educational models across diverse academic ecosystems. His work in building contextualized programs in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America has been recognized by foundations, governments, private sector enterprises and media outlets globally.
A liberal-arts graduate, Tracy began his career at Columbia University – working with non-traditional and first-generation college students – before attending the University of Dublin, Trinity College and INSEAD. After becoming one of the youngest deans in the history of Hult International Business School, he was appointed Executive VP of Academic Affairs and Dean at the African Leadership University (ALU) and then Founding Dean of Business at Emory and Henry University. While at ALU, Tracy’s administration was recognized by Fast Company as the 39th Most Innovative Organization in the world (#1 in Africa).
“IACBE is an incredible organization with a strong history of supporting and recognizing innovations in business education,” said Tracy. “At a time when higher education institutions must concurrently communicate unique value propositions and cultivate global and local partnerships – the role of member organizations like IACBE is critical. To forge a sustainable future, colleges and universities must embrace collaboration and shared goals. I look forward to leading IACBE as we collectively navigate technological advancements in artificial intelligence and deep learning, changing demographics, and ever-evolving business curricula with our members.”
As President, Dr. Tracy will oversee IACBE’s strategic vision for membership growth, accreditation leadership, and industry partnerships. He will support a global network of over 200 members, representing more than 200,000 students across 25+ countries. Dr. Tracy succeeds Dr. Archish Maharaja, who has served as Interim President since 2024.
About the IACBE
The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) is a leading programmatic accreditation body dedicated to advancing academic quality in business education worldwide. Recognized for its mission-driven and outcomes-based approach, the IACBE accredits business and management programs at institutions that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. With a global network of member institutions, the IACBE fosters innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in business education. To learn more, visit iacbe.org.
