College of Business earns business innovation education award

The University of Akron (UA)'s College of Business has received a 2026 Innovation in Business Education Award for its student-centered Experience Guarantee professional development program from the Mid-American Business Deans Association (MABDA). The award was presented recently at the annual MABDA Conference in Chicago with the College of Business recognized for its commitment to enhancing student engagement. MABDA is a collaborative network that recognizes colleges and universities for forward-thinking initiatives with demonstrated positive effects that impact student success within business education.

Experience Guarantee transforms traditionally optional professional development opportunities into a required set of structured, competency-based skills to enhance every undergraduate student's educational experience. The program ensures that every business student graduates with impactful professional experience and meaningful career skills as part of the college's promise that every student will "Experience Business."

"This recognition underscores our commitment to preparing students for career success," said Dr. Terry Daugherty, dean of the College of Business. "The Experience Guarantee intentionally connects classroom knowledge with hands-on experiences, enabling our students to learn, develop and gain the confidence they need to thrive in today's workforce. We are honored to receive this award for our work."

Unlike traditional co-curricular programming, the Experience Guarantee integrates professional development throughout the undergraduate experience using a gamified digital platform, allowing students to earn competency-based badges. Rather than relying on voluntary participation, the Experience Guarantee embeds career preparation throughout the academic journey by integrating curated opportunities aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) competencies. Activities are organized into five areas: career management and professional skills; communication and critical thinking; technology; global and cultural engagement; and leadership, teamwork and self.

College of Business students complete activities through two tracks - Experience BLUE and Experience GOLD - that combine classroom learning with employer engagement, networking opportunities, experiential learning and leadership development. The program is supported by the college's advisory boards, alumni and corporate partners such as The J.M. Smucker Company, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Sherwin-Williams, among many others. These collaborations ensure that students develop the skills employers seek in today's rapidly evolving business environment.

Since its implementation in YEAR, the Experience Guarantee initiative has produced measurable results. During the past academic year, College of Business students completed more than 17,000 professional development activities, contributing to record levels of student engagement. Notably, 75% of graduates report completing an internship or co-op experience, which are high-scoring aspects of the program, providing valuable workplace knowledge before entering the job market.

"By intentionally embedding professional development throughout the student experience, we've created a culture where career readiness isn't something students pursue outside the classroom; rather, it's woven into everything they do," said Jeff Klemm, senior director of professional development and strategic engagement for the College of Business. "This award recognizes the collective effort of our faculty, staff, alumni and employer partners who make that possible."

MABDA also recognized the Experience Guarantee program for its transferability and scalability. Anchored by essential competencies, a centralized digital platform and a modular program structure, the student-centered package provides a model that other business schools can adapt to strengthen student engagement and career outcomes.

UA's College of Business is internationally accredited and ranked among the top 1% of all business schools worldwide by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The college emphasizes experiential learning, career-readiness and deep corporate connections to help every Zip "Experience Business."

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