Michael Wiemer Takes the Helm as ACBSP's New President and CEO

On May 26, 2026, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) proudly announced the appointment of Michael Wiemer, MBA, as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. This transition will take effect on July 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone for ACBSP as it continues to strive for excellence in business education.

A Leader in Business Education

Wiemer is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in business education, accreditation, and association management. His extensive background includes notable senior positions at AACSB International, where he played a vital role in shaping global strategies, promoting regional growth, enhancing professional development programs, and fostering member engagement across international markets.

Dennis Brode, the Chair of the ACBSP Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term, expressed deep enthusiasm about Wiemer’s appointment. He stated, "Michael's extensive experience in accreditation and higher education, coupled with his commitment to continuous improvement and academic excellence, positions ACBSP for further growth and global impact. We are confident that his leadership will advance our mission to pursue a better tomorrow through excellence in business education."

Extensive Collaborative Engagement

Throughout his career, Wiemer has established connections with higher education institutions, business school leaders, faculty, students, and industry partners to foster initiatives focused on quality assurance and student success. While serving at AACSB International, he was instrumental in engaging members, strengthening global partnerships, and leading strategic initiatives tailored to meet the evolving needs of business education worldwide.

Recently, Wiemer was the inaugural Director of the Fintech Center at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Here, he spearheaded the development of innovative industry collaborations, startup accelerators, and interdisciplinary programs that encompassed finance, technology, and artificial intelligence - showcasing his ability to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of business education.

A Commitment to Academic Quality

As Wiemer steps into the role of President and CEO, he will lead ACBSP in continuing its mission to support educational excellence through accreditation, innovation, and global collaboration. In his own words, Wiemer expressed, "I am deeply honored to join ACBSP as President and CEO and to serve this vibrant global community of business schools and programs. ACBSP's longstanding commitment to teaching excellence, continuous improvement, and student success deeply resonates with me. I look forward to building on that strong foundation in partnership with our Board of Directors, member institutions, and global partners. Together, I am confident we will advance business education in ways that create sustained value for our members and the communities we serve."

A Legacy of Educational Excellence

ACBSP has been a leading specialized accreditation association since its founding in 1988. It is dedicated to celebrating and rewarding teaching excellence in business education. The council accredits business programs at all levels of education globally and supports institutions committed to continuous improvement and student success.

As it looks to the future with Wiemer at the helm, ACBSP continues its commitment to pursuing a better tomorrow by driving innovation in business education worldwide. For more information about ACBSP and its ongoing initiatives, visit acbsp.org.