EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Academic Board President Dr. h.c. Jeffrey Alderman has been awarded the honorary title "Dr. h.c.". This recognition celebrates years of dedicated leadership and contributions to education and global accreditation.
In an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, we dive into the story behind this honor, the synergies between ACBSP and AAC, and the personal journey that led to this remarkable achievement:
Can you share the story behind how you were awarded the honorary title "Dr. h.c." and which institution recognized you?
Dr. h.c. Jeffrey Alderman: "Our ACBSP member, Global Humanistic University (GHU), has graciously bestowed this honorary title."
What does receiving the honorary title "Dr. h.c." mean to you personally, and how does it reflect your contributions to education?
Dr. h.c. Jeffrey Alderman: "This award is very meaningful to me because it represents a distinguished and rewarding tenure as President & CEO of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. It has been my honor to represent such an amazing organization and work with many members, like GHC, dedicated to making the world a better place through their commitment to students."
What synergies do you see between your roles at ACBSP and AAC in terms of global accreditation practices?
Dr. h.c. Jeffrey Alderman: "Much like ACBSP, the Accreditation Agency Curaçao aims to assess an institution’s obligation to offer a curriculum that maintains only the highest quality through evaluation and assessment from peer-to-peer review."
Your leadership at both ACBSP and AAC has been transformative. How do you balance these roles and ensure each organization benefits from your vision?
Dr. h.c. Jeffrey Alderman: "That is so kind of you to say transformative. I look at both roles as complimentary to each other, which each connected to the ultimate objective of serving its stakeholders. My vision and voice always include a shared collective of other voices and perspectives."
Throughout your impressive career, who have been your greatest idols or role models, and how have their philosophies or achievements influenced your own path to success?
Dr. h.c. Jeffrey Alderman: "Having worked in the legal profession with lawyers and judges, and, now within higher education, has provided me with a wide array of people that I have admired as well as emulated. My initial mentor was Roger Lennert at the Detroit Bar Association, which was my first position after graduating from college. His professional approach to leadership is something that still resonates with me nearly 40-years later. The best man at my wedding was a former Bar President in Kansas; Tim O’Brien, who taught me so much about managing relationships, which is critical in any role. Lastly, I would have to say former Lee University Dean Dewayne Thompson, who’s faith-based approach to servant leadership is an example for us all."
You’ve achieved remarkable success in your career. To what do you attribute your personal drive and vision, and how have your own values and leadership shaped the course of your success?
Dr. h.c. Jeffrey Alderman: "I have been so fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful volunteers as well as work colleagues who are devoted to making a difference, and that has helped shaped my values and appreciation of my life’s work."
Final: Would you like to include any additional adjustments or supplementary information?
Dr. h.c. Jeffrey Alderman: "It is truly an honor to be forever associated with GHU and this is something that will always be remembered and cherished. I am so excited to be working with the AAC to help institutions fulfill their respective missions."