Today, AACSB International (AACSB), the world’s largest business education network, announces the Dillard College of Business Administration among 24 business schools as highlights of its Innovations That Inspire member recognition initiative. This annual program recognizes institutions from around the world that serve as champions of change in the business education landscape. In concert with its Connected for Better campaign, emphasizing business education’s positive contributions to society, AACSB’s 2021 Innovations That Inspire initiative showcases business schools creating positive societal impact.  

The Dillard College of Business Administration is recognized for its mentorship of community youth. Dedicated to service-learning, Dillard College partnered management students studying entrepreneurship with elementary school-age children during Lemonade Day, a national youth entrepreneurship program. This unique partnership innovated the learning process while impacting the community, and is a partnership they hope to maintain.  

"Business schools everywhere are defining impact objectives and strategies that align with the communities they serve, and the examples featured through AACSB’s Innovations That Inspire initiative perfectly demonstrate business education as a force for good," said Caryn L. Beck-Dudley, AACSB president and CEO. "We are excited to honor The Dillard College of Business Administration for its innovative approach to society's challenges."  

Lemonade Day is a lemonade stand contest of elementary school-age students that teaches children how to run their own business with guidance from adult mentors. A nonprofit organization based in Houston, Texas, started the Lemonade Day event and provides resources to the students and mentors.  Dillard College students and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) worked with local businesses, elementary school students, local leaders, parents, and teachers together over several days to foster entrepreneurial learning for youth in the community with this project. 

The local, citywide SBDC-sponsored Lemonade Day event was close to discontinuing the event for lack of mentors to help the young students who wanted to participate in Lemonade Day.  Fortunately, Dr. Scott Manley, a management professor at MSU Texas, saw an opportunity for his students to become mentors.  He committed his students to this valuable service-learning project in the spring of 2017.  

“Our students learn how to share and apply the simple yet profound principles of entrepreneurship and free enterprise in a way that is easy for the Lemonade Day entrepreneurs to grasp,” said Manley. “In so doing, our students are able to shine a spotlight on AACSB’s mission to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify the impact of business education. Most importantly, these budding entrepreneurs are taught how to set – and achieve – important life goals that will help them reap future benefits through saving and philanthropy, thus changing the trajectory of their lives and their communities.” 

“This program is a story of great cooperation,” said Dr. Jeff Stambaugh, Dean of the Dillard College of Business. “Our Small Business Development Center and Texoma Community Credit Union, along with the students in Dr. Manley’s entrepreneurship course, all perform important roles so this program can happen. Because of them, children in our community learn just how powerful business can in be improving their lives and the community.” 

About AACSB International  

Now in its sixth year, the Innovations That Inspire initiative has highlighted more than 160 business  school efforts that exemplify forward-looking approaches to education, research, community engagement or outreach, entrepreneurship, and leadership. To date, members of AACSB’s Business  Education Alliance have shared more than 1,000 innovations, creating a robust repository in AACSB’s DataDirect portal to inform and inspire fellow members and the industry. Support for the 2021 Innovations That Inspire initiative is provided by Barco.  

For an overview of all featured innovations, visit aacsb.edu/innovations-that-inspire.  

Established in 1916, AACSB International (AACSB) is the world’s largest business education alliance,  connecting educators, learners, and business to create the next generation of great leaders. With a  presence in more than 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation, and amplifies impact in business education. Learn how AACSB is transforming business education for a better society.