Wendell Godwin, dean of East Central University’s Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business, has been named president and chairman of the board for the Southwestern Council of Business Schools and Programs, it was recently announced.
The Southwestern Council of Business Schools and Programs is under the umbrella of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The Southwest Council encompasses the states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas.
The mission of the ACBSP is to establish, promote and recognize educational standards that contribute to the continuous improvement of business education and, through the process of accreditation, to recognize business schools and programs that adhere to these standards.
In addition to Godwin being voted in as president, ECU will serve as the host of the 2015 ACBSP Region 6 Conference, Oct. 21-23, at the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center on the ECU campus.
“Being elected to serve on the leadership team and work with our new board of directors is a true honor,” said Godwin. “It means a lot as a professional when peers have confidence in your ability, support your vision and trust you will lead the organization forward. It’s an honor to work with a great team of academic professionals both at the national and regional level of ACBSP. Our focus on teaching excellence is truly inspirational.”
Godwin has led the ECU School of Business since 2010. Through his leadership, the Stonecipher School of Business has blossomed into a model program for the region. Being housed in the new Chickasaw Business and Conference Center which opened in 2013, the school has experienced growth, not only in the number of students, but increased technological opportunities and award-winning faculty.
After earning his bachelor of science in business administration degree from ECU in 1984, Godwin completed the executive MBA program at Southern Methodist University in 2005. He then had a 26-year professional career, which included stints in leadership at two Fortune 1000 organizations. He was the area vice president and director of sales for Healthcare before arriving at ECU.
Godwin not only serves as dean but teaches classes in which he provides insight from the business world. His business travels have not only taken him through much of the United States, but also to China, Japan, Mexico, Canada and various countries in Europe.
“Past (Region 6) President Cara Beth Johnson (of Northern Oklahoma College) has provided a lot of support over the past two years. We have an excellent team of officers at the region level,” Godwin said. “Jeffrey Alderman, chief executive officer for ACBSP, has brought an inspirational leadership style to the organization. I look forward to working with Jeff and his leadership team more closely during the next academic year. Our organization is the leader in global accreditation with its primary focus on teaching excellence.”
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