PUC’s Business Program Earns Reaccreditation

On December 2, the Department of Business Administration and Economics at Pacific Union College earned reaccreditation from the Board of Commissioners of the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Granting reaccreditation validates the program's continued ability to meet rigorous standards of academic quality and integrity through its curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes. Additionally, PUC’s business program receiving this recognition demonstrates a commitment to continuing to improve, excel in education, and advance academic quality across its business programs, including undergraduate degrees, various emphases, and other majors such as Management Information Systems.

The IACBE is the leader in mission-driven, outcomes-based programmatic accreditation in business education for colleges and universities. PUC receiving this recognition showcases its dedication to continuing its long-standing commitment to providing students with the best and highest education and career preparation. The business program was granted accreditation from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2032.

The most significant portion of the work required to receive accreditation was the business department's self-study. Business Professor Keith Neergaard, who has been teaching at PUC for over 30 years, prepared the study write-up and played a significant role in helping the department secure reaccreditation. As a small department, this reaccreditation means a lot to PUC as it showcases the program's dedicated work and boosts credibility with students, alumni, and employers.

“Reaccreditation from the IACBE is a significant affirmation of our hard work and dedication to quality business education,” said David Bell, chair of the business program. “It validates our outcomes-focused approach, ethical integration, and continuous improvement efforts, confirming that our programs meet rigorous international standards. It motivates us to keep innovating amid challenges, ensuring graduates are competent, ethical leaders.”

To ensure educational excellence, Bell and his colleagues integrate real-world experiences through internships, experiential assignments, and guest speakers, while fostering ethical behavior through their courses and the Sigma Beta Delta honor society. Their department also collaborates with local community organizations focused on philanthropy and service-learning, which are core to the program, and plans to expand experiential opportunities by creating more internships, offering more field trips, and collaborating with the theology program in PUC’s new business and theology degree.

Business students in courses such as Individual Taxation offer pro bono tax preparation for seniors in the community, and PUC’s Enactus Club leads several annual marketplace-based service projects. In addition to being a source of support in the local community, students are also encouraged to go on mission trips to develop business skills and meet the needs of people in other countries.

PUC’s business department provides students with a more personal teaching environment through small class sizes, allowing them to interact with their professors in a personalized setting and receive tailored advising. “We expect students to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior, as emphasized in every syllabus, our Business Ethics course, and promotion of Sigma Beta Delta honor society,” said Bell. “Students must engage critically, think rationally, and communicate effectively—skills reinforced through case studies, presentations, and applied projects. We prepare them to navigate diverse, changing environments with Christian values like honesty and social responsibility.”

Every year, Bell and his colleagues follow a robust process that reviews student learning outcomes through exams, senior exit interviews, and alumni surveys to improve their department. Based on the results, they update their curriculum, add incentives for external assessments, and enhance their facilities. PUC’s business faculty also stays current in professional development to ensure they are preparing their students for their future careers.

PUC’s business program aims to cultivate premier faith-based leaders who excel in fields ranging from healthcare to finance to ministry. Being in the Napa Valley, PUC students have opportunities to network with industry partners and to innovate with technology, empowering them to thrive professionally while serving with purpose. For PUC and business faculty, they want to shape thousands more successful Christian business students to positively impact their communities and the world.

“This specialized accreditation affirms our commitment to excellence in business education through interactive, experiential learning that develops ethical, rational professionals ready for a dynamic business world,” said Bell. “It reflects PUC's faith-based mission, emphasizing integrity, service, and holistic development in a supportive Christian environment. As a small, private nonprofit institution, this reaccreditation highlights our dedication to high-quality, mission-aligned education that prepares students for meaningful careers and service.”