Rivier University hosts industry experts at ACBSP conference

Rivier University hosted distinguished guests as part of the two-day Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) regional conference in early November. Through its theme, “Bridging the Gap: Meeting the Needs of Today’s Businesses,” the conference brought together innovators, educators, and industry experts for networking, professional development, and celebration of academic excellence in business education.

Michael Croatti delivering the keynote address.

The event featured panel sessions and networking opportunities with the keynote address by Michael Croatti ’09 MBA, a Rivier alumnus and member of the University’s Board of Trustees. Croatti, a retired Executive Vice President at UniFirst Corporation and now a consultant and investor, spoke about how businesses can excel with younger employees.

“Ask students, ‘What’s your dream? What are you passionate about?’ You have to lead with passion; everyone has one. Whatever that is, we need to find it and help them develop it,” Croatti says.

He concluded by sharing six leadership characteristics students need to strive for to be successful that have guided his own career: integrity, support for others, service culture, a drive to achieve, strategic agility, and an enterprise mindset.

Building on Croatti’s message about empowering emerging talent, a student-led panel moderated by Dr. Chari Henry-Wilson, Director of Business Programs and Associate Professor of Practice, offered firsthand insights into workforce preparation and the challenges and opportunities students face today.

Additional student-focused sessions explored the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom, AI’s impact on the labor market, developing employer relationships to strengthen career readiness through internships, and using low-tech teaching methods to enhance student engagement in the classroom.

“Each year, the ACBSP Conference grows in impact, fostering meaningful connections among business leaders and educators,” says Dr. Amir Toosi, Rivier’s Dean of Business and Security Studies and the current Chair of ACBSP Region 1. “This year, our primary focus was creating more networking opportunities, facilitating collaborative discussions, and showcasing panel presentations featuring students alongside industry leaders.”

Rivier continues to reinforce its commitment to preparing the next generation of innovative leaders, providing unique opportunities for students to gain real-world feedback, develop their leadership skills, and connect with top professionals.

ACBSP Region 1 Conference group gathered in the Dion Center.