University of Dallas Alumnus Irvin Ashford Jr. Honored as 2019 AACSB Influential Leader

The University of Dallas' Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business announced that alumnus Irvin Ashford Jr., MBA '00, was among 33 business school graduates recently honored in the 2019 Class of Influential Leaders by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) - the world's largest business education alliance. The annual challenge recognizes notable alumni from AACSB-accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders.

"Irvin has had and continues to have a great impact on business and society through his efforts at work and in the community. His initiatives have created opportunities for people to help and be helped in new, connected ways," said Dean of the Gupta College of Business Brett J. L. Landry.

Since graduating from the University of Dallas in 2000, Irvin Ashford Jr. has built his career at Comerica Bank on a foundation of service to his community and using business as a vehicle to drive change. He is currently serving in the role of senior vice president of external affairs and national director of financial education at Comerica Bank.

Ashford has helped thousands of individuals in Texas become financially literate and more fiscally responsible. Through his work at Comerica Bank and with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Ashford has been a role model for Dallas-area children growing up in disenfranchised communities.

"AACSB is honored to recognize Mr. Ashford and congratulates the University of Dallas for its role in preparing alumni who are leading examples of business education as a force for good in the world," said Thomas R. Robinson, president and CEO of AACSB. "The diversity of backgrounds, industries and career paths of the 2019 Class of Influential Leaders demonstrates that AACSB-accredited schools are preparing graduates to succeed wherever their passions may take them."

Now in its fourth year, the AACSB Class of Influential Leaders challenge has recognized almost 200 business school graduates for creating lasting impacts in business and society. Each honoree has earned an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree from one of the more than 800 AACSB-accredited business schools worldwide. For more information on the Influential Leaders challenge, and to view a full list of honorees, visit aacsb.edu/influential-leaders.

About AACSB International

As the world's largest business education alliance, AACSB International (AACSB) connects educators, students and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence and professional development services to more than 1,600 member organizations and over 800 accredited business schools worldwide. AACSB's mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation and amplify impact in business education. The global organization has offices located in Tampa, Florida, USA; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Singapore. For more information, visit aacsb.edu.

About the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business

The Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business at the University of Dallas has been perfecting graduate business education for more than 50 years. Located in Irving, Texas, the college offers Texas' only AACSB-accredited Doctor of Business Administration, in addition to Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and many professional education programs, making it one of the most popular choices among Dallas/Fort Worth's business leaders. SB Hall, which opened in January 2016, houses the college, providing students with state-of-the-art technology and practical tools to prepare them for their future careers. For more information, visit udallas.edu/cob.

About the University of Dallas

The University of Dallas, located in a metropolitan area of nearly 7 million people, is a leading Catholic university widely recognized for academic excellence by well-known publications, organizations and accrediting bodies. It offers distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, business and ministry that are characterized by academic rigor, an exceptional faculty and a commitment to shaping principled leaders in the Catholic intellectual tradition. For more information, visit udallas.edu.