10th annual member spotlight program highlights creative partnerships that address lifelong learner needs, technological advancements, and evolving employer demands.
AACSB International (AACSB)—the world’s largest business education alliance—announced San José State University’s Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, among 26 business schools featured in its Innovations That Inspire member spotlight program.
This annual program recognizes institutions from around the world that serve as champions of change in business education. In 2025, the spotlight is on schools that are innovating through partnerships, forging collaborative solutions that elevate communities and businesses, shape market-responsive curricula, implement cutting-edge learning methods, and develop impactful leaders. These institutions are engaging with organizations locally and globally, from across sectors, to address complex challenges.
SJSU’s recognized project, titled “Bridging Finance Education With Industry: The SJSU Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, Morgan Stanley, and CeriFi Partnered SIE Program,” exemplifies the university’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, industry-relevant education.
This innovative program is a partnership between SJSU’s Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, the global financial services firm Morgan Stanley, and the financial education provider CeriFi. The SIE program is an opportunity for finance students to prepare for the FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam.
Assistant Professor of Finance, Matthew Faulkner, was instrumental in founding the SIE program and currently serves as the program advisor.
“It is an incredible honor to have this program recognized on an international stage by the premier business school accreditation body’s Innovations That Inspire initiative,” said Faulkner. “This program is the result of meaningful collaboration with our partners at Morgan Stanley and CeriFi, who have been instrumental in helping prepare students for careers in finance.”
Faulkner highlighted the broad support and collaborative effort behind the initiative, stating,“There are so many people to thank for supporting me and being a part of this initiative, thank you to all. I’m especially grateful to our students; their drive, curiosity, and motivation to go above and beyond is what truly inspires all of us.”
Assistant Professor of Finance, Matthew Faulkner with his Fall 2024 SIE students at a networking meeting, where they engaged with industry professionals.
“This year’s Innovations That Inspire honorees exemplify the power of collaboration between business and higher education in driving positive change,” said Lily Bi, AACSB president and CEO. “The SJSU Lucas College and Graduate School of Business’s dedication to industry-centered education showcases how business schools are fostering innovation and ensuring graduates enter the workforce ready to make an immediate impact.”
Since its launch in 2016, the Innovations That Inspire program has recognized 266 business school initiatives for their trailblazing contributions to education, research, societal impact, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Support for the 2025 Innovations That Inspire initiative is provided by the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business.
View all Innovations That Inspire highlights at aacsb.edu/innovations-that-inspire.
About AACSB International
Established in 1916, AACSB International (AACSB) is the world’s largest business education association, connecting educators, learners, and businesses to create the next generation of great leaders. With members in over 100 countries and territories, AACSB elevates the quality and impact of business schools globally. Learn how AACSB and business schools from around the world are leading boldly in business education at aacsb.edu.
About Lucas College and Graduate School of Business
Lucas College and Graduate School of Business faculty, staff, students and alumni consistently make a significant impact in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Many graduates have gone on to excel in various industries, with a notable presence in Silicon Valley. These organizations recognize and value the exceptional education and skills our alumni bring to their roles, making San José State University a key contributor to the region’s thriving economy. With competitive tuition and outstanding career outcomes, our college is among the top institutions for return on investment (ROI), delivering unparalleled value for money in higher education. We offer MBA, PMBA, MSFA, MSAA and MSTM degrees at the graduate level and 14 different BSBA concentrations at the undergraduate level, the largest set of offerings among the CSUs. These include accounting, accounting information systems, business analytics, corporate accounting & finance, entrepreneurship, finance, general business, hospitality, tourism, & event management, human resources management, international business, management, management information systems, marketing, and operations & supply chain management.