When accreditation is mentioned to faculty, education specialists, and university management, thoughts often turn to rigorous work and regulatory requirements. However, these processes serve as vital tools for quality assurance and continuous improvement. As an accreditation professional, Nathalie L'Huillier, Vice-Chair of EHL Certification Commission Certification & Accreditation Manager, has seen the value these processes bring beyond compliance.
In 2020, amid the pandemic, Nathalie joined EHL Hospitality Business School to work on the AACSB project. EHL’s reputation as a leading hospitality management school drew her in and EHL’s commitment to excellence has continued over the past four years with several significant accreditations, each marking a milestone in its evolution.
Founded in 1893, EHL became a University of Applied Sciences in 1998 through its association with HES-SO. This affiliation brought institutional accreditation and federal recognition of its degree programs. Seeking additional accreditations, EHL turned to international standards, starting with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) in 1998, which catalyzed internal changes and expanded EHL's global reach.
EHL’s journey continued with AACSB International membership in 2016. AACSB accreditation, achieved in 2024, affirmed EHL's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and curriculum development. This accreditation reinforces EHL’s competitiveness and ability to attract talented students and forge new partnerships.
Accreditations are significant for EHL as they ensure continuous improvement and align with EHL’s mission of combining academia and hospitality to foster innovative practices. This commitment is evident in EHL's comprehensive internal governance, competency frameworks, and sustainability initiatives.
As Dr. Juan-Francisco Perellon, Chief Academic Officer of EHL Group, states, “EHL's journey of innovation and excellence is a testament to our faculty's expertise and passion, inspiring sustainable growth for our students, partners, and industry.”