After civil rights legislation opened doors to corporate America, HBCUs strengthened their business and accounting programs. Under Dean Craig's leadership A&T became the fourth HBCU with an AACSB-accredited business program and the first HBCU to earn that distinction for its accounting program.

Over Dean Craig's 41-year tenure, he inspired thousands of students, many of whom were first-generation college graduates, who emerged as leaders across various sectors, including corporate, entrepreneurial, government, nonprofit, and academic fields. A&T also became a leading institution in the nation to graduate African American CPAs.

Dean Craig was the second African American CPA in Missouri in 1969; the first African American to earn a PhD in accounting from the University of Missouri in 1971; and the tenth African American in the United States to hold that credential, along with a CPA and an MBA.

He was also the first African American and HBCU representative to serve as a president of the Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and Beta Gamma Sigma, further diversifying leadership in American business school education.