To effectively manage and complete the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) self-study process, our institution has established a comprehensive organizational structure designed to ensure thorough oversight, collaboration, and adherence to accreditation standards.
Leadership and Oversight
At the top of the structure are Joseph Helble, President, and Nathan Urban, Provost, who provide institutional leadership and strategic guidance throughout the self-study process. Their roles ensure alignment with the university's mission and priorities.
Steering Committee
The Middle States Accreditation Steering Committee provides leadership, oversight, and coordination for the institution’s self-study process. The committee ensures that all aspects of the self-study align with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Standards for Accreditation, institutional priorities, and strategic goals. The Steering Committee serves as the central decision-making and coordination body for the self-study. Co-led by Terry-Ann Jones, Deputy Provost for Undergraduate Education, and Yenny Anderson, Associate Vice President for Institutional Data, the committee includes key university leaders and representatives, such as Nathan Urban, Provost, Chris Cook, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dan Warner, Vice Provost for Admissions, Mark Erickson, Interim Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Chris Halladay, Associate Vice President, Peter Zeitler, Faculty Senate Chair and Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, and Faculty members: Brook Sawyer, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Education, Douglas Mahony, Associate Professor of Management, College of Business, Lawrence Tartaglia, Teaching Associate Professor and Associate Chair for the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Niels Holten-Andersen, Associate Professor of Bioengineering and Materials, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering, and Shan Li, Assistant Professor for the Department of Community and Global Health and Department of Education and Human Services. This committee guides the overall process, setting priorities, reviewing progress, and addressing challenges. The committee is supported by Project Managers, Lucy Bowen, Director of Administration in the Office of the Provost, Heather Huggins, Administrative Specialist in the Office of the Provost, and Hollie Tran, Administrative Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Data, to manage logistics and maintain momentum.
The Compliance Committee, co-led by Michael Dills-Allen, Registrar, and Alex Dunn, Director of Compliance, is responsible for ensuring that the institution meets all Middle States Commission on Higher Education Requirements of Affiliation and federal compliance obligations. This committee will review institutional policies, procedures, and documentation to verify adherence to accreditation and regulatory requirements. The inclusion of a Baker Tilly representative emphasizes the focus on external compliance and auditing.
Working Groups by Standard
The self-study process is further divided into seven Working Groups, each addressing one of the MSCHE Standards for Accreditation.
Standard I
Co-led by Donald Outing, Vice President for Equity and Community, and Lucy Bowen, Director of Administration, this group focuses on the institution's mission, goals, and alignment with its strategic objectives.
Kim Nimmo, Director of Risk Management
Alex Radus, Associate General Counsel
Jenna Lay, Vice Chair of the Faculty Senate
Marci Levine, Director of Faculty Development and Success
Donna Mohr, Director of Retention
Ashley Lemmons, Associate Dean of Students
Casey Gogno, Data Governance Officer
Warren Loller, Director of Budget Office
Janele Krzywicki, Director of Faculty Affairs
Standard II
Co-led by Dom Packer, Associate Vice Provost for Research, and Naomi Coll, Director for Research Compliance, this group examines the ethical framework and integrity of institutional practices.
Greg Reihman, Vice Provost Library and Technology Services
Ian Oakley, Assistant General Counsel
Kathleen Hutnik, Associate Deputy Provost for Graduate Education
Debbie Laible, Professor of Psychology
Standard III
Co-led by Erica Hoelscher, Associate Dean, and Lori McClaind, Associate Dean of Students, this group evaluates academic programs and the quality of the student learning experience.
Emily Ford, Director of Coordinated Advising
Bill Whitney, Assistant Vice Provost for Experiential Learning Programs
Jessica Jackson, Program Manager in the Office of the Provost
Standard IV
Co-led by Katherine Lavinder, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Jason Schiffer, Chief of Police, this group reviews services and systems that support student success. Standard V: Educational Effectiveness Assessment
Brooke DeSipio, Director of Survivor Support and Intimacy Education
Jennifer Mertz, Assistant Vice Provost of Financial Services and Financial Aid Director
Suzanne Schafer, Associate Director of Admissions
Denise Beautreau, Director of Student Access and Success
Kathleen Hutnik, Associate Deputy Provost for Graduate Education
Dugeidy Ortiz, Assistant to the Vice President in the Office of Special Projects
Standard V
Co-led by Kelly Austin, Associate Dean, and Sabrina Jedlicka, Deputy Provost for Graduate Education, this group assesses the institution’s methods for evaluating educational outcomes.
Lisa Collins, Director, Office of Professional Certification
Naomi Rothman, Associate Dean and Director of Undergraduate Programs, College of Business
Derick Brown, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
Standard VI
Co-led by Warren Loller, Director of Budgets, and Chris Cook, Vice President for Finance and Administration, this group focuses on financial planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.
Mark Ironside, Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Services
Nancy Trainer, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Campus Planning
David Hammer, Treasurer
Mark Erickson, Interim Vice President, Strategic Planning & Initiatives
Carol Packard, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
Standard VII
Co-led by Larry Snyder, Deputy Provost for Faculty Affairs, and Brett Ludwig, Vice President of University Communications, this group analyzes institutional governance and administrative structures.
Erik Walker, Chief of Staff, Office of the President
Chris Halladay, Associate Vice President for Human Resources