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, Interim 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, and a Faculty Senate Representative. This committee guides the overall process, setting priorities, reviewing progress, and addressing challenges. The committee is supported by a Project Manager, Lucy Bowen, Director of Administration in the Office of the Provost, and an Assistant Project Manager, Cindy Hart, Project Manager in the Office of the Provost, 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, Program Director of ADVANCE

Donna Mohr, Director of Retention

Ashley Lemmons, Associate Dean of Students

Casey Gogno, Data Governance Officer

William Gaudelli, Senior Vice Provost for Educational Innovation and Assessment; Dean on Assignment

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.

William Gaudelli, Senior Vice Provost for Educational Innovation and Assessment; Dean on Assignment

Emily Ford, Director of Coordinated Advising

Bill Whitney, Assistant Vice Provost for Experiential Learning Programs

Standard IV

Co-led by Katherine Lavinder, Interim Dean of Students, 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

Amanda Connolly, Director, International Students & Scholars

Denise Beautreau, Director of Student Access and Success

Kathleen Hutnik, Associate Deputy Provost for Graduate Education

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, Interim 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

Frank Roth, General Counsel

Chris Halladay, Associate Vice President for Human Resources