Higher Learning Commission Reaffirms A-State Accreditation for Next 10 Years

07/25/2024

JONESBORO - The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the institutional accrediting body for Arkansas State University, has notified Chancellor Todd Shields of its decision to accept the visiting team's report on A-State, thereby reaffirming the institution's accreditation. The HLC team visited the campus for a comprehensive review in April.
The letter from Barbara Gellman-Danley, HLC president, said that the Institutional Actions Council (IAC) of the HLC voted last week to affirm the accreditation under the "Open Pathway" until the 2033-2034 academic year.
The Open Pathway, in which A-State was recently approved to participate, allows the university the opportunity to pursue improvement projects meeting current needs and objectives.

"Receiving reaccreditation for the next decade is critical to Arkansas State University's continued success because it affirms a commitment to our mission and values," said Dr. Shields.
In the modern higher education environment, HLC has additional mandates from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and state coordinating/governing boards like the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

"Looking ahead, A-State will build on this success by focusing on our strategic priorities of enhancing our academic programs, learning support services, community engagement and industry partnerships in service to our students and the state of Arkansas," Shields continued.

Dr. Melanie Wicinski, accreditation liaison officer at A-State, said more than 50 faculty, staff and students served on six committees. Those involved worked to write the assurance argument, led by the Office of Accreditation and Assessment.

"This impressive outcome is an indication of the dedication and hard work exhibited by members of the university community and reflects the exceptional work done at Arkansas State University to ensure the success of our student body," said Wicinski, associate vice chancellor for accreditation and assessment.

Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor, added how vital the work done by the accreditation and assessment team is to the future of A-State.
"An uneventful accreditation renewal is a testament to the outstanding work of Dr. Melanie Wicinski and her team, who guided A-State through the review process. It also reflects the collaborative efforts of the students, faculty and staff who contributed to our comprehensive institutional report. The HLC peer reviewers recognized their excellent teamwork and clear vision of our university," said White.
On the path to accreditation, Wicinski said a team of five from peer or aspirant universities visited and completed a report for HLC. The team interviewed a wide range of individuals from the community.
HLC accredits the institution, not individual academic programs. Arkansas State was first accredited in 1928 and has had continuous accreditation since that time.

Students walking across the A-State campus.