Higher Learning Commission reaffirms Missouri State’s accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission has reaffirmed Missouri State University's accreditation for another 10 years. The official notification follows a comprehensive evaluation process that included an on-site visit to Missouri State by a team of HLC peer reviewers.

The commission's report indicates Missouri State meets all criteria and core components for reaffirmation of accreditation.

An HLC review team visited campus March 30-31 and met with faculty, staff and students. Before arriving on campus, the team reviewed Missouri State's assurance argument and supporting evidence, which demonstrated how the university meets HLC's criteria for accreditation.

"This reaffirmation is an important milestone for Missouri State University and a reflection of the outstanding work happening across our campus every day," said President Richard B. Williams. "I'm incredibly proud of our faculty, staff and students, whose commitment to academic excellence, continuous improvement and our public affairs mission made this achievement possible. Earning unqualified reaffirmation is something our entire university community should celebrate."

HLC Oversight Committee

An HLC Oversight Committee led the university's preparation for the site visit and reaffirmation process. Members of the committee included Mary Bohlen, Dr. Algerian Hart, Dr. Egon Heidendal, Dr. Tamera Jahnke, Dr. Clarenda Phillips, Dr. Shawn Wahl, Dr. Andrea Weber, Dr. Kelly Wood and Mark Woolsey.

"I'd like to commend the oversight committee and every individual who has worked on the reaffirmation process for their commitment," Williams said. "Their preparation put Missouri State in a strong position for a successful evaluation."

What the criteria cover

HLC's reaffirmation is based on four Criteria for Accreditation, which address an institution's mission, integrity, teaching and learning, and overall effectiveness. Examples of the criteria's requirements include:

• Mission alignment: In fulfilling its mission, the institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.
• In discharging its fiduciary duties, the institution's governing board is free from undue external influence and empowered to act in the best interests of the institution, including the students it serves.
• The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments and support services and evaluates their effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. The rigor and quality of each educational program is consistent regardless of modality, location or other differentiating factors.

The Higher Learning Commission is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of the regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region. Missouri State has been continuously accredited by the HLC since 1915.