PNC HLC Accreditation Team Assigned

Purdue University North Central has learned from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that it has named the members of the visiting evaluation team for the upcoming PNC comprehensive evaluation visit on April 18 to 20.

PNC has been accredited by the Commission since 1971. Its accreditation is at the bachelor's degree granting level. For the past two years PNC has been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the commission's requirements and criteria for accreditation. The evaluation team will visit PNC to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the commission a status for PNC. The commission will take the final action.

The HLC is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs. Accreditation is voluntary. The commission accredits some 1,100 institutions of higher education in a 19-state region. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The accreditation team members are:

• Dr. Leslie D. Crall, team chair, associate dean, School of Business and Technology, Southwestern Oklahoma State University. His accreditation expertise is in assessment of student learning, student affairs and athletics.
• Dr. Georgia Jo Christensen, dean of the School of Graduate, Professional and Adult Education, Viterbo University, LaCrosse, Wisc. Her accreditation experience is in adult degree completion, faculty evaluation and development and enrollment management and retention.
• Dr. Narbeth Emmanuel, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Ill. Emmanuel's accreditation experience is in athletics, planning, first year experience and international programs.
• Dr. Thomas Krepel, president, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, W.Va. He has accreditation experience is in governance, community services and engagement.
• Dr. Brenda Mitchell, associate provost for Academic Affairs, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. Mitchell has her accreditation expertise is in Academic Affairs.
• Dr. David Underwood, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, Arkansas Technical University, Russellville, Ark. His is a specialist for the HLC in Change Chapters.