Dear Colleagues,
Last week, we hosted a peer evaluation team from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) as part of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's . Over the course of the , the team met with more than 20 groups, including students, faculty, staff, university leaders, and regents, and reviewed our alignment with accreditation standards and our mission as an institution.
We’re delighted to share that the team has put forward four commendations and no recommendations, a result that is very rare in higher education. This marks the second consecutive accreditation cycle in which 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ received no recommendations, reflecting years of coordinated, sustained work across the campus community.
The team specifically commended 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ for:
- A commitment to student success evident throughout the institution
- Collaborative efforts in student success and retention that have resulted in noteworthy increases in graduation rates
- Great strides in developing a data infrastructure that supports evidence-based decision making
- A well-vetted and well-supported process for transitioning programs to fully online formats
This outcome is a reflection of more than a decade of intentional work to improve student outcomes, strengthen the academic infrastructure, and build a culture of continuous improvement. From advising to assessment, from data systems to instructional innovation, teams across the university have contributed to the efforts that led to this result.
We want to offer our sincere thanks to Lindsay Couzens, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Effectiveness, and Laura Gryder, Campus Accreditation Coordinator, for leading the preparation of our self-study report and organizing the site visit. We are also grateful to Kyle Kaalberg, former Executive Director for Strategy and Strategic Initiatives, for his many years of thoughtful work in support of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s accreditation processes. Last year, Kyle made the decision to transition into a new role as Assistant Professor in Residence in the School of Integrated Health Sciences in order to return to his passion for teaching and student mentorship. A special thank you also to Tondra De, Chief of Staff, who provided critical support throughout the process and careful editing of the report, as well as her ongoing contributions across a wide range of university initiatives.
And of course, thank you to the many faculty, staff, and students who contributed their time by helping to draft the report, attending forums, meeting with evaluators, and sharing honest and thoughtful reflections about their experience at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. The visiting team told us they were struck not just by the quality of the work, but by the pride and care our community members bring to it. Your participation at every stage truly made a difference. Ultimately, the positive review reflects the work of every person on the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ campus! Thank you for what you do each day to make 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ such a great university.
We expect to receive the draft evaluation report soon, with final reaccreditation expected later this summer following NWCCU Board action.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue sharing 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s story. This Wednesday, April 9, a delegation from the university will travel to Carson City for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Day at the Nevada Legislature. It’s a chance to recognize alumni serving in public office, highlight our legislative priorities, and showcase how 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ continues to advance opportunity and progress in Southern Nevada and throughout the state.
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is a place where vitally important work is happening every day. Even as the external environment for higher education grows more complex, our focus stays on our students and our mission. We continue to offer one of the most affordable, high-value degrees in the country, and we’re proud that a 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ education remains one of the best investments a student can make in their future.
With gratitude,
Chris Heavey
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Officer in Charge
Kate Hausbeck Korgan
Officer in Charge, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost