Episodes

In Part 2 of our special two-part series, we welcome back renowned futurist and author Bryan Alexander to the Accreditation Insights podcast. Bryan, anesteemed futurist, researcher, and author, is known for his profound insights into the evolving landscape of higher education. Bryan has critically explored the intersections of technology, academia, and climate change in his notable works,"Universities on Fire: Higher Education in the Climate Crisis" and "Academia Next: The Futures of Higher Educ...

In Part 1 of our special two-part series, we welcome renowned futurist and author Bryan Alexander to the Accreditation Insights podcast. Bryan, an esteemed futurist, researcher, and author, is known for his deep insights into the evolving landscape of higher education. Bryan has critically explored the intersections of technology, academia, and climate change in his notable works, "Universities on Fire: Higher Education in the Climate Crisis" and "Academia Next: The Futures ofHigher Education." ...

Today’s conversation takes us behind the scenes of mortuary science education—an essential and often misunderstood field within higher education. Join me, Dr. Laurie Shanderson, and guest co-host Dana Bond as we speak with Tyler Wright, MBA, Executive Vice President and COO of Pierce Mortuary Colleges. Since 2015, Tyler has been a driving force in maintaining excellence andaccreditation standards across multiple campuses dedicated to mortuary science. From workforce demands to accreditation co...

In this episode of Accreditation Insights, we’re honored to feature SorayaMadriaza Ciocca, the Dean of Student Life at Universidad Mayor in Chile —aninternationally recognized expert in inclusive practices within accreditation.In this robust conversation, we explore how accreditation can move beyondcompliance to become a strategic tool for advancing diversity, equity, andinclusion across higher education. Join host Dr. Laurie Shanderson for an insightful conversation on how accreditation can ev...

Drs. Shanderon and Kahanov are proud to partner with Rock Pixel Scissors to bring you this latest episode of Accreditation Insights! In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. R. Lawrence Schall, President of the New England Commissionof Higher Education (NECHE). Dr. Schall also serves on the Board of Spelman College, one of the nation’s top-ranked historically Black women’s colleges, and has played a pivotal role in shaping accreditation policies that impactinstitutions nationwid...

In this episode of Accreditation Insights, we are privileged to have Dr. Belle Wheelan with us, a leading figure in accreditation, as the soon-to-be former President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In this episode, we delve into Dr. Wheelan's impactful career, her insights on the current state of accreditation, and her perspectives on the evolving accreditation landscape and what we need to consider as we move forward. Needing institutional ...

In this second part of the two-part episode, we explore the evolving landscape of higher education and its financial challenges with Joshua Travis Brown, author of "Capitalizing on College." In his book, Joshua reveals the critical financial pressures facing tuition-driven institutions and their innovative strategies for sustaining their missions. We will delve into the implications of these strategies and explore what they mean for the future of higher education. Join us as we navigate the intr...

In this two-part episode, we explore the evolving landscape of higher education and its financial challenges with Joshua Travis Brown, author of "Capitalizing on College: A Guide to Financial Success in Higher Education." In his book, Joshua reveals the critical financial pressures facing tuition-driven institutions and their innovative strategies for sustaining their missions. We will delve into the implications of these strategies and explore what they mean for the future of higher education. ...

In this episode of Accreditation Insights, we're honored to host Bonnie Ricci, the Executive Director of the International Commission Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA).Bonnie's leadership has been pivotal in shaping and enhancing the accreditation standards for independent schools globally. Join us as we explore her role, the impact of ICAISA, and the future of accreditation in independent education. Virtual Atlantic, the creators of JETPACK®, sponsored this episode of Accredi...

In this episode of Accreditation Insights, we are privileged to host Jane Larsson,Executive Director of the Council of International Schools (CIS). With a career spanning over 25 years in international education, Jane has been at the forefront of fostering global citizenship through education. Under her leadership, CIS has grown to encompass over 1,350 member institutions across more than 125 countries, setting rigorous international education andaccreditation standards. Join us as we explore th...

In today's podcast, we delve into the evolving landscape of online education and the critical role of accreditation in maintaining quality standards. Our esteemed guest, Deb Adair, Executive Director of Quality Matters, shares her insights on the importance of accreditation in ensuring effective and equitable online learning experiences. Join us as we explore how Quality Matters leads the charge in enhancing educational outcomes through rigorous accreditation processes. Virtual Atlantic, the cre...

In this episode, we're excited tohost Ruth Slotnick, Director of Assessment at Bridgewater State University, join us. Ruth pioneered blending data-driven strategies with creative solutions in higher education. Her work leveraging AI for qualitative research has positioned her as a thought leader in educational assessment. She has published the paper “A Cautionary Tale” on how assessment professionals can leverage generative AI for qualitative research. Join us as we delve into her innovative met...

In this episode of the Accreditation Insights podcast, I am pleased to welcome Chuck Ambrose, co-author of the seminal book, "Colleges on theBrink." This book is an indispensable resource, offering deep insights andguidance for seasoned and aspiring administrators. Our rich and enlightening discussion examined the pressing challenges presented in the book within the context of today's higher education landscape. We explored strategic approaches for institutions grappling with existential threats...

In this episode of the Accreditation Insights podcast, we're honored to host K. Rzucidlo M.S., a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate at Howard University, making significant strides in accreditation research focusing on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Fresh from presenting at the 2025 CHEA conference, K. Rzucidlo shares insights from their research and the impactful discussions on the conference theme “Quality Assurance in an Era of Change: Reflect, Reimagine, Recommit." Needing in...

In this episode of the Accreditation Insights podcast, we're joined by André Foisy, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Educational Policy & Leadership at the University of Albany and the Director of Assessment and Program Review at SUNY Empire State University. André brings awealth of experience from his roles in assessment and accreditation, and as a2022 CHEA fellow. In our discussion, he shares his insights on how institutionalaccreditation can be viewed as a policy-guided negotiation. Nee...

In this episode of the Accreditation Insights podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Yates, a seasoned expertin the field of accreditation. Dr. Yates serves as the Director ofAccreditation at the INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR BUSINESS EDUCATION (IACBE),where she is pivotal in mentoring members, facilitating site visits, and overseeing comprehensive accreditation and compliance submission reviews. Her extensive experience in academia and the business sector gives her a unique pers...

In this episode, we're delighted to haveCatherine Wehlburg, President of Athens University in Alabama, an esteemed accreditation figure, join us again. Recently, Catherine attended the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) conference, and she's here to share her valuable insights and reflections. We'll also discuss her latest activities in accreditation and address any emerging challenges she sees on the horizon. Topics Discussed Presidential takeaways from the recentCHEA conference...

In this episode, Shanderson and Pillarexplore the surface of how dismantling the DOE and political control caninfluence educational policy, specifically around the crucial aspect of accreditation and its broader impact on institutions, students, and the educational landscape. Topics Discussed Life without a Department of Education The most vulnerable to policy shifts in accreditation Navigating the unknown in an era of change Needing institutional or programmaticaccreditation support? Conta...

In this episode, Dr. Tricia BertramGallant, a globally recognized thought leader, speaker, and author in the fields of academic integrity, ethics, and teaching, has made significantcontributions to understanding and fostering integrity in education,particularly in this transformative era of artificial intelligence, is back to provideinvaluable guidance for educators, administrators, and policymakers. In thisepisode, we discuss the evolving definition of academic integrity in thedigital age, the ...

In this episode of Accreditation Insights, we're diving into the complex world of maintaining accreditation during institutional mergers. Tamara Ruth Ferry (retired) is joining us - an expert in accreditation processes and strategic planning. She is known for her role during the merger at Concordia University, which serves as an exemplar for institutional mergers today. We'll explore the challenges and strategies for preserving accreditation status during significant transitions. Topics Discuss...

In this episode, we're joined by a very special guest, Dan Futrell, who is at the helm of Polymath University, an innovative institution that seeks toredefine interdisciplinary learning. Dan shares the unique accreditation journeyfor Polymath University, highlighting the unique considerations faced. Thisconversation offers invaluable insights into the initial vision of fostering interdisciplinary learning at Polymath University, and that has shapedits approach to accreditation. Topics Discussed...

In this episode we welcome Edward M. Cramp, a distinguished lawyer and educator fresh from the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) conference, who brings a unique legal viewpoint to higher education accreditation. As an adjunct faculty member at Drexel University and a leader in the Duane Morris Education industry group, Mr. Cramp has a profound understanding of the intricacies of accreditation, regulatoryissues, and higher education law. Topics Discussed Impressions from the CHEA...

In this episode today, we are thrilled to have Dr. Archinya Ingram join us. Archinya brings an impressive 19-year tenure in higher education, marked by her dedication to academic administration, accreditation, and strategic planning. As a trailblazer in her field, she has been a vital force at Clinton College, serving in various capacities including Interim President and Senior Vice President. Notably, Archinya has made significant contributions as a PeerEvaluator for the Transnational Associati...

Welcome to another episode of theAccreditation Insights podcast. Today, we're joined by guest Dr. RobertoMaurice Robert, a visionary leader and distinguished educator whose expertisespans across education management, Christian ministry, leadership, anddiplomacy. Dr. Robert has played pivotal roles as the Founder, Chancellor, andPresident of the 21st Century Open University and has contributed significantly to the field of accreditation in various capacities. Join us as we delve into his extensiv...