Innovation in Higher Education Accreditation: How NECHE Leads Change

Gone are the days of counting library books and checking boxes. With average presidential tenure plummeting to less than five years and a wave of institutional mergers reshaping American higher education, understanding the evolution from prescriptive to nuanced accreditation has become paramount for institutional survival.

In this podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton, in discussion with Dr. Lawrence "Larry" Schall, President of the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), shares insights on how accreditation has transformed from a compliance exercise into a partnership that helps institutions navigate contemporary challenges while maintaining academic quality and institutional accountability.

Transformative Trends in Institutional Consolidation

Demographic challenges are driving unprecedented changes in higher education structure. According to Schall, New England's unfavorable demographics have accelerated institutional mergers and consolidations, with public systems leading transformative change:

• 12 Connecticut community colleges have consolidated into a single college with multiple campuses
• Five Vermont state colleges merged to create Vermont State University.
• Maine pioneered the country's first system-wide consolidated accreditation.

This seismic shift in institutional organization signals a fundamental change in how accrediting bodies must approach quality assurance and institutional oversight.

Pioneering Approaches to Accreditation Innovation

The conversation around accreditation has moved beyond traditional compliance to encompass comprehensive institutional transformation. NECHE exemplifies this evolution through:

• Implementation of accelerated degree programs
• Authorization of Spanish-language graduate programs within the U.S.
• Expansion of international accreditation
• Support for innovative educational delivery models

Meeting Modern Higher Education Challenges

NECHE's approach demonstrates how accreditors can maintain rigorous standards while supporting institutional innovation:

• Trust-based relationships with member institutions
• Regular presidential appearances before the commission
• Proactive communication about institutional challenges
• Flexible standards that encourage innovation while ensuring quality

Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards

1. Leadership stability and board-president alignment are critical for institutional success. With presidential tenure averaging less than five years, institutions struggle to implement meaningful change. Strong alignment between boards and presidents is essential for effective governance and institutional advancement.
2. Traditional educational models are becoming outdated, with more innovation happening internationally than domestically. Institutions that proactively develop new models of education delivery are more likely to succeed in the next 25 years. Higher education leaders should look beyond conventional approaches to prepare for future disruption.
3. The independence of higher education from government control is increasingly at risk. Political intervention in curriculum, governance, and accreditation threatens the fundamental strength of the American higher education system. Institutions must work to maintain their autonomy while demonstrating accountability and quality.

Navigating accreditation challenges, merger discussions, or innovative program implementation can feel overwhelming. Your institution's mission and values matter. The Change Leader partners with you to tackle these complex challenges head-on, helping you stay true to who you are while meeting accreditation standards. We get it - you're not just another merger statistic. Your institution's unique identity and future matter.

These are just some of the key insights and opportunities you will hear in this podcast—listen to the full episode for more.

Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/accreditation-neche-style-from-prescriptive-to-nuanced/

#HigherEducation #HigherEducationAccreditation #HigherEdChallenges

About Our Podcast Guest

Dr. Lawrence Schall joined the Commission staff as President in 2020. Previously, he served as President of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, for 15 years. During his tenure, Dr. Schall led the transformation of Oglethorpe from an at-risk institution to a university boasting a doubled class size and rigorous spending safeguards, raised over one hundred million dollars, and secured a solid financial outlook for the institution. Schall currently serves on the Board of Spelman College, the highly-ranked historically Black women’s college also in Atlanta.

President Schall received his undergraduate degree from Swarthmore College and his J.D. and Ed. D. from the University of Pennsylvania. After practicing law as a civil rights attorney in Philadelphia for a decade, he served as Vice President of Administration at Swarthmore for 15 years before assuming the Presidency of Oglethorpe.

Visit President Schall's blog, NECHE On The Road, to learn more about him and his work at the Commission.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is Principal Consultant and CEO of The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience. Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.

Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.

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