In March, we’ll welcome peer reviewers from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for an on-site visit. It’s the ultimate step in the ongoing reaffirmation process of HLC accreditation. This is the most comprehensive accreditation process we undergo because it evaluates our whole institution — including our academic offerings, governance and adherence to our mission, along with our resources and financial sustainability.

HLC accreditation is a continuous effort that helps ensure we’re delivering on our commitment to students while maintaining good stewardship of our resources. Every 10 years, we complete a comprehensive evaluation like this one. Our most recent comprehensive visit took place in 2015, and we’ve maintained continuous accreditation since 1915.

How you can help

Before peer reviewers arrive on campus in March, we’ll submit an Assurance Argument to HLC. This is a written document that demonstrates how we align with the criteria and core components the reviewers will use to evaluate us. The HLC oversight committee has worked diligently to prepare our Assurance Argument, and it’s now ready for review by our campus community.

If you can, take time to review the Assurance Argument and provide any feedback you believe will be helpful to committee members. They plan to finalize the Assurance Argument in December so it’s ready to submit in January.

If you don’t have time to review the full Assurance Argument, you can still be part of the process. This fall, HLC oversight committee members will present a summary of the Assurance Argument at various campus meetings, such as Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, University Council and Student Government Association. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to familiarize yourself with our case for continuing accreditation.

In February, an executive briefing about HLC accreditation will be delivered to campus mailboxes. It all leads up to our on-site visit, which is scheduled for March 30–31. When peer reviewers are on campus, you’ll have the chance to attend their open forums. We’d love to see every Bear make time for an open forum. This will help provide HLC’s peer reviewers with a full, rich picture of our campus.

To learn more about the HLC accreditation process, visit MissouriState.edu/HLC2026 for FAQs, a timeline of events and other details.

Recognizing the HLC oversight committee

I want to express gratitude to the HLC oversight committee for its dedicated service. The committee is led by Mark Woolsey, director of assessment and accreditation, and Mary Bohlen, assessment and accreditation consultant.

Committee members include Dr. Algerian Hart, professor in the School of Health Sciences; Dr. Egon Heidendal, associate provost for institutional effectiveness; Dr. Tamera Jahnke, dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences; Dr. Clarenda Phillips, provost/vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Shawn Wahl, dean of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities; Dr. Andrea Weber, assistant vice president for student affairs/dean of students; and Dr. Kelly Wood, associate provost for student success.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff