In March 2026, we’ll welcome peer reviewers from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for an on-site visit. It’s part of HLC’s comprehensive evaluation — the ultimate step in an ongoing process that accredits our university as a whole.

Last spring, we spoke with Interim Provost Dr. Tamera Jahnke about the importance of HLC’s evaluation. It not only ensures we maintain our accreditation status; it also helps us assess whether we’re meeting our goals.

As Jahnke put it: “[It’s about] having someone ‘open up the hood’ and look at it with outside eyes so that we can be around for another 100 years.”

Comprehensive Evaluation

Before the on-site visit, we’ll submit an Assurance Argument to HLC. This is a written document that demonstrates how we align with the criteria and core components that HLC peer reviewers use to evaluate us. The Assurance Argument must include specific examples and evidence to support our assertions.

The oversight committee is working diligently toward this goal. Mark Woolsey, director of assessment and accreditation, and Mary Bohlen, assessment and accreditation consultant, shared the good news that drafts related to Criterion 1 and Criterion 2 are complete. These drafts address the following HLC criteria:

• Criterion 1: The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.
• Criterion 2: In fulfilling its mission, the institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.

How You Can Help

These drafts are now available for review and feedback. The committee would love to receive a vibrant cross section of faculty and staff input. The deadline to supply feedback is March 1.

As you review, don’t worry about exact phrasing; the entire Assurance Argument will receive a thorough polish before it’s submitted. At this point, it’s helpful to assist with fact checking and making sure our examples are as strong as possible.

“We need your help to tell our story,” Woolsey says. “That’s something [Dr. Janhke] keeps us focused on: This process is about telling the Missouri State story. Everything we do, whether it’s related to academics, facilities, community engagement or student experience, is part of our story.”

For example, you may know of an event, program or experience that demonstrates how we fulfill one of the criteria. If you don’t see this example included in the draft, use the feedback form to let the committee know about it. Or, there may be something that’s already included in the draft, and you may know additional information about it or have the ability to provide updated data. If so, please provide it via the feedback form. And you can also use the feedback form to request a meeting with a member of the committee.

The Assurance Argument has a specific word count, which means some stellar material just won’t fit. As Bohlen says, “We have to make tough choices.” If you share something with the committee and don’t see it reflected in the finished document, please keep it handy for the on-site visit, when we’ll have opportunities to share more with the peer reviewers who come to campus.

Review Available Drafts by March 1

What’s Next

The section of the Assurance Argument that addresses Criterion 3 is currently in development; it will be available for review later this spring. The section for Criterion 4 will be drafted this summer and ready for feedback in the fall.

The entire Assurance Argument will then receive a thorough polish and revision. Bohlen and Woolsey say it’s on track for submission next January, and they’re grateful for the collaboration and support of our campus community.

“Our people — the students, faculty and staff — they create this place, and they are the story,” Bohlen says. “We want to share their experiences because they make Missouri State what it is.”

Around Campus…

The search for the next leader of the Graduate College has begun. Dr. Jake Simmons, associate dean of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, is serving as chair of the search committee.

A detailed job description is available. The first date of consideration is February 21; review of applications will continue until the position is filled.