As a campus community, we were asked to take part in the on-site visit with Higher Learning Commission (HLC) peer reviewers. And as a community — students, faculty and staff — you delivered.

You attended forums. You shared your experiences. You gave thoughtful, specific answers. You wore your favorite Bear Wear and Maroon. But this shouldn’t surprise anyone — you’re Bears.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

The on-site visit we just completed was a crucial step in our goal to attain reaffirmation of our HLC accreditation. In the coming weeks, the peer reviewers who visited us will draft a report, which will be submitted to an HLC decision-making body. That group’s decision will be shared with university leadership, who will share it with campus.

Until then, we can all take pride in the way we welcomed the peer reviewers and demonstrated our commitment to our mission. It was an honor to host them for an outstanding visit.

“The reaffirmation of our HLC accreditation is one of the most significant things we will do together,” says Provost Clarenda Phillips. “The success of this on-site visit is something we truly accomplished together, as the Mo State community.”

Heartfelt Thanks

For the past three years, the HLC Oversight Committee has worked to create our Assurance Argument, collect evidence to support the reaffirmation of our accreditation, and prepare for the peer reviewers’ visit.

HLC Oversight Committee

Co-chairs:

• Mary Bohlen, Assessment and Accreditation Consultant
• Mark Woolsey, Director of Assessment and Accreditation

Committee members:

• 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
• Dr. Kelly Wood, Associate Provost for Student Success

In addition to those who served on the committee, many people contributed to this process by supplying supporting evidence, reviewing the Assurance Argument, reading the HLC Executive Summary, promoting the peer reviewers’ visit, attending HLC forums and encouraging others to participate.

“This experience exemplifies the Mo State spirit,” says President Richard Williams. “Your willingness to help, your patient collaboration and your steadfast commitment to our mission serve as excellent reminders that every day is a great day to be a Bear.”