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Accreditation
AccreditationReaffirmationPast AccreditationQuality InitiativeAccreditation 101Steering CommitteeFAQ
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UPCOMING ACCREDITATION YEAR: 2025-2026

Site visit date of April 20-21, 2026

Mission of the Steering Committee

To facilitate alignment of the OSU mission and strategic plan through guidance and support during the university’s journey toward the upcoming Reaffirmation of Accreditation under the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Goals

The steering committee will oversee the following goals by achieving the objectives listed in the Objectives of Steering Committee section. The goals are as follows:
  • Thoroughly and proactively organize and plan for the upcoming HLC Reaffirmation of Accreditation visit,
  • Address any questions and adjust for any challenges that may arise during the Reaffirmation of Accreditation process,
  • Reflect deeply and creatively about the existing processes and procedures at OSU that support the success of students, staff, and faculty,
  • Create a robust and adaptable preparation process for the assurance argument which will highlight OSU’s existing support resources for all institutional stakeholders and future plans for improvement, and
  • Provide collaboration, insight, and other necessary efforts toward the shared responsibility of ensuring a successful comprehensive evaluation visit in 2025-2026.

Steering Committee

Dr. Chris Francisco
Dr. Chris Francisco
Dr. Chris Francisco - Dr. Francisco serves as Senior Vice Provost for the Division of Academic Affairs, currently in his 17th year at OSU. He earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Cornell University in 2004, and his research specialty is commutative algebra. In his role as Vice Provost, Dr. Francisco oversees curriculum, faculty issues, reappointment, promotion, and tenure, academic policy and legal issues, and interactions with the State Regents. As chair of the Steering Committee, he will be working with all criteria; all have significant aspects that intersect with his role as Vice Provost. "Accreditation is an endorsement that the university satisfies the mission that it has set out for itself, effectively teaching students, conducting research, serving the community through extension, and doing all this with integrity and a commitment to academic freedom. The process gives the university a chance to present a broad view of how it is implementing the 'We Are Land-Grant' strategy and how that strategy serves OSU's students, state, and the world."
Dr. Karen Hickman
Dr. Karen Hickman
Dr. Karen Hickman - I currently serve as a professor and Director of the Environmental Science Program as well as the Director of Undergraduate Research, Honors and Academic Assessment for Ferguson College of Agriculture. I have been in service at OSU for 20 years with an educational background of BS from Oklahoma State University Biomedical Sciences; Secondary Teaching Certificate from Northwestern Oklahoma State University; and a PhD in Biological Sciences from Kansas State University. My expertise and instutional knowledge includes Grassland Ecology/Rangeland Ecology focused primarily on the ecology of invasive forages. I have also served OSU in various roles including faculty, half-time Assistant Dean in the Academic Programs Office within Ferguson College of Agriculture, a Faculty Council Representative and on the Executive Committee as Chair of one of the standing committees. I will be focusing on Faculty/Assessment Criterion 1: Mission; Criterion 4: Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement; and Criterion 5 – Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning. As a long-term faculty/administrator at OSU (20 years), I have had the opportunity to work alongside others to insure the Mission of OSU is a constant focus. I have served on the Academic Assessment Improvement Council representing Ferguson College of Agriculture for 7 years and recently received the Champion for Student Learning Success. As a previous faculty council member, I have had the opportunity to learn a tremendous amount about the various resources and planning that occur within OSU. In the field of rangeland ecology and management, we establish best management practices to protect the native ecosystems we manage—accreditation of a university is similar in that it is also a best management practice that ensures our graduates are provided the highest level of education. This process also has in place mechanisms that provide for continued improvement through the years. Accreditation is not static, rather a process that stimulates and motivates programs to incorporate new information for their betterment.
Dr. Ryan Chung
Dr. Ryan Chung
Dr. Ryan Chung - Dr. Ryan Chung serves as the Assistant Vice Provost for Accreditation, Assessment and Testing at Oklahoma State University and the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) between the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the university. He joined the OSU family in 2017 as the Director of University Assessment and Testing developing his expertise in student learning outcomes assessment, survey design and reporting, academic program review, and institutional accreditation and compliance. In 2018, HLC selected Dr. Chung to serve as a Peer Reviewer, and he trained as an accreditation expert to evaluate and support continuous institutional improvement of HLC’s member institutions. His considerable experience in the field of assessment and comprehensive HLC training and accreditation expertise since 2011 provide a background for success as he helps guide OSU through the upcoming accreditation process. As Dr. Chung describes, here, he will work closely with the OSU Accreditation Reaffirmation Steering Committee and its individual members to develop a narrative with clear, corroborating, and comprehensive evidence that supports OSU’s compliance with each Core Component of the HLC Criteria: “To me, the meaning of accreditation is to ensure the accountability we have promised to all our students, faculty, staff, and the community of the public we serve. Our systematic review will reveal the quality of the criteria we have been asked to evaluate. We will provide evidence and supporting arguments that demonstrate concise alignment with, and support of, our institutional mission. All-in-all, this affirmation process is key to ensuring that the university provides clear evidence of our compliance and the high quality that our constituents and the public have the right to expect.”
Dr. Rob Lofton
Dr. Rob Lofton
Dr. Rob Lofton - Senior Associate Director, Scholarships - Dr. Rob Lofton joined OSU in 2007 and has an extensive educational background that focuses on higher education access. He oversees and manages many scholarship/ aid programs for the University. Dr. Lofton currently serves on the Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support sub-committee due to his vast institutional knowledge of resources and support groups on campus. “As a first-generation college student, I recognize firsthand higher education’s importance in providing a path forward. Oklahoma State University, a land-grant institution, strives to promote and foster improved access and student success. The accreditation process is critical with helping to achieve these outcomes because it ensures our campus community continuously aims to exceed goals and strives to enhance the quality education our students receive.”
Larry Burns
Larry Burns
Larry Burns - I'm Larry Burns, currently holding the position of Chief Data Officer at Oklahoma State University. With over a decade of service to OSU, my journey began in the admissions world and has now evolved into a role in Institutional Research & Analytics. My academic foundation was laid at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas, where I pursued my undergraduate degree in Business Administration and my master's degree in Higher Education Administration.In my capacity at OSU, my primary focus revolves around ensuring that administrators, faculty, and staff have seamless access to the data and information essential for effective operations, strategic planning, and insightful assessments. I am also involved in harnessing advanced analytics to enhance our understanding of student dynamics and operational efficiency. Through this role, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the myriad ways in which OSU positively impacts our students, our local community, and the broader global landscape.Drawing from this rich experience, I will work other members of the Steering Committee on the Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement criterion, as well as Institutional Effectiveness, Resources, and Planning criterion.Accreditation serves as a beacon, signifying the exceptional quality of our programs and the institution as a whole. This quality is something I encounter daily in my interactions across the OSU System. Our ongoing pursuit of accreditation reaffirmation is essential, as it provides tangible validation of the exceptional work we do. It attests to OSU's unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch programs and being the preeminent Land-Grant institution. Through this process, we solidify our position as a university that continually expands its positive impact on students, the community, and the world at large.
Rita Gearhart Peaster
Rita Gearhart Peaster
Rita Gearhart Peaster - University Registrar With over 26 years of continuous service to OSU, Rita Peaster has served as the University Registrar since 2018. Her journey at OSU began as an undergraduate student earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1989. After earning a Master of Science in Mathematics from Texas A&M University and working for six years as an actuarial analyst in the property and casualty insurance industry, she returned to the OSU Mathematics department in 1997 as a lecturer and taught a variety of lower-division courses. In 1999 she began a career in OSU’s Information Technology department where she worked for over six years, primarily in the role of project manager. Peaster joined the Office of the Registrar as Associate Registrar in 2006 and was instrumental in OSU’s implementation of the Banner Student system. She was honored with the University Service Award in 2016, is well-versed in OSU and State Regents policy, and regularly collaborates with campus constituents to identify and implement academic process improvements. She has served on the Executive Committee for the Oklahoma Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers from 2009-2015 and in various leadership roles with the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers since 2011, currently serving as Chair of the Information Systems and Technology Committee. Peaster’s role on the steering committee will focus on the following HLC criteria subcomponents: Criterion 1 – Mission Criterion 3 – Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources and Support Criterion 5 – Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning Accreditation symbolizes the cornerstone of OSU’s commitment to the highest standards of academic excellence, ethical conduct, and effectiveness. It provides our students with the assurance that they have chosen a university with verified quality educational standards, and that the OSU credentials they earn will equip them to achieve success in their personal and professional goals.
Dr. Stephen Clarke
Dr. Stephen Clarke
Dr. Stephen Clarke - Stephen L. Clarke is Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. Before that, he served as Senior Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Studies, and Faculty Affairs from 2022-2025 and Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences from 2017-2022. He is a member of the Board of Health and Human Sciences of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and is on the Executive Board of the Association of Nutrition Departments and Programs. After finishing his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. Since joining OSU as an assistant professor in 2007, Clarke has served the OSU campus in a variety of capacities as Department Head, Associate Department Head, Chair of OSU Faculty Council, Chair of the Healthcare and Wellness Committee, member of the OSU Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Council, and Faculty Athletics Representative. In addition to serving as an external program reviewer for Nutrition and Dietetic programs, he has been recognized as a Faculty Teaching Fellow, participated as a panelist for the OSU Academic Leadership Academy, and has presented faculty development workshops for the Institute of Teaching and Learning Excellence. Clarke’s research interests in nutrient-gene interactions are focused on bioactive food components and how these compounds reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. His work has been supported by the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA/National Institute for Food and Agriculture, and the National Institutes of Health. His commitment to the land-grant mission is reflected by his receipt of the Regent’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the Award for Excellence in Advisement, Mortar Board Golden Torch Award, the Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award, and the Marguerite Scruggs Award for Early Career Meritorious Research. Over the course of his career, Clarke has participated in comprehensive professional development and leadership training, including the Academic Leadership Academy, Educator’s Leadership Academy, and the Dannon Mid-Career Nutrition Leadership Institute. He is also an alumnus of the LEAD21 leadership-development program, which engages leaders in land-grant institutions and their strategic partners to lead more effectively within the increasingly complex higher education environment.
Becky Taylor
Becky Taylor
Becky Taylor - Currently serving as the Assistant Vice President for Provost's Priorities and Strategic Initiatives at Oklahoma State University, she’s involved in efforts to implement the strategic plan across the OSU system. She has served the university in this role since April of 2023. Becky brings a wealth of experience and a diverse background in public health, community development, higher education, and nonprofit management to her leadership roles. With a Master of Public Health from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Divinity from Golden Gate Seminary, Becky's expertise spans multiple sectors, enabling her to drive impactful initiatives. As Oklahoma State University aims to become the nation’s preeminent Land-Grant university, the accreditation process is instrumental in ensuring excellence and an exceptional quality of instruction, programs, and learning opportunities for every student.

Criteria Subcommittees

The members of each criterion subcommittee are working closely with members of the OSU HLC Steering Committee, Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), and various other individuals campus-wide to provide the most thorough and meaningful preparation for the upcoming HLC Reaffirmation of Accreditation visit. OSU recognizes that success through this process will come from discussions and transparent collaboration amongst all stakeholders across campus.

Goals

The criterion subcommittees will support the steering committee in achieving the stated goals in preparation for the HLC Reaffirmation of Accreditation visit. The goals are as follows:

  • Reflect deeply and creatively about existing processes and policies at OSU while identifying and addressing gaps, all in an effort to support the success of students, faculty, and staff,
  • Contribute critical institutional knowledge and experience to the planning process to identify the evidence best suited to supporting OSU’s continuous improvement for the future,
  • Facilitate and promote open communication and transparency regarding the accreditation process with OSU stakeholders, and
  • Collaborate as a team by sharing insights, resources, and feedback, and by organizing and revising evidence files to ensure a successful comprehensive evaluation visit in 2025-2026.

Reassurance Argument Writing Team

The members of the OSU HLC Writing Team work with the HLC Steering Committee, Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), and various others across campus to showcase OSU’s continuous progress in supporting today’s and tomorrow’s students, faculty, staff, and community. The OSU Writing Team will synthesize content and evidence files compiled by the OSU HLC Criteria Subcommittees to illustrate the achievements of the University in support of the OSU Mission.

A special “Thank You” to President Hess, Provost Mendez, Brandee Hancock, Megan Horton, and Denise Weaver for lending their institutional knowledge and expertise to the construction and review of the assurance argument.

  • Shannon Rigsby, Associate Director of Enterprise Brand Management and Public Information Officer, Brand Management
    Mack Burke, Associate Director of Media Relations, Brand Management
    Melanie Bayles, Coordinator of Academic Programs in Plant and Soil Sciences, Ferguson College of Agriculture
    Rachel Schmitz, Associate Professor of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences

  • Criterion 1: Mission – S. Rigsby/M. Burke
    Criterion 2: Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct – R. Schmitz/M. Bayles
    Criterion 3: Teaching and Learning for Student Success – M. Bayles/R. Schmitz
    Criterion 4: Sustainability: Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning – M. Burke/S. Rigsby

HLC On-Site Visit Logistics Planning Team

The members of the OSU HLC On-Site Visit Logistics Planning Team aid in planning all aspects of the on-site visit set to take place on April 20-21, 2026. This visit will involve hosting peer reviewers from OSU’s institutional accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and holding open forums for students, faculty, and staff to meet with the reviewers about their experiences at OSU. The Logistics Planning Team works to facilitate the visit; communicates with the Steering Committee, Accreditation Liaison Officer, and other key offices on campus; and ensures that the OSU community is ready for the visitors.

  • Logistics Planning Team Facilitators

    Chris Francisco, Senior Vice Provost, Academic Affairs
    Ryan Chung, Assistant Vice Provost for Accreditation, Assessment, and Testing, University Assessment and Testing

  • Kaley Barnicoat, Executive Communications Coordinator, Office of the President
    Gabby Nicklas, Director of Provost Affairs, Academic Affairs
    Ashley Varnell, Executive Administrative Associate, Academic Affairs
    Stephanie Rossander, Director of Business Operations, Academic Affairs
    Adam Barnes, Assistant Director of Event and Conference Services, Student Union
    Shaun Noll, Manager of Meeting and Conference Services, Student Union
    Kaitlynn Holcomb, Assistant Director of Assessment and Analysis, University Assessment and Testing
    Paola Sainz Sujet, Statistical Analyst Research Associate, University Assessment and Testing