MSU President's Newspaper Column
April 4, 2026
Mayville State demonstrates institutional effectiveness during HLC reaffirmation process
Mayville State faculty and staff have invested a great deal of time and effort in preparing for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaffirmation site visit which took place March 30 and 31, 2026. The visit involved hosting five peer reviewers who represented the HLC as part of its reaffirmation of accreditation process. Mayville State has been accredited by HLC for years, and this visit embodied a comprehensive review of the university’s mission, operations, and outcomes. The purpose of the process is to verify Mayville State’s ongoing commitment to academic quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.
The peer reviewers who are involved with the process for Mayville State come from institutions that are similar to ours, so they are familiar with the kinds of opportunities and challenges that exist for small rural colleges. Chair of the team is Dr. Kathy Parkison, professor emeritus from Indiana University Kokomo. Her team includes Dr. Elizabeth Ann Albright, assistant professor at Langston University in Oklahoma; Dr. Daniel Cullen, Director of Institutional Accreditation & Assessment at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich.; Dr. Amanda Sauchuck, Associate Provost at Concord University in Athens, W.V.; and Dr. Lisa Toms, Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Mo.
Preparation for the HLC visit involved broad campus participation. Faculty, staff, administrators, and students have worked for months to contribute narratives and evidence demonstrating how Mayville State fulfills four criteria set forth by the HLC: mission; integrity; teaching and learning; and institutional effectiveness, resources, and planning. The information gathered was included in a comprehensive report prepared by Mayville State personnel. The purpose of the site visit was for the HLC team to verify the details and evidence within the report and to ensure that Mayville State meets the criteria for accreditation.
While on campus, the reviewers spent time reviewing materials; meeting with campus constituencies, as well as State Board of Higher Education and North Dakota University System representatives; and gaining a holistic understanding of Mayville State University. Their role was to not only serve as evaluators, but also to be collegial in confirming compliance with HLC criteria while identifying strengths and opportunities for continued growth.
A couple members of the review team were able to take a tour of the Old Main renovation project. They were impressed with the great work that is happening there and excited about what this means for the future of Mayville State.
The team led a wrap-up session at the completion of their work on campus. During 15-minute meeting that included members of the Mayville State HLC report writing team and the president’s cabinet, the HLC visitors were very complimentary of their visit to Mayville State. They enjoyed and appreciated the hospitality extended.
In addition, they noted the positive and engaged interaction they experienced with Mayville State students. Students spoke openly about their academic experiences and expressed appreciation for the faculty and staff who support them both inside and outside the classroom, noting that these efforts play a significant role in their success and sense of belonging at Mayville State and will impact their lives not only as students, but also in the future as graduates who are enjoying their lives beyond the college and in their careers.
An HLC reaffirmation visit is a meaningful opportunity for us to reflect on our progress, celebrate our achievements, and demonstrate how our mission and the work that surrounds it supports student success and community impact. The process reinforces Mayville State’s dedication to continuous improvement and its promise to provide a high-quality educational experience for students.
I am grateful to all Mayville State faculty, staff, and students who have contributed to the accreditation reaffirmation process. I specifically thank Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Brian Huschle and Kelly Kornkven for their leadership and Ashley Mueller for her coordination and support, as well as the members of the writing team for their development and writing of the report. We are grateful for the thoughtful work that has been instrumental in helping the HCL accreditation team to learn what “The School of Personal Service” is all about. The team will take what they have learned and make recommendations that will further inform the HLC’s accreditation status of Mayville State. We anticipate receiving the final report and findings of the HLC team in a couple of months.