Middle States Reaffirms Kean University Accreditation
Next self-study evaluation will take place in 2029-2030
UNION, N.J. — The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) has reaffirmed Kean University’s accreditation following a two-year self-study process at New Jersey’s urban research university.
“The Middle States decision confirms the work we have done at Kean to build on our world-class reputation of academic excellence, student success and equity,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “Our students, prospective students and alumni are again assured that a Kean degree will help them to climb higher. I thank everyone at Kean who worked collaboratively on the accreditation process.”
The next self-study evaluation will occur in 2029-2030.
The 8-year accreditation is a seal of approval from MSCHE, an institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) that serves as an independent voice in higher education. MSCHE affirms that Kean offers quality academic programs and student experience. Through its standards and associated criteria, MSCHE also reviewed and reaffirmed Kean’s governance and financial sustainability.
"The Kean community came together and produced an honest and thorough Self-Study Report for the Middle States Commission, and the Commission’s reaffirmation is a powerful testament to President Repollet's leadership,” said Steve Fastook, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees. “We will continue to do the work needed to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves as New Jersey’s urban research university.”
As a result of this reaffirmation, Kean students will continue to be eligible for federal assistance, such as the Title IV Federal Pell Grant, as well as state funds which are dedicated only to accredited institutions.
"Accreditation is not just a grade; it is acknowledgement of an institution's commitment to a process of rigorous self-examination and consistent improvement against carefully measured goals,” said David S. Birdsell, Ph.D., Kean provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “The Commission's reaffirmation of Kean's accreditation speaks volumes to the transparency, thoroughness, and sheer quality of the work that this community produced through the Self-Study Report and the two-year-long process that brought it into being. I could not be prouder of this University and the hundreds of people who made this outcome possible."
Kean’s multi-year self-study process began in Spring 2020 and culminated with a Middle States Accreditation Site Team virtual site visit in late April 2022. MSCHE officially announced Kean’s reaffirmation of accreditation after its November 16-17 virtual meeting. In accordance with federal education guidelines, MSCHE will next conduct a verification site visit at Kean in Spring 2023.
MSCHE is a voluntary, non-governmental, regional membership association currently serving higher education institutions in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other geographic areas in which the Commission conducts accrediting activities.
ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1855, Kean University is one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving more than 16,000 students. The University’s six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees, seven doctoral degree programs, and more than 70 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications over a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River, Jefferson and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.
Photo Caption:
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has reaffirmed Kean University’s accreditation following a two-year self-study process at New Jersey’s urban research university. The next self-study evaluation will occur in 2029-2030. (Photo Credit: Kean University)
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