FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2024
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — Robin Capehart, a nationally recognized leader in higher education and former president of two institutions, has published a new blog post on his Substack, “At a Slight Angle,” advocating for a shift in the accreditation process for colleges and universities. Titled “Meaningful Results Over Process: It’s Time for Accreditation to Tell Us Something Worthwhile,” the post critiques the current accreditation system’s focus on procedural compliance over measurable educational outcomes.
Capehart argues that the existing accreditation model prioritizes adherence to bureaucratic standards rather than assessing the actual success of students and institutions. Citing research from organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), he highlights how this process-oriented approach often leads to “checkbox compliance” rather than genuine improvements in educational quality.
In his post, Capehart calls for a results-oriented accreditation model that emphasizes tangible metrics, including graduate employment rates, admissions to graduate programs, performance on standardized tests, and success on licensure exams. He asserts that such a model would better align higher education with workforce needs, foster innovation, and provide greater accountability and transparency for students, parents, and employers.
“The overwhelming focus on process over results hinders the true objectives of educational improvement and student success,” Capehart writes. “A shift towards valuing and prioritizing results is crucial for developing a more effective and accountable higher education system.”
Capehart also points to the potential for change in the accreditation landscape, referencing the Postsecondary Commission, a new accrediting agency seeking approval to focus on outcomes-based metrics. He notes that the evolving policy environment in Washington could provide an opportunity to align higher education with the economic needs of the nation while maintaining flexibility for institutions offering broad-based liberal arts curricula.
Capehart’s post underscores the growing demand among students, parents, employers, and policymakers for colleges and universities to deliver a strong return on investment and prepare graduates for success in the workforce.
Robin Capehart has served as a college president for 13 years and is widely regarded as a thought leader in higher education. He has spoken at more than 500 events, including state and national conventions, the National Press Club, and appearances on Fox News.
To read the full blog post, visit Robin Capehart’s Substack, At a Slight Angle: https://robincapehart.substack.com.
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