Outcome underscores commitment to academic excellence, innovation and fiscal stewardship
Alvernia University receives reaffirmation of accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), reinforcing the university’s mission-driven commitment to educating lifelong learners, reflective professionals, engaged citizens and ethical leaders with moral courage.
“This reaffirmation validates what our community experiences every day—an education rooted in Franciscan values, innovation and a culture of care that supports every student,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “I am profoundly grateful to our faculty, staff, trustees, alumni and students for their collective dedication to Alvernia’s mission.”
Originally granted accreditation on November 1, 1967, Alvernia has maintained continuous accreditation for nearly six decades. Following a comprehensive self-study and rigorous peer review process, MSCHE reaffirmed the university’s accreditation through 2032. The commission confirmed that Alvernia fully met all seven Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation, issuing no requirements or recommendations for further evidence. The reaffirmation process highlighted key areas of excellence:
- Support and belonging: Commendation for Alvernia's innovative SOLAR (Support, Opportunity, Love, Access, and Resources) initiative to foster student belonging
- Experiential learning: Recognition of the exemplary O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Fellows program, providing high-impact learning experiences in partnership with regional entrepreneurs
- Educational assessment: Commendation for ongoing improvements in academic assessment processes
- Student access and success: Praise for the transformational impact of the Hope Fund, which provides scholarships that empower student success
- Institutional preparation: Special recognition for Alvernia’s outstanding Self-Study Report and well-organized Evidence Inventory
The Self-Study Evaluation Team visited March 30–April 2, 2025, engaging more than 300 faculty and staff members during the open forum session and holding discussions with trustees, administrators, students and community members. This followed a nearly three-year institutional self-evaluation, resulting in an over 100-page Self-Study Report and detailed Evidence Inventory that guided the review.
MSCHE evaluated Alvernia on the following standards: Mission and Goals; Ethics and Integrity; Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience; Support of the Student Learning Experience; Educational Effectiveness Assessment; Planning, Resources and Institutional Improvement; and Governance, Leadership and Administration.
The steering committee, co-chaired by Scott Pavone, director of institutional research, and Christina J. Steffy, director of institutional assessment, accreditation and compliance, led the effort. Mary Ellen Wells, associate provost, served as the university’s Accreditation Liaison Officer. The working groups included representatives from across the university, including deans, faculty, enrollment leaders and student success professionals.
“This milestone is a testament to Alvernia’s shared vision and our unwavering focus on student success,” said Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D. “I extend my deepest gratitude to the Self-Study Steering Committee, especially co-chairs Scott Pavone and Christina Steffy, and the dedicated working group members who led this important institutional effort with excellence and care.”
The next review will take place in 2032–2033.
