Staff

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Dr. Diana Barbu

Senior Director for Research
Research

Phone: 267 284 5083

Email: dbarbu@msche.org

Dr. Diana Barbu

Dr. Diana Barbu joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in August 2022 as Senior Director for Research. In this role, she will lead the work of the Research Unit, which includes conducting both ongoing and new research and data analysis critical to quality assurance. Before joining the Commission, Dr. Barbu served as the Associate Vice Provost of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at St. Thomas University (FL), where she co-led the development of the Strategic Plan. She previously served as the Director of Research and Data Analytics at Miami Dade College (FL), and before that, as the Director of Academic Programs at The State University System of Florida, Board of Governors. A published author, Dr. Barbu earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Florida State University, an M.S. in Communication and Information Studies from Rutgers University (NJ), and a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Northern University (Romania). and Information Studies from Rutgers University (NJ), and a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Northern University (Romania).

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Ms. Kasey Bennett

Administrative Coordinator for the President's Office
Office of the President

Phone: 267 284 5084

Email: kbennett@msche.org

Ms. Kasey Bennett

Ms. Kasey Bennett joined the MSCHE staff in September 2022 as Administrative Coordinator for the President's Office. In this role, she supports the work of the President, MSCHE's Executive Leadership Team, and the Commission. Prior to joining MSCHE, she was a paralegal in Dover, DE, working in the practice areas of personal injury, criminal defense, and family law. Ms. Bennett attended Delaware Technical and Community College, where she studied Drug and Alcohol Counseling, as well as Human Services (Paralegal Studies).

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Ms. Nicole Biever

Director for Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy
Office of the President

Phone: 267-284-5066

Email: nbiever@msche.org

Ms. Nicole Biever

Ms. Nicole Biever was named Director for Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy in February 2023. She joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as Director for Communications and Development Specialist in April 2022. Ms. Biever works closely with the Senior Director for Communications and Events, the Events unit, and the President to support strategic communications and the Commission's priorities. She most recently served as Assessment/Grant Specialist for the Wokini Initiative and has more than 18 years of experience in higher education and communication. Previously, Ms. Biever taught in the English Department at South Dakota State University (2003-2019) and served as Chief Development Officer for the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains (SD; 2019-2021), directing the organization's marketing, development, special events, and grant management. Ms. Biever most recently served as Assessment/Grant Specialist for the Wokini Initiative and has more than 18 years of experience in higher education and communication. She holds an M.A. and B.A. from South Dakota State University.

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Dr. Robert Bonfiglio

Vice President
Institutional Field Relations

Phone: 267-284-5029

Email: rbonfiglio@msche.org

Dr. Robert Bonfiglio

Dr. Robert A. Bonfiglio joined the MSCHE staff as Vice President in July 2019. In this role, he serves as a liaison to member institutions, provide training to institutions and volunteers, and support the accreditation decision-making work of the Commission. Prior to joining the Commission, Dr. Bonfiglio served as Vice President for Student and Campus Life at SUNY Geneseo from 1999 to 2019 where he led a staff of 129 in seven departments. He previously served as Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students at Cabrini College (PA) and has held student affairs positions at the College of New Rochelle (NY) and LaSalle University (PA). He was a member of numerous MSCHE visiting teams in the U.S. and abroad as well as a Team Chair. Dr. Bonfiglio previously served as President of the SUNY Council of Chief Student Affairs Administrators. He is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). Dr. Bonfiglio was named the 11th recipient of ACPA's Excellence in Practice Award in 2013. He earned his Ed.D. in History and Education as well as a Master of Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration from Columbia University.

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Ms. Diana Bonner

Assistant Director for Institutional Support Services
Accreditation Relations

Phone: 267-284-5030

Email: dbonner@msche.org

Ms. Diana Bonner

Ms. Diana Bonner was elevated to Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President for Accreditation Relations and Manager of Institutional Support Services for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in July 2019. She joined the Commission in 2011 as Executive Assistant to the Vice Presidents. Diana provides support for the institutional membership through direct interaction with Accreditation Liaison Officers, management of the Candidate for Accreditation Status Applicant process, management of staff-initiated supplemental information report requests, and regulatory and institutional requests for accreditation verification. Previously, she served as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students and Office Manager for Student Affairs at Arcadia University (PA) for nine years. She also has prior experience at St. Joseph's University (PA) working with international students enrolled in an intensive ESL program. Ms. Bonner completed undergraduate work at the Pennsylvania State University.

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Ms. Bridgette Boody

Associate Policy Analyst and Records Officer
Policy and Regulatory Affairs

Phone: 267-284-5010

Email: bboody@msche.org

Ms. Bridgette Boody

Ms. Bridgette M. Boody joined the MSCHE staff in the new role of Associate Policy Analyst and Records Officer in August 2020. She will contribute to all phases of policy development, including researching, writing, and ensuring alignment of policies and procedures. She is also responsible for managing the Commission's maintenance and retention program and responding to all legal and regulatory requests for information and documents. Prior to joining to MSCHE team, she was the Policy Associate at Rodel Delaware, where she conducted research on best practices related to K-12 education, led the annual publication of the Delaware Public Education at a Glance data flipbook, and facilitated a coalition of educators across the state of Delaware on behalf of various education policy initiatives. She is also an alumna of the AmeriCorps national service program, where she served as an International Dyslexia Association-certified reading interventionist in a Title I elementary school. Ms. Boody received bachelor's degrees in political science and women's studies from the Pennsylvania State University.

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Ms. Madison Campos

Compliance Officer
Legal Affairs and General Counsel

Phone: 267-284-5080

Email: mcampos@msche.org

Ms. Madison Campos

Ms. Madison Campos joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as its Compliance Officer in May 2022. Ms. Campos works across units to develop the Commission's compliance program, to conduct compliance training, and to coordinate practices throughout the organization that uphold compliance mandates. In addition, Ms. Campos manages the Commission's complaints and third-party comments process. Previously, she served as a paralegal at a boutique law firm in Orange County, CA. Ms. Campos received a B.S. in Business Administration majoring in Paralegal Studies from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

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Ms. Victoria Clark

Director for Events
Communications and Events

Phone: 267-284-5017

Email: vclark@msche.org

Ms. Victoria Clark

Ms. Victoria E. Clark join the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 1994 as an Office Assistant and has risen through the ranks from Events Supervisor to Assistant Director to her current role as Director for Events. With the Commission, she works closely with the Senior Director for Communications and Events to manage logistical functions and registration for all events (including conferences, workshops, and other assigned special events) offered by the Commission. Prior to joining the Commission, she worked at the University City Science Center and primarily for Ben Franklin Technology Center as an Administrative Assistant to the Senior Vice President. She holds an Associate Degree from Harcum College (PA).

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Dr. Connie Clifton

Director for Membership
Accreditation Relations

Phone: 2672845086

Email: cclifton@msche.org

Dr. Connie Clifton

Dr. Connie Clifton joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in January 2023 as the Director for Membership. In this role, she supports the Commission’s strategic priority relating to its membership initiative, which includes service to new prospective institutions as well as support for the peer review process. Prior to joining the Commission, Dr. Clifton served as the Dean of Educational Services at Allegany College of Maryland where she held various other positions in the areas of admissions, enrollment, advising, and academic affairs during her 30-year tenure. She holds an E.L.D. from the University of Charleston (WV), an M.B.A. from Frostburg State University (MD), and a B.A. in English from West Virginia University.

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Dr. Idna Corbett

Senior Vice President for Accreditation Relations
Office of the President

Phone: 267-284-5018

Email: icorbett@msche.org

Dr. Idna Corbett

Dr. Idna M. Corbett was named Senior Vice President for Accreditation Relations in October 2022. She joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education staff as a Vice President in mid-2017 and was promoted to Lead Vice President in January 2022. She provides oversight for the Accreditation Services and Vice Presidents units. As Senior Vice President, Dr. Corbett serves as a member of the MSCHE President's Cabinet. Before coming to MSCHE, she served as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs at Northern Kentucky University where she was responsible for University-wide curriculum development, academic assessment processes, and student support services. In addition, she served as liaison to the University's institutional accrediting Commission and the state higher education council. Prior to that, Dr. Corbett was Professor of Educational Development and Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Student Support Services at West Chester University (PA). Dr. Corbett also has experience as a peer evaluator. She earned her Ed.D. from Temple University (PA), her M.A. from Michigan State University, and her B.A. from Goshen College (IN).

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Ms. Rebecca DeHaven

Events Technology Assistant
Communications and Events

Phone: 267-284-5079

Email: rdehaven@msche.org

Ms. Rebecca DeHaven

Ms. Rebecca DeHaven joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as the Events Technology Assistant in April 2022. In this role she works closely with the Senior Director for Communications and Events, the Director for Events, other MSCHE staff, and external constituents to ensure the successful delivery of the Commission's events. She is responsible for managing and supporting the technology platforms used to facilitate the Commission's virtual, in-person, and hybrid events including the Annual Conference, workshops, webinars, trainings, and Commission meetings. Ms. DeHaven has a background in both virtual and live event production as well as in higher education having previously worked at The American College of Financial Services and the Inception Company. She earned her M.S. in Management from The American College of Financial Services (PA) and a B.A. in Psychology from Temple University (PA).

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Ms. Wendy DeJesus

Assistant Director of Human Resources and Office Manager
Finance

Phone: 267-284-5045

Email: wdejesus@msche.org

Ms. Wendy DeJesus

Ms. Wendy DeJesus was named Assistant Director of Human Resources and Office Manager for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in August 2020. Ms. DeJesus supports the work of the Finance Unit as well as office and human resources management. She had been serving as Executive Assistant since July 2019. She first joined the Middle States Association in 2010 as an Administrative Services Coordinator before joining the Commission full time. She recently completed her Bachelor's Degree from the Academy of Art University (CA).

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Ms. Marilyn Del Valle

Accreditation Services Coordinator
Accreditation Services

Phone: 267-284-5077

Email: mdelvalle@msche.org

Ms. Marilyn Del Valle

Ms. Marilyn Del Valle joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in November 2021 as an Accreditation Services Coordinator. In this role, she supports the work of the Committee on Substantive Change and the Committee on Follow-up Activities. Ms. Del Valle has 20-plus years of experience in higher education. Prior to joining the organization, she worked as the Coordinator for Records Evaluation in the Office of Student Records and Registration at Community College of Philadelphia. Ms. Del Valle holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Peirce College (Philadelphia) and an M.S. in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Success from Walden University (Minnesota).

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Ms. Rebecca Escher

Accounting Clerk
Finance

Phone: 267-284-5008

Email: rescher@msche.org

Ms. Rebecca Escher

Ms. Rebecca Escher joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in January 2021 as a part-time Accounting Clerk and became a full-time Accounting Clerk in January 2022. In this role, she supports the work of the Finance Unit. Before coming to the Commission, Ms. Escher served as the Office Administrator for Milestone Church from 2006-2022 and handled all aspects of the church office. Prior to that, she worked in the banking industry in the late 90's before becoming a stay-at-home mom for a few years. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Office Administration with a concentration in Business Management/Accounting from Pensacola Christian College (FL).

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Dr. Kushnood Haq

Vice President
Institutional Field Relations

Phone: 267-284-5023

Email: khaq@msche.org

Dr. Kushnood Haq

Dr. Kushnood Haq joined the MSCHE staff as a Vice President in summer 2017. In this role, he serves as a liaison to member institutions, provides training to institutions and volunteers, and supports the accreditation decision-making work of the Commission. Dr. Haq came to MSCHE from Hilbert College in Hamburg, NY, where he was Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Chair of the Professional Studies Division. Prior to Hilbert, he was a faculty member and then Vice President for Academic Affairs at D'Youville College in Buffalo, NY. Dr. Haq has extensive teaching and work experience in the field of business. He earned his Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo, his M.B.A. from St. Bonaventure University (NY), and his B.S. from Canisius College (NY).

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Dr. Melissa Hardin

Lead Vice President
Institutional Field Relations

Phone: 267-284-5073

Email: mhardin@msche.org

Dr. Melissa Hardin

Dr. Melissa Hardin joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in July 2021 as a Vice President for Institutional Field Relations and elevated to the role of Lead Vice President in January 2023. In this role, she supports and facilitates the work of the Institutional Field Relations unit and serves as a liaison to member institutions, provides training to institutions and volunteers, and supports the accreditation decision-making work of the Commission. Dr. Hardin came to MSCHE from CAPA The Global Education Network where she oversaw all aspects of CAPA's academic affairs, working closely with its faculty and institution partners to manage and further develop the quality of CAPA's academic offerings. Dr. Hardin has more than two decades of experience as an international education professional, including as the Assistant Dean for International Studies at Ursinus College where she oversaw all aspects of study abroad advising and managed relationships with program partners. She also brings extensive experience in teaching Spanish language and literature as well as in curriculum development, implementation and assessment. Formerly a member of the Academic Advisory Board for CAPA (serving as chair from 2012 to 2019), she has participated in or chaired five-year reviews of CAPA programs in Florence, London and Sydney. She was also a certified QUIP Peer Reviewer for the Forum on Education Abroad for which she has conducted external reviews of study abroad programs and offices in the U.S, Europe, and Latin America. She frequently presents at conferences and engages with peers in regional, national and international professional associations. Dr. Hardin holds a B.A. in Spanish from University of Missouri-Columbia (MO), an M.A. in Spanish from Middlebury College (VT), and a Ph.D. in Spanish Languages and Literature from Washington University in St. Louis. She received a Fulbright Scholars Program grant for the International Education Administrators Seminar in Japan in 2013, and in 2017 the Pennsylvania Council for International Education (PACIE) bestowed upon her the David A. Portlock Outstanding International Educator Award.

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Ms. Kathie Jeffries

Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Office of the President

Phone: 267-284-5024

Email: kjeffries@msche.org

Ms. Kathie Jeffries

Ms. Kathie Jefferies was named Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in August 2020. She was first promoted to Interim Vice President for Finance in January 2020. Ms. Jeffries joined the Commission as Senior Financial Analyst in July 2009 and had served as Controller since January 2016. Before coming to the Commission, Ms. Jeffries served as Controller at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she worked from 2001-2009. Her many years of service includes working in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors in various positions, including Manager of Accounting Services and Director of Finance. She provides financial reporting, review, and analysis for MSCHE and contributes to strategic planning and resource allocation to support the future initiatives of the Commission. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration & Economics from The King's College (NY), with an Accounting concentration at Pace University (NY).

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Mr. Tze Joe

Senior Systems Administrator
Information Systems

Phone: 267-284-5028

Email: tjoe@msche.org

Mr. Tze Joe

Mr. Tze Joe has provided IT support for the MSCHE staff since 1995. In mid 2016, he assumed his current duties as Senior Systems Administrator where he is responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining the MSCHE network and server infrastructure among other duties. He is a Novell Certified Network Administrator and Certified Network Engineer. Mr. Joe is a graduate of Drexel University (PA) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Engineering.

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Mr. Brian Kirschner

Senior Director for Communications and Events
Communications and Events

Phone: 267-284-5048

Email: bkirschner@msche.org

Mr. Brian Kirschner

Mr. Brian Kirschner took on the role of Senior Director for Communications and Events in April 2022 to lead a unified and enhanced Communications and Events unit. He had joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as Director for Communications and Public Relations in April 2018 before being promoted to Senior Director for Communications and Public Relations in January 2020. Mr. Kirschner works closely with MSCHE senior leadership and the Commission to oversee mission-critical events that provide information, training, and educational opportunities as well as internal and external communications tactics and strategies. He has more than 22 years of public relations and marketing experience in higher education and the sports/entertainment industries most recently at the former University of the Sciences (PA) where he served as Director of Communications from 2006-2018. Prior to his role at USciences, Mr. Kirschner was Director of Communications for the Philadelphia 76ers (2000-2006) and served as Sports Information Director at Temple University (PA; 1996-2000). He holds a Master of Education from Temple and a Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University (MA).

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Dr. Sean McKitrick

Vice President
Institutional Field Relations

Phone: 267-284-5020

Email: smckitrick@msche.org

Dr. Sean McKitrick

Dr. Sean A. McKitrick joined the staff of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as Vice President in 2012. In this role, he serves as a liaison to member institutions, provides training to institutions and volunteers, and supports the accreditation decision-making work of the Commission. He had served as Assistant Provost for Institutional Research and Assessment at Binghamton University of the State University of New York, as Assessment and Accreditation Director at Indiana State University, and as a Dean of Instruction for several institutions. His research interests include for-profit institutions, institutional research, student learning assessment, evaluation of institutional effectiveness, educational research and evaluation. Dr. McKitrick received his undergraduate and Master's Degrees from Brigham Young University (UT) in international relations and his Ph.D. in political science from the Claremont Graduate University (CA).