Staff Members Archive - Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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Diana Barbu

Senior Director for Research
Policy and Administrative Services

Diana Barbu

Diana Barbu joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and was named Senior Director for Research in August 2022. In this role, she leads 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, Diana 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, Diana 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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Lindsie Bell

Senior Director for Events
Events

Phone: 267.319.7038

Email: lbell@msche.org

Lindsie Bell

Lindsie Bell joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and was named Senior Director for Events in June 2023. Lindsie leads the Events Department and works closely with the Executive Leadership Team to oversee and support all of the Commission’s events in support of mission and strategic priorities. She has over 10 years of experience in higher education events and nonprofit operations management. Most recently, Lindsie served as Chief Operating Officer at the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Plains leading regional operations, programming, staff training, data management, compliance and quality assurance, facility and building maintenance, and member growth for four communities. Previously, she led events as Operations and Events Manager for the South Dakota State University Student Union and worked in economic development on a special project for Lake Area Technical Community College (SD). She holds a M.Ed. with an emphasis in Counseling and Human Resources and a B.S. in Pre-Law/Sociology/Criminal Justice from South Dakota State University.

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Kasey Bennett

Executive Coordinator for the President’s Office
Office of the President

Phone: 267.284.5084

Email: kbennett@msche.org

Kasey Bennett

Kasey Bennett joined the MSCHE staff in September 2022 and was named Executive Coordinator for the President’s Office in July 2023. 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. Kasey attended Delaware Technical and Community College, where she studied Drug and Alcohol Counseling, as well as Human Services (Paralegal Studies).

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Nicole Biever

Senior Director for Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy
Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy

Phone: 267.284.5066

Email: nbiever@msche.org

Nicole Biever

Nicole Biever joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in April 2022 and was named Senior Director for Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy in July 2023. Nicole works closely with the Senior Director for 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, Nicole 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. Nicole 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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Robert Bonfiglio

Vice President for Institutional Field Relations
Accreditation Relations and Services

Phone: 267.284.5029

Email: rbonfiglio@msche.org

Robert Bonfiglio

Robert (Bob) A. Bonfiglio joined the MSCHE staff as Vice President for Institutional Field Relations in July 2019. 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. Prior to joining the Commission, Bob served as Vice President for Student and Campus Life at SUNY Geneseo (1999-2019), 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. Bob previously served as President of the SUNY Council of Chief Student Affairs Administrators. Bob was the recipient of the 2010 Ted K. Miller Achievement of Excellence Award in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in advancing standards of practice and quality assurance in educational programs and services in higher education, bestowed by the Council for the Advancement of Standards, and was also 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 M.A. in Student Personnel Administration from Columbia University (NY).

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Diana Bonner

Assistant Director for Membership
Accreditation Relations and Services

Phone: 267.284.5030

Email: dbonner@msche.org

Diana Bonner

Diana Bonner joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in September 2011 and was named Assistant Director for Membership in July 2023. Diana works closely with the Director for Membership and supports the intake and evaluation processes for applicant and candidate institutions, including management of procedures for institutions seeking membership, assignment of peer evaluators for evaluations, and support of the Commission’s Committee on Applicant and Candidate Institutions. 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. Diana completed undergraduate work at the Pennsylvania State University.

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Bridgette Boody

Director for Policy and Records Management
Policy and Administrative Services

Phone: 267.284.5010

Email: bboody@msche.org

Bridgette Boody

Bridgette M. Boody joined the MSCHE staff in August 2020 and was named Director of Policy and Records Management in July 2023. She contributes 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, Bridgette 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. Bridgette earned bachelor's degrees in political science and women's studies from the Pennsylvania State University.

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Victoria Clark

Director for Events
Events

Phone: 267.284.5017

Email: vclark@msche.org

Victoria Clark

Victoria (Vicki) E. Clark joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 1994 and was named Director for Events. She works closely with the Senior Director for Events to manage logistical functions and registration for all events (including conferences, webinars, 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. Vicki holds an Associate Degree from Harcum College (PA).

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Connie Clifton

Director for Membership and Interim Vice President for Institutional Field Relations
Accreditation Relations and Services

Phone: 267.284.5086

Email: cclifton@msche.org

Connie Clifton

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, Connie 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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Idna Corbett

Senior Vice President for Accreditation Relations and Services
Accreditation Relations and Services

Phone: 267.284.5018

Email: icorbett@msche.org

Idna Corbett

Idna M. Corbett joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in August 2017 and was named Senior Vice President for Accreditation Relations and Services in October 2022. She provides oversight for the Accreditation Services and Vice Presidents units. As Senior Vice President, Idna 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, Idna was Professor of Educational Development and Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Student Support Services at West Chester University (PA). She also has experience as a peer evaluator. Idna 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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Inell Coston

Accreditation Services Coordinator
Accreditation Relations and Services

Phone: 267.284.5089

Email: icoston@msche.org

Inell Coston

Inell Coston joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in September 2023 as Accreditation Services Coordinator. In this role, she works closely with the Assistant Director for Accreditation Services to support the work of the Commission, including its Committees. Inell’s primary responsibilities will focus on the Committee on Follow-up Activities. Inell has 10 years of experience in higher education. She previously served as the Coordinator for Records Evaluation in the Office of Student Records and Registration at Community College of Philadelphia (PA). Inell earned her A.A. degree from Community College of Philadelphia (PA).

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Rebecca DeHaven

Events Coordinator
Events

Phone: 267.284.5079

Email: rdehaven@msche.org

Rebecca DeHaven

Rebecca (Becca) DeHaven joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in April 2022 and became the Events Coordinator in July 2023. In this role, she works closely with the Senior Director for 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. Becca 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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Wendy DeJesus

Director for Human Resources and Office Manager
Finance

Phone: 267.284.5045

Email: wdejesus@msche.org

Wendy DeJesus

Wendy DeJesus joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in November 2010 and was named Director for Human Resources and Office Manager in July 2023. Wendy supports the work of the finance department as well as office and human resources management. She earned her bachelor's degree from the Academy of Art University (CA).

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Marilyn Del Valle

Assistant Director for Accreditation Services
Accreditation Relations and Services

Phone: 267.284.5077

Email: mdelvalle@msche.org

Marilyn Del Valle

Marilyn Del Valle joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in November 2021 and was named Assistant Director for Accreditation Services in July 2023. In this role, she supports the work of the Committee on Substantive Change and the Committee on Follow-up Activities. Marilyn 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. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Peirce College (PA) and an M.S. in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Success from Walden University (MN).

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Rebecca Escher

Staff Accountant
Finance

Phone: 267.284.5008

Email: rescher@msche.org

Rebecca Escher

Rebecca Escher joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in January 2021 and was named Staff Accountant in July 2023. In this role, she supports the work of the Finance Unit. Before coming to the Commission, Rebecca 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 before becoming a stay-at-home mom for a few years. She earned a B.S. in Office Administration with a concentration in Business Management/Accounting from Pensacola Christian College (FL).

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Melissa Hardin

Lead Vice President for Institutional Field Relations
Accreditation Relations and Services

Phone: 267.284.5073

Email: mhardin@msche.org

Melissa Hardin

Melissa Hardin joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in July 2021 and was named 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. Melissa 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. She 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. Melissa 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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Madison Hodges

Assistant Director for Legal Affairs and Compliance
Legal and Regulatory Affairs

Phone: 267.284.5080

Email: mhodges@msche.org

Madison Hodges

Madison Hodges joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in May 2022 and was named Assistant Director for Legal Affairs and Compliance in July 2023. Madison works across units to develop the Commission's compliance program, conduct compliance training, and coordinate practices throughout the organization that uphold compliance mandates. In addition, she manages the Commission's complaints and third-party comments process. Previously, Madison served as a paralegal at a boutique law firm in Orange County, CA. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration majoring in Paralegal Studies from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

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Kathie Jeffries

Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Finance

Phone: 267.284.5024

Email: kjeffries@msche.org

Kathie Jeffries

Kathie Jeffries joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in July 2009 and was named Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer in August 2020. She provides financial reporting, review, and analysis and contributes to strategic planning and resource allocation to support the future initiatives of the Commission. Before coming to the Commission, Kathie 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 earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics from The King's College (NY) with an Accounting concentration at Pace University (NY).

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Tze Joe

Senior Systems Administrator
Policy and Administrative Services

Phone: 267.284.5028

Email: tjoe@msche.org

Tze Joe

Tze Joe joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 1995 and was named Senior Systems Administrator in 2016. Tze provides IT support and is responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining the MSCHE network and server infrastructure. He is a Novell Certified Network Administrator and Certified Network Engineer. Tze is a graduate of Drexel University (PA) with a B.S. in Commerce and Engineering.

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Tiffany Lee

Vice President for Institutional Field Relations
Accreditation Relations and Services

Phone: 267.283.0909

Email: tlee@msche.org

Tiffany Lee

Tiffany C. Lee joined the staff of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as Vice President for Institutional Field Relations in August 2023. In this role, she serves as a liaison to member institutions providing advice to institutions and assisting them with accreditation activities. Tiffany supports Commission representatives engaged in the work of accreditation through the Commission’s multi-level decision-making process. Prior to joining MSCHE, Tiffany served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Lincoln University (PA). As a higher education professional in roles at Amherst College (MA), New York University, and Lincoln University (PA), Tiffany has supported and led schools through the self-study process and other accreditation activities. She has led services and training for faculty and staff in institutional research, assessment, accreditation, and strategic planning. With a background in finance and data analytics, Tiffany served as an instructor and advisor in statistics, financial management, and first year experience. In addition, she has been engaged with the Commission as a peer evaluator. Tiffany earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Liberty University (VA), M.S. in Finance and Economics from West Texas A&M University, and M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration, B.S. in Finance, and certificate in Institutional Research from The Pennsylvania State University.