Staff

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Ms. Nicole Biever

Director for Communications and Development Specialist
Communications and Events

Phone: 267-284-5066

Email: nbiever@msche.org

Ms. Nicole Biever

Ms. Nicole Biever 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
Institutional Field 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. Idna Corbett

Lead Vice President
Institutional Field Relations

Phone: 267-284-5018

Email: icorbett@msche.org

Dr. Idna Corbett

Dr. Idna M. Corbett 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. In this role, she continues to serve as a liaison to member institutions, assists with training provided to institutions and evaluators, and supports the team of vice presidents and the accreditation processes of the Commission. Before coming to MSCHE, she served as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs at Northern Kentucky University where she oversaw University-wide curriculum development, academic assessment processes and student support services, and served as liaison to the University's regional accrediting Commission and state higher education council. Prior to that, she was at West Chester University (PA), where she was Professor of Educational Development and Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Student Support Services. Dr. Corbett had served multiple times as a Peer Evaluator on behalf of the Commission. 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. Ellie Fogarty

Senior Vice President for Accreditation Relations
Office of the President

Phone: 267-284-5012

Email: efogarty@msche.org

Dr. Ellie Fogarty

Dr. Ellie A. Fogarty joined the staff of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as a Vice President in January 2010. She became Lead Vice President in January 2020 and was most recently promoted to Senior Vice President for Accreditation Relations in January 2022. She provides oversight for the Accreditation Services and Vice Presidents units. As Senior Vice President, Dr. Fogarty serves as a member of the MSCHE President's Cabinet. Dr. Fogarty was previously employed by The College of New Jersey in a variety of roles, including Associate Provost for Planning and Resource Allocation, Deputy Compliance Officer, Executive Assistant to the Provost, and Business & Economics Librarian. She received her Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Fogarty earned her undergraduate degree in Economics & Business Administration from Immaculata University, an M.B.A. from Temple University, and an M.L.S. from University of Pittsburgh.

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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. In that capacity, he was responsible for planning and implementing new academic programs and strategic initiatives for the College. 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

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. In this role, she 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 comes 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, most recently 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 is 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 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 C. Kirschner was promoted to Senior Director for Communications and Public Relations in January 2020. He joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as Director for Communications and Public Relations in April 2018. Mr. Kirschner works closely with MSCHE senior leadership and the Commission to oversee internal and external communications tactics and strategies while managing the MSCHE website and providing support for events. He has more than 22 years of public relations and marketing experience in higher education and the sports/entertainment industries most recently at 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).

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Mr. Darren Moore

IT Support Specialist
Information Systems

Phone: 267-284-5082

Email: dmoore@msche.org

Mr. Darren Moore

Mr. Darren Moore joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as the IT Support Specialist in June 2022. Mr. Moore provides technical support, technology training, and communications to facilitate the operation and improvement of the organization's software and hardware solutions. Previously, he served as Fiscal Monitoring Specialist for the South Dakota Department of Education; Help Desk Coordinator for WayTek, Inc.; Mobility Support Technician for Cannon Group Inc.; Field Technician for Liberty Technology; and RF/Computer Communications Technician, Network Administrator, and Satellite Communications Radio/Computer Operator for the United States Air Force. Mr. Moore has worked in education as a Special Education Tutor and coached many youth football and basketball teams. He served in the United States Air Force (2004-2010) and was Honorably Discharged in 2010. Mr. Moore holds an M.B.A. and B.S. in Computer Studies from the University of Maryland and A.S. in Electronic Systems from the Community College of the Air Force (MS).

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Dr. Amy Moseder

Vice President for Policy and Regulatory Affairs
Policy and Regulatory Affairs

Phone: 267-284-5032

Email: amoseder@msche.org

Dr. Amy Moseder

Dr. Amy Shew Moseder joined the staff of Middle States Commission on Higher Education in December 2011. She was promoted to Vice President for Policy and Senior Policy Analyst in January 2020, adding the Vice President title to reflect additional responsibilities relating to accreditation activities, risk management, engagement with legal counsel, and the management of legal issues. Dr. Moseder researches policy matters and provides the Commission with information and analyses necessary to shape accreditation policy development. She also assists in the development of recertification petitions for the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Previously, she worked as the Director of Institutional Research & Planning at Salem Community College (NJ) and as a communications and marketing professional in the architecture industry. Dr. Moseder earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Delaware and a Doctor of Education degree with specialization in Higher Education Leadership from Wilmington University (DE).

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Mr. Fran Murray

Staff Accountant
Finance

Phone: 267-284-5047

Email: fmurray@msche.org

Mr. Fran Murray

Mr. Francis Murray serves as Staff Account for MSCHE. He handles accounts receivables and accounts payable, the general ledger, and other accounting functions. Before joining MSCHE, he served in a similar role for the Middle States Association. He began his work with the Association office in 1991 as a file clerk and rose to Accounting Coordinator for MSCHE. Mr. Murray attended Chestnut Hill College (PA).

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Mrs. Kathy Ortiz

Senior Accreditation Services Coordinator
Accreditation Services

Phone: 267-284-5015

Email: kortiz@msche.org

Mrs. Kathy Ortiz

Mrs. Kathy Ortiz joined Middle States Commission on Higher Education as Accreditation Service Coordinator in May 2012. Mrs. Ortiz works closely with the Senior Director of Accreditation Services in the processes related to two of the Commission's Committees, Evaluation and Mid-Point Peer Review. She has over 14 years of experience in higher education, and prior to joining MSCHE, served as Office Manager in the Development Office at The University of the Arts (PA). Mrs. Ortiz studied Business Management at Peirce College and is fluent in Spanish.

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Ms. Tray Patterson

Interim Associate Director for Volunteer Services
Accreditation Services

Phone: 267-284-5056

Email: tpatterson@msche.org

Ms. Tray Patterson

Ms. Tray Patterson, was promoted to Interim Associate Director for Volunteer Services in October 2021 after serving as Assistant Director for Accreditation Services. She has been with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 2016. In her current role, she is responsible for the processes related to the Commission's recruitment, selection, training, management, engagement, assignment, assessment, and recognition of peer evaluators. With a background in assessment and accreditation, Ms. Patterson has worked with other regional and programmatic accreditors prior to arriving at MSCHE. Her former positions included Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Student Learning and Program Assessment Coordinator, Academic Support Specialist, and Elementary Art Teacher. She graduated with Bachelor of Arts from The Pennsylvania State University and a Masters of Education from The George Washington University (DC).

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Dr. Terence Peavy

Vice President
Institutional Field Relations

Phone: 267-284-5074

Email: tpeavy@msche.org

Dr. Terence Peavy

Dr. Terence L. Peavy joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in July 2021 as a Vice President for Institutional Field Relations. 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. Peavy comes to the Commission from the State University of New York's (SUNY) Fashion Institute of Technology where he served as Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management. In this role, he managed undergraduate admissions, financial aid, registrar, international student services, educational opportunity programs, and the campus card office. He has over 28 years of higher education experience and has held executive leadership roles in enrollment management at Metropolitan College of New York, Saint Peter's University (NJ), and The New School (NY). He began his professional career at Fordham University (NY) as an admission counselor in 1993. Dr. Peavy also held the position of Associate Adjunct Professor in the Marxe School of Public Policy and International Affair at City University of New York's (CUNY) Baruch College where he taught in the Higher Education Administration graduate program. Additionally, he was a Board of Trustee member at York College of Pennsylvania and volunteered as a peer reviewer for MSCHE. Dr. Peavy was a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC), State University of New York Chief Enrollment Officers Association (SUNYCEO), College Access Consortium of New York (CACNY) and the International Leadership Association (ILA). Dr. Peavy obtained his B.A. from York College of Pennsylvania in Speech Communications and his M.Ed. in Educational Supervision and Leadership from Fordham University. He later earned his Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Studies from Northeastern University in Boston, MA.

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Dr. Heather Perfetti

President
Office of the President

Phone: 267-284-5026

Email: hperfetti@msche.org

Dr. Heather Perfetti

An experienced, high-level executive with a demonstrated and diverse history of working in complex educational environments, Heather F. Perfetti, Ed.D., J.D., became President of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education on July 1, 2020. Over the course of her career, she has made an impact in numerous areas of higher education, including academic and student affairs, faculty affairs, legal and regulatory affairs, strategic planning, policy development, and innovative, organizational change management. She joined the Commission as a Vice President liaison to institutions in January 2015, served as Vice President for Legal Affairs and Chief of Staff in July 2017, and was then elevated to Senior Vice President in July 2018. On June 26, 2019, Dr. Perfetti was named President-Elect to begin her transition to President. Prior to joining the Commission staff, Dr. Perfetti served as a peer evaluator through on-site evaluation visits, the Committee on Substantive Change, and the Committee on Periodic Review Reports. Her previous positions have included Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Orange (NY) and Allegany College of Maryland; Assistant Dean, Assistant Professor, and Program Coordinator at Darton College (GA); and Assistant Professor at Murray State University (KY). She has held adjunct faculty positions at Georgia Southern University, Barstow Community College (CA), and Darton College. Dr. Perfetti earned her Doctor of Education degree with specialization in Higher Education Leadership from Northcentral University (CA), the Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law, the Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University (AL), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Frostburg State University (MD). In addition to her academic credentials, Dr. Perfetti has participated in the American Council on Education's Institute for Chief Academic Officers and Vanderbilt University's Peabody Professional Institute on Higher Education Management. She was ranked No. 31 on City & State New York's 100 Power List in 2021 of the most powerful people in New York's higher education community. The 2021 publication Exemplars of Assessment in Higher Education: Diverse Approaches to Addressing Accreditation Standards featured Dr. Perfetti's foreword. Also in 2021, she participated in the United States Department of Education's negotiated rulemaking through the Affordability and Student Loans Committee as a primary negotiator representing accrediting agencies.

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Dr. Stephen Pugliese

Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff
Office of the President

Phone: 267-284-5050

Email: spugliese@msche.org

Dr. Stephen Pugliese

Dr. Stephen J. Pugliese was named Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff in January 2020. In this role, he focuses on assisting the President in managing Commission and personnel-related matters as well as other high-level projects that include strategic and operational planning, risk management, training and workshops, and human resource management. Dr. Pugliese joined the MSCHE staff in mid-2017 as Vice President and was promoted to Lead Vice President in July 2019. He came to MSCHE from Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, PA, where he served as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, as well as the Accreditation Liaison Officer and as an MSCHE Peer Evaluator. Prior to arriving at MSCHE, Dr. Pugliese served as a Vice President at Immaculata University (PA), Vice Provost for Student Life at St. Bonaventure University (NY), Dean of Students at Marywood University (PA), and other roles at King's College (PA), Villanova University (PA), and Pennsylvania State University. He earned his Ph.D. from Marywood University, his M.S. from Villanova University, and his B.A. from Kutztown University (PA).

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Dr. Tracey Schneider

Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
Office of the President

Phone: 267-284-5076

Email: tschneider@msche.org

Dr. Tracey Schneider

Dr. Tracey L. Schneider joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in February 2022 as Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel. She has more than 15 years of legal experience with a primary focus on education law. At MSCHE, Dr. Schneider provides legal assistance and support to the President, the Commission, and staff. She oversees the Commission's legal aspects of the complex substantive change process, supports personnel-related matters, manages subpoenas and other legal notices, and reviews documents and contracts to support the work of the organization. She serves as a member of the MSCHE President's Cabinet and Executive Leadership Team. Prior to joining MSCHE, she served as general counsel for an educational institution, represented public and private educational entities in private practice, and held a faculty position teaching in organizational leadership in a doctoral program. Dr. Schneider frequently publishes and presents on a wide variety of legal and organizational topics. Her academic credentials include a B.S in Business Administration from the University of Richmond (VA), a J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership from the College of William & Mary (VA).

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Ms. Carmen Scott

Interim Assistant Director for Substantive Change
Accreditation Services

Phone: 267-284-5064

Email: cscott@msche.org

Ms. Carmen Scott

Ms. Carmen Scott joined the MSCHE staff as Administrative Assistant in April 2009 and is now Interim Assistant Director for Substantive Change. She had previously served in the role of Senior Accreditation Services Coordinator for Substantive Change and Follow-Up. In her current role she is responsible for overseeing, managing, and directly participating in the Substantive Change process from beginning to completion. Previously, she has worked at Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools assisting the Director in accreditation related activities, including the selection of volunteers for evaluation team visits.

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Mr. Christian Slater

Senior Director for Technology Services
Information Systems

Phone: 267-284-5016

Email: cslater@msche.org

Mr. Christian Slater

Mr. Christian R. Slater was named Senior Director for Technology Support Services for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in May 2021. He joined the MSCHE staff in November 2016 as Senior Support Specialist before being elevated to Director in July 2019. Mr. Slater provides technical support to MSCHE Commissioners, staff, and member institutions on matters related to accreditation. He is responsible for the administration and continuous development of the Commission's primary enterprise system (Salesforce). He is also responsible for overseeing all aspects of technology hardware and software at MSCHE. In addition, Mr. Slater also develops and coordinates in-house training and IT help desk functions. Prior to joining the MSCHE staff he was employed for five-and-a-half years by Villanova University, where he provided executive-level IT support. Mr. Slater received his BA from Lebanon Valley College (PA), and his MA in History and his Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Villanova University (PA).

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Ms. Carmella Smith

Interim Senior Director for Accreditation Services
Accreditation Services

Phone: 267-284-5013

Email: csmith@msche.org

Ms. Carmella Smith

Ms. Carmella Smith was promoted to Interim Senior Director for Accreditation Services in October 2021 after serving as Director for Substantive Change at the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since July 2018. She had previously served as Assistant Director for Substantive Change and Assistant Director for Accreditation Services. A member of the Commission staff since 1992, she has served in various roles throughout her tenure. In her current role, Ms. Smith leads the Accreditation Services unit and is responsible for the oversight of the Commission's standing accreditation Committees, and maintenance of the official accreditation record for institutions, including the communication of accreditation actions to institutions, the U.S. Department of Education as needed, and other accreditors. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership from Saint Joseph's University (PA) and a Master of Business Administration in Management from Eastern University (PA).

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Dr. Paul Starkey

Vice President
Institutional Field Relations

Phone: 267-284-5061

Email: pstarkey@msche.org

Dr. Paul Starkey

Dr. Paul L. Starkey joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in August 2020 as a Vice President for Institutional Field Relations. 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. Starkey comes to the Commission from the Pennsylvania College of Technology where, for 10 years, he was a Professor of Business Administration, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. As Provost, he led the academic units of the College with more than 300 full-time faculty members in six schools. The Assessment, Research & Planning (ARP) office, and the Madigan Library were also part of his responsibilities. Prior to coming to Penn College, Dr. Starkey spent 24 years at Delta State University (MS) in various faculty and administrative roles, including Dean of Graduate & Continuing Studies, Director of Continuing Education, Chair for Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation, and Chair of the Division of Management, Marketing & Business Administration. He is Professor of Management Emeritus at Delta State. Paul has a BBA in Marketing from Delta State University and an MBA and PhD in Management from the University of Mississippi.

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Ms. Alicia Vassallo

Accreditation Services Coordinator
Accreditation Services

Phone: 267-284-5019

Email: avassallo@msche.org

Ms. Alicia Vassallo

Ms. Alicia Vassallo joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as a full-time temporary employee in January 2021 and became a full-time employee of MSCHE in May 2021. She briefly left the organization in the summer of 2021 and returned in October 2021. As the Accreditation Services Coordinator, she provides general administrative and organizational support in all areas within the Accreditation Relations unit and is responsible for direct support to the Committee on Applicant and Candidate Institutions. Prior to joining the Commission, Ms. Vassallo held numerous executive administrative support and operations positions. She earned her Associates Degree in Psychology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and was a Chartered Leadership Fellow with The American College of Financial Services (Bryn Mawr, PA).

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Dr. Anne Wahl

Vice President
Institutional Field Relations

Phone: 267-284-5078

Email: awahl@msche.org

Dr. Anne Wahl

Dr. Anne G. Wahl joined the MSCHE staff as Vice President for Institutional Field Relations in April 2022. In this role, she 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, Dr. Wahl started at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 2009 and most recently served as Senior Assistant Provost and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Wahl was RIT's Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) and oversaw the offices of Academic Program and Curriculum Management, Educational Effectiveness Assessment, Career Services and Cooperative Education, and the K-12 University Center. She previously served as the Director of Assessment, Accreditation, and Certification at St. John Fisher College (SJFC). Dr. Wahl taught Assessment, Evaluation, and Organizational Improvement in the Ed.D. Program in the School of Education at SJFC. She was a member of MSCHE visiting teams and also served as an accreditation reviewer for the New York State Education Department. Dr. Wahl previously served on the Warner School Dean's Advisory Council at the University of Rochester. She is a member of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP). She earned her Ed.D. in Executive Leadership Education from SJFC, an M.S. in Teaching and Curriculum from the University of Rochester (NY), and a B.A. in English from Gannon University (PA). Dr. Wahl completed the Management and Leadership Certificate at Harvard University (MA) as well as the Strategic Planning Certificate through SCUP.