Voices of accreditation: What you need to know from HLC, MSCHE, and SACSCOC
What To Expect
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes discussion with senior leaders from three of the most prominent accrediting bodies in higher education: HLC, MSCHE, and SACSCOC. This dynamic panel will pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to lead and evaluate institutional accreditation in today’s higher education landscape. Gain valuable insights to help your institution chart a smarter, more strategic path forward.
What to expect:
- Real talk: Candid stories from the field – the good, the bad, and the unexpectedly funny.
- Actionable insights: Practical strategies, best practices, and lessons learned from each accreditor’s perspective.
- Meaningful comparisons: Understand where regional standards align and where they differ, and why it matters.
Panelists:
- Linnea A. Stenson, Ph.D., Vice President of Accreditation Relations at Higher Learning Commission
- Alexei G. Matveev, Ph.D., Director of Training and Research at Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Nicole Biever, Chief of Staff at Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Moderator: Daphne B. Bernard, Associate Provost, Howard University
About the speakers
Linnea A. Stenson
Linnea A. Stenson joined HLC as vice president of accreditation relations in December 2013 and served as director of the AQIP Pathway from 2015 to 2021. Dr. Stenson brings more than 35 years of higher education experience at a wide range of institutions, affording a broad understanding of higher education. Dr. Stenson was the founding program director of Steven J. Schochet Center for GLBT Studies at the University of Minnesota. From there and for 10 years, Dr. Stenson served as academic dean for liberal arts departments and career programs at Minneapolis Community and Technical College; for five years during this same tenure, Dr. Stenson served as the associate vice president for academic affairs.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, Dr. Stenson received an M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota and has published a number of articles and presented papers at national conferences on topics ranging from creative partnerships between community colleges and small liberal arts colleges to support world language learning, to programs designed for college readiness and retention.
Nicole Biever
Nicole Biever joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in April 2022 and was named Chief of Staff in January 2024. Nicole provides organization-wide leadership and decision-making to ensure consistent operational coordination of accreditation activities, effective organizational management, and practices to ensure the attainment of critical strategic priorities. In addition, she provides oversight for communications and revenue-generating alternatives, including grant projects. As Chief of Staff, Nicole serves as a member of the President’s Executive Leadership Team and Cabinet. She most recently served as Assessment/Grant Specialist for the Wokini Initiative and has more than 20 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. She holds an M.A. and B.A. from South Dakota State University.
Alexei G. Matveev
Alexei G. Matveev serves as the Director of Training and Research at the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). His career in higher education spans more than 30 years, serving in a variety of roles, including faculty member, institutional effectiveness & assessment professional, and director of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Dr. Matveev holds an undergraduate degree in philology and education from Udmurt State University (former USSR), an M.Ed. degree in educational administration/organization development from Kent State University (Ohio), an M.A. degree in economic sociology from Central European University (Poland/Hungary) and Lancaster University (United Kingdom), and a Ph.D. degree in higher education administration from the College of William and Mary (Virginia). Dr. Matveev published in several peer-reviewed journals and facilitated sessions at numerous professional meetings on various topics related to assessment, accreditation, curriculum mapping, and student completion.
