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���߲ݴ�ý’s educator preparation programs have earned national accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), affirming the quality and effectiveness of programs in the university’s School of Education.

AAQEP awarded ���߲ݴ�ý five-year initial accreditation in July for three portfolios of programs: initial teacher preparation, advanced educator preparation and P-12 leader preparation. The university’s next site visit must occur before June 30, 2031, to maintain accreditation.

Following an extensive process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission determined that ���߲ݴ�ý met all four of the organization’s standards across its initial and advanced educator preparation programs and its school leadership program.

In its review, the commission found that ���߲ݴ�ý’s programs prepare candidates to work effectively as professional educators, adapt to different educational contexts and continue to grow professionally.

The commission also recognized the university’s commitment to maintaining program quality through ongoing assessment, program improvements and engagement with stakeholders and educational partners.

“Earning AAQEP accreditation is a significant affirmation of the outstanding work our faculty and staff do every day to prepare educators and school leaders who are ready to make a meaningful difference in their schools and communities,” said Dr. René Garrison, dean of ���߲ݴ�ý’s School of Education. “Just as important, AAQEP’s emphasis on continuous improvement aligns closely with our commitment to preparing reflective, responsive professionals who continue to learn and grow throughout their careers.”

Garrison thanked “all the faculty, staff, students, alumni and school partners who supported” the accreditation process.

AAQEP President and CEO Karen Lowenstein congratulated the university’s faculty, staff and stakeholders on achieving national accreditation, noting ���߲ݴ�ý’s attention to its mission and its focus on meeting the needs of candidates through student advisement, effective use of resources and thoughtful reflection.

National accreditation is a nongovernmental, nonregulatory quality-assurance process built on self-study and peer review. AAQEP’s standards- and evidence-based model emphasizes both accountability and continuous improvement while recognizing local context and encouraging innovation and collaboration among institutions.

Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency serving educator preparation providers. It’s nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and works with more than 200 educator preparation providers in 36 states and other jurisdictions.

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���߲ݴ�ý the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, ���߲ݴ�ý is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 164 regional universities in the North, ���߲ݴ�ý was ranked in the Top 25 overall and for value by U.S. News and World Report (2026).