Mercer County Community College has earned reaccreditation through 2030 from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
After an extensive process involving self-study, assessment and a site visit by the Middle States team, the reaffirmation was decided on by a vote taken by MSCHE on Nov. 16.
The process of accreditation began months ago and involved numerous faculty and staff across MCCC’s West Windsor Campus and the James Kerney Campus in Trenton, according to Robert Schreyer, MCCC’s vice president of academic affairs. The thorough self-study and examination, he said, is not only a critical part of the Middle States process, but also serves to bolster the quality educational offerings at Mercer.
“It is a rigorous process that reaffirms the college’s commitment to self-examination and improvement against measured goals, which is an important exercise as we continuously improve the quality and value of a Mercer education,” Schreyer said. “We remain committed to helping our students attain their educational and personal goals, and the positive conclusion of the Middle States assessment is an indication we are succeeding.”
“This positive outcome, following a thorough review and examination by Middle States, is a testament to the high-quality educational experience offered at Mercer County Community College,” MCCC President Deborah Preston said. “This reaffirms MCCC’s commitment to the community and our students to provide a high-quality education as we continuously evaluate, improve and innovate.”
The reaffirmation of accreditation came without any warnings or areas of concern, which speaks well for MCCC’s overall management and program quality.
“I am thrilled to extend heartfelt congratulations to Mercer County Community College on the commendable achievement of having their accreditation reaffirmed through 2030 by the Middle States commissioners,” Mercer County Executive-elect Daniel Benson said. “The absence of any warnings is a testament to the college’s commitment to excellence in education, and this recognition underscores the important role the college plays in our community. This is indeed a proud moment for all of Mercer County.”
MSCHE is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that serves as an independent voice in higher education. Accreditation is a means of showing that MCCC’s programs, policies and priorities are aligned with the institution’s mission and goals. Affirmation ensures access to federal or state funds for research, programs or facilities, and government sources of financial support for students, such as the Title IV Federal Pell Grant, as well as state funds that are dedicated only to accredited institutions.
Liz Anderson, accreditation liaison officer and dean of institutional effectiveness at MCCC, noted that this is an important process and serves as confirmation of Mercer’s commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience.
“Having received the status of reaccreditation, Mercer County Community College has met the highest standards set forth by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education,” Anderson said. “While this reaccreditation process is on an eight-year cycle, MCCC conducts a continuous self-review of every aspect of the college as it relates to our students. Our ultimate goal is to ensure continuous improvement in all areas.”
Mercer County Community College has been accredited since 1967. The next self-study evaluation will take place in eight years.
