Alcorn State University’s School of Education and Psychology Makes History: Inaugural CAEP Accreditation Visit a Success

Alcorn State University’s School of Education and Psychology Makes History: Inaugural CAEP Accreditation Visit a Success

Alcorn State University and School of Education and Psychology received a positive, preliminary report from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Mississippi State Department of Education (MDE) accreditation site visitors. When the report is finalized by CAEP (Fall 2015), Alcorn State University will become the first historically black college or university in the country and the first institution of higher learning in the state of Mississippi to receive this prestigious accreditation.

CAEP is the national accrediting body for schools, colleges, and departments of education authorized by the U.S. Department of Education. CAEP determines which schools, colleges, and departments of education meet rigorous national standards in preparing new and experienced teachers and other school specialists for the classroom and/or other P-12 service.

CAEP site visitors reviewed all educator preparation programs in the SOEP. The CAEP team chairs (national and state), and MDE representatives presented the positive preliminary accreditation report did not cite any areas for improvement to President Alfred Rankins Jr., Interim Provost Donzell Lee, Interim Associate Provost John Igwebuike, and both School of Education and Psychology Dean Robert Z. Carr, Jr., and Interim Associate Dean Malinda Butler Feb. 3.

The Alcorn State University delegation was pleased with the report’s preliminary findings and heard acknowledgement of progress related to educator preparation at Alcorn since the previous on-site NCATE accreditation visit in 2006. In particular, the EPP’s Quality Assurance System, led by Dr. Malinda Butler, was cited as exemplary.

"This is an extremely significant accomplishment for Alcorn State University and the School of Education and Psychology. Meeting CAEP accreditation standards is a validation of the commitment that Alcorn has made in providing the rigorous educator preparation programs required for our students to achieve academic and employment success," Dr. Robert Z. Carr Jr. said. "The success of the School of Education and Psychology is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the faculty, staff, students and community. I am extremely proud to be a part of an innovative education unit that is designed to enhance the overall well-being of the Alcorn community."