Selena M. Grace, President, NWCCU

Thank you for the warm congratulations, support, and confidence you’ve shown me. I’m excited to continue our work together in this new role. While I’ve collaborated closely with many of you over the past several years, I look forward to working with those I haven’t yet had the opportunity to partner with directly. I’m eager to engage with each member institution to better understand how NWCCU can enhance our support for your work – advancing innovation, delivering quality educational programming, and ensuring student success. NWCCU has always prided itself on being a true partner in continuous improvement while honoring each institution’s unique mission. I’m committed to building on that foundation. This issue of The Beacon includes several important updates I’d like to share. 

Following last week’s NWCCU Board of Commissioners meeting, we have several significant updates to share. You’ll find comprehensive details throughout this issue of The Beacon, but I’d like to draw your attention to a few critical developments. 

For the 2026 fiscal year, there will not be an increase in member dues. The current dues and fees will remain the same and can be found on our website. The Board of Commissioners are mindful of the financial challenges facing our member institutions. 

We welcomed three new Commissioners, all elected by the membership, as well as confirming two Commissioners for second terms. Please be sure to read more about them on our website.  

The Board of Commissioners approved removing the pilot designation for the accelerated bachelor’s degrees currently being offered by Brigham Young University-Idaho and Ensign College. In addition, they approved allowing institutions to submit substantive changes proposals to offer bachelor’s degrees based on students’ achieving specific learning outcomes rather than a specified credit hour amount. This will fall under NWCCU’s Substantive Change policy and process. You can find more details about this in our newsletter. 

The Commission also established a standing Ad Hoc Strategic Pathways committee of the Commission. Stay tuned for more information coming from that committee and their work. 

Finally, I’m pleased to announce that Dr. Ed Harri has been appointed and has accepted the role of Executive Vice President of NWCCU. We’re confident he will continue to serve NWCCU and our members with the same excellence he’s always demonstrated. This means that we will immediately launch a search for our next senior vice president. During this interim time, Dr. Harri will maintain his portfolio of institutions, and those institutions who were in my portfolio will be distributed among the current senior vice presidents. If you are in my portfolio, you will be hearing from me early next week regarding these changes. Our goal is to ensure as little disruption as possible while maintaining the strong support you are used to. 

I’ll be reaching out to each of our member institutions in the coming months, but please don’t wait – contact me anytime with questions, concerns, or ideas about how we can enhance our support. 

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Miles Community College (MCC) has been designated as an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classifications, recognizing MCC as an institution that can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success. Less than 5% of the community colleges in the U.S. earned this designation. 

The Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation is part of a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification published in late April by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. 

This new classification examines the extent to which institutions foster opportunities for student success by measuring whether institutions are enrolling students reflective of the communities they serve and how the earnings of those students compare to peers in their area. 

In 2025, 479 institutions have been identified as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, which is about 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities that are in the Student Access and Earnings Classification. Of those 479, only 60 were community colleges, placing MCC in the top 4.8% of associate degree-awarding community colleges in the country. 

The methodology for the new Student Access and Earnings Classification uses multidimensional groupings of the 2025 Institutional Classification to evaluate student access and earnings between similar colleges and universities. More information about 2025 Student Earnings and Access Classifications, including the methodology, can be found here. 

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We will be working quickly to provide institutions additional guidance, but for now there are two categories institutions can select to submit those substantive changes under: 

1. Substantially Changing the Number of Clock or Credit Hours – This category would be selected if your institution is seeking to modify the credit hours of an existing degree program or add a reduced-credit degree program parallel to an existing program of traditional length that will remain in the Program Inventory. 
2. Adding Program Content or Academic Program(s) that Represent a Significant Departure (25% or more aggregate change) from Program(s) or Related Programs Approved Previously – This category would be selected if your institution is seeking to add a new degree program with reduced credit hours that is not currently offered by the institution.

Page 17 of the Substantive Change Manual, under item 4, outlines the key areas that an institution will currently need to address when submitting a substantive change proposal for a bachelor’s degree seeking to offer less than the historical 120 semester or 180 quarter units/credits.    

At this time, we have not designated a name for these degrees, but it is essential that the institution include an identifier of the accelerated nature of these degrees within the program name. We recognize that some institutions and/or systems are referring to them as Accelerated Bachelor’s, Three-Year Bachelor’s, Reduced Credit Bachelor’s, and/or Bachelor’s of Applied Studies. We want to ensure that states and institutions have the necessary flexibility regarding naming conventions at this time. We may determine, at some point, that there is general consensus on a degree name, but for now we are providing institutional flexibility. 

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NWCCU is pleased to announce that, per the Commission’s Bylaws, the Board of Commissioners endorsed the election by the institutional members of several commissioners during the Summer Commission Meeting, held July 8-11, 2025 in Seattle, WA.  

Sean Chandler, President, Aaniiih Nakoda College, will serve his first three-year term, after completing the one-year unexpired term of Commissioner David Yarlott, former president of Little Big Horn College.
Matt Freeman, Executive Director of Relations, Idaho State University, will complete the second term of Past Chair Marlene Tromp, former president of Boise State University.
Shari Peterson, Director – Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation, and Strategic Planning, College of Southern Nevada, will serve her first three-year term.
Laurie Sharp, Senior Associate Provost for Academic Programs, Assessment, and Accreditation, Utah Valley University, will serve her first three-year term.

The Board expresses its gratitude to the members of the Nominations Committee; NWCCU staff; and the presidents, chancellors, and CEOs of NWCCU member institutions for their valuable contributions to this important process.

Commission Updates

The Board of Commissioners also approved second three-year terms for Commissioners Kevin Melcher and Joseph Schaffer.  

Additionally, the Board of Commissioners voted to extend the term of Commission Chair Scott Finnie for one year and voted Commissioner Stefani Hicswa as Vice Chair.  

The current members of the Executive Committee are: 

• Dr. Scott Finnie, Chair 
• Dr. Stefani Hicswa, Vice Chair 
• Dr. Isiaah Crawford, Secretary 
• Dr. Marie A. Chisholm-Burns, Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee  
• Dr. Sean Chandler, Chair of Nominations Committee 
• Mr. Kevin Melcher, Chair of Audit Committee  
• Dr. Brad Mortenson, Chair of Bylaws, Standards, and Policies Committee 

The Board of Commissioners warmly congratulates and welcomes both new and returning commissioners. The Board extends its sincere appreciation for their dedication to accreditation and their commitment to promoting excellence in higher education. 

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The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has updated five policies to reflect NWCCU’s practice and its compliance with the U.S. Department of Education’s Accreditation Handbook. Information on these revisions will be provided to the institutional Accreditation Liaison Officers (ALO) during the Townhall conversation on July 23, 2025.  

The revised documents are linked below with a summary of changes to each and the impact on NWCCU member institutions. 

Accreditation Criteria Policy 

Reason for review and revision: Regular review. Last revised in December 2020.  

Summary of changes: 

1. Added a sentence at the beginning that says, Member or Candidate institutions must commit to following these Processes and Procedures, NWCCU Standards and ERs, and NWCCU Policies as a condition of accreditation.
2. In the section on international institutions, added “also” to ensure that these conditions are in addition to the requirements in the opening paragraph that apply to all NWCCU Member and Candidate institutions.   

Impact of changes: None. These requirements already exist, but this clarifies the expectations in this policy.  

Accreditation Liaison Officer Policy 

Reason for review and revision: Regular review. Last reviewed and updated in June 2020.   

Summary of changes: 

1. In the selection of ALO section, added: (1) Role commensurate with confidential communications regarding the institution and (2) Access to programmatic changes at the institution and other substantive change matters.  
2. Added a primary duty of communicating matters of importance, particularly related to accreditation at the institution.  

Impact of changes: Institutions must review the responsibilities to ensure that the ALO at the institution is involved in matters of importance for accreditation at the institution in order to effectively conduct the ALO’s primary duties.  

Administrative Procedures for Institutional Visits and Board of Commissioner Meetings Policy 

Reason for review and revision: Adjusting reporting and communication dates to reflect current NWCCU practice and make critical notification and report dates predictable for institutions.  Last reviewed March 2023. 

Summary of changes: 

1. The institutional notification for upcoming evaluation by NWCCU was changed from 120 calendar days to four (4) months.
2. The 45 or 60-day timeline for report submission by institutions, depending on report type, was changed to six (6) and eight (8) weeks, respectively.    

Impact of changes: No change to current agency or institutional practice; updated policy language accurately reflects other agency communications with institutions.  

Arbitration Policy 

Reason for review and revision: Making minor changes to reflect updates with arbitration practices. Last reviewed and revised in 2024.  

Summary of changes: 

1. Specifies the arbitrator is the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS) representative.   

Impact of changes: None. Reflects intended practice.  

Related Entities Policy 

Reason for review and revision: Regular review. Last reviewed in June 2019.  

Summary of changes: 

1. Clarified throughout the document the references to the NWCCU Candidate or Member Institution and Related Entities.
2. Added language requiring notification to NWCCU upon any material change in the relationship between the Institution and the Related Entity. 
3. Added language recommending participation by a representative of the Related Entity during a comprehensive accreditation visit.  
4. Removed the Exhibit with the Certification example because these cases are each unique and the Certification example did not necessarily provide the required specific information in the event NWCCU requested confirmation of the relationship with the Related Entity.  

Impact of changes: None, other than the recommended participation of a Related Entity representative during comprehensive accreditation visits.  

NWCCU Bylaws

(updated version to be posted soon) 

Reason for review and revision: To address the following: 

1. Clarify Commissioner officer roles and term lengths.
2. Clarify replacement processes for Chair and Vice Chair roles, in the event those positions are vacated prior to the end of the term. 
3. Clarify items that may be addressed by the Executive Committee of the Commission on behalf of the Commission between regular or special meetings. 
4. Clarify composition of the Executive Committee of the Commission resulting from changes to officer positions. 

Summary of changes:  

1. Removed Immediate Past Chair role from the Commission. Chair and Vice Chair remain as two-year terms with automatic succession from the Vice Chair to Chair role.  
2. Changed references to January and June Commission meetings to Winter and Summer. 
3. Clarified that the Executive Committee could act on behalf of the Commission to confirm the appointment of officers or committee members made by the Chair.  
4. Clarified that the Vice Chair automatically becomes Chair if the Chair vacates their role prior to the end of their two-year term. A subsequent vacancy in the Vice Chair role would be filled by the processes described in the Bylaws.  
5. Changed the composition of the Executive Committee to include the Chair; Vice Chair; Secretary; Treasurer; Chair of Nominations Committee; Chair of Audit Committee; and Chair of Bylaws, Standards, and Policies Committee. This composition must still represent both academic and administrative ranks and at least one member shall be a public representative. 

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Each survey provided valuable insights that were constructive and insightful. Executive summaries of the responses can be found at these links. More detailed survey results are coming soon.  

• Executive Summary of Institutional Responses 
• Executive Summary of Peer Evaluator Responses

To keep stakeholders informed, we have a standards revision webpage with goals, timelines, activities, and summaries of completed steps available.  

Next steps include an initial draft of the revisions to be developed and shared with the BSP in preparation for extensive opportunities for feedback from stakeholders beginning with the 2025 NWCCU Annual Conference.  

At any point in the process if you have questions or wish to provide feedback, please do so through your institutional staff liaison, Executive Vice President Ed Harri (eharri@nwccu.org), or through the Standards Review Public Comment form. 

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NWCCU is pleased to announce the appointment of Ed Harri, Ed.D., as Executive Vice President, effective July 14, 2025. 

Dr. Harri has served as senior vice president at NWCCU since September 2022, supporting a diverse portfolio of institutions in their accreditation efforts. He has also worked closely with NWCCU’s Board of Commissioners to update policies and bylaws and lead the Standards revision process.  

Prior to NWCCU, Dr. Harri served as the interim director of institutional effectiveness at Green River College. He also held multiple roles at Whatcom Community College, including math faculty, department chair, division chair, dean for instruction, vice president for instruction, and accreditation liaison officer. 

Dr. Harri holds a B.A. in mathematics from Whitman College, an M.S. in mathematics from Western Washington University, and an Ed.D. in community college leadership from Oregon State University. 

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NWCCU extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Jeff Fox for his steadfast leadership and service as interim president following the February 2025 retirement of Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy. 

Appointed by the NWCCU Board of Commissioners in February, Dr. Fox brought extensive experience to the role, having previously served as president of the College of Southern Idaho and as an NWCCU commissioner. During his tenure, he provided steady guidance and continuity as the Commission initiated a national search for its next permanent president. 

NWCCU staff and Board of Commissioners are grateful for Dr. Fox’s thoughtful leadership and commitment to supporting member institutions and the Commission’s mission during this important transition. 

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President, Jeffrey Alexander, Truckee Meadows Community College

Dr. Jeffrey Alexander was appointed president of Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), effective July 1, 2025. 

Alexander previously served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at TMCC, where he led the college’s instructional programs, academic support services, and strategic workforce initiatives. A scholar and seasoned administrator, Alexander has held leadership positions at Pueblo Community College in Colorado and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where he also earned tenure as a faculty member. 

Alexander holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of British Columbia. 

President, Mark Blegen, Linfield University

Dr. Mark Blegen became president of Linfield University on July 1, 2025.

Blegen previously served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Carroll University. Prior to Carroll University, Blegen held posts at St. Catherine University in Minnesota. He served as associate dean, then dean of health sciences at the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health Sciences and chaired the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science.

Blegen holds a doctorate in exercise physiology from Kent State University, a master’s degree in exercise physiology from St. Cloud University and a B.A. in sports science with a sports medicine focus from St. Olaf College.

President, Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell, Washington State University

Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell became president of Washington State University on April 1, 2025. She is the first woman to hold the position in the university’s 135-year history. 

Cantwell previously served as president of Utah State University (USU). Prior to her role at USU, Cantwell held senior leadership positions in research and innovation at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. 

Cantwell holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley; an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School; and a bachelor’s degree in human behavior from the University of Chicago. 

President, Mark DeMichael, Northwest Nazarene University

Dr. Mark DeMichael stepped into office as the 14th president of Northwest Nazarene University in the Summer of 2025. 

Before coming to NNU, DeMichael served at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) for over 25 years, most recently as Vice President of Student Development and Athletics. Before his tenure at IWU, DeMichael spent several years as a faculty member and head baseball coach at Eastern Nazarene College, his alma mater. 

DeMichael holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, an M.Ed. in physical education from Azusa Pacific University, and a B.S. in physical education from Eastern Nazarene College. 

President, Christopher Gilmer, Heritage University

Dr. Christopher Gilmer officially started his role as the fourth president of Heritage University on July 1, 2025. 

Gilmer has served as president of two Appalachian universities, West Virginia University at Parkersburg and West Virginia University Potomac State College. He has served as a faculty member and administrator at three Historically Black Colleges and Universities including Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, where he was most recently the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice. He has also served on that college’s Board of Trustees. 

Gilmer has also served at a Hispanic-serving institution, Adams State University in Colorado, where he was Vice President for Academic Affairs. He is the founder of the National Institutes for Historically Underserved Students. 

Gilmer holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Southern Mississippi, an M.A. in English from Mississippi College, and a B.S. in English from the University of Southern Mississippi. 

Interim Co-President, Jennifer Glowienka, Carroll College

Dr. Jennifer Glowienka was appointed interim co-president of Carroll College for the 2025-26 academic year.  

Glowienka previously served as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Carroll College since July 2021. A member of the Carroll faculty since 2003, Glowienka brings over two decades of experience in academic leadership and teaching. Her previous roles at Carroll include Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Assistant Dean of Instruction, and Chair of the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences. 

Glowienka holds a Ph.D. in evolutionary botany from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a B.S. in biology from Boise State University. 

Interim President, Caroline Goulet, University of Providence

Dr. Caroline Goulet was appointed interim president of the University of Providence, effective July 1, 2025.  

Goulet has been serving as the University of Providence’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs since July 2024. Before her tenure at the University of Providence, Dr. Goulet served as Associate Provost for the Health Professions and Professor at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. 

Goulet holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the Université de Montréal, an M.S. in applied biomedical engineering, and B.S. in physical therapy from McGill University. 

President, Justin Guillory, Whatcom Community College

Dr. Justin Guillory became the fifth president of Whatcom Community College on May 1, 2025. 

Guillory has over 20 years of experience in higher education, 18 of which include serving in various capacities at Northwest Indian College, including 12 years as the president. Additional experience includes serving as a graduate assistant/mentor program coordinator within the Office of Multicultural Student Services at Washington State University. 

Guillory holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration, a master’s degree from Washington State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University.

Interim President, Joan Hanten, Olympic College

Joan Hanten began her tenure as interim president of Olympic College on June 16, 2025.  

Hanten brings nearly two decades of leadership experience at Olympic College, having served in several key roles, including Special Projects Administrator, Office of the President; Interim Vice President, Human Resources; Vice President, College Relations; and Executive Director, Institutional Advancement and Olympic College Foundation. 

Hanten holds a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law and a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Portland. 

Interim President and CEO, Joshua Knotts, Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

Joshua Knotts was appointed interim president and CEO of Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences, effective March 22, 2025.  

Knotts, who most recently served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Experience, brings more than a decade of leadership experience at Joyce University. Since joining the institution in 2012 – then known as Ameritech College of Healthcare – he has held various roles with increasing responsibility.

Knotts holds an MBA from Liberty University and a B.S. in advertising and public relations from the University of Southern Indiana.

Chancellor, Johnny MacLean, Montana Technological University

Dr. Johnny MacLean was selected as the 13th chancellor of Montana Technological University, beginning June 1, 2025. 

Previously, MacLean was Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Montana Western (UMW). Before joining UMW in 2022, MacLean served in the Office of the Provost at Southern Utah University, where he was also a tenured faculty member in geology.  

MacLean holds a Ph.D. in geosciences from the University of Montana, an M.S. in earth science from Syracuse University, and a B.S. in geology from Furman University. 

Interim President, Patrick McEachern, Spokane Falls Community College

Patrick McEachern began serving as interim president of Spokane Falls Community College, effective July 1. 

Previously, McEachern was Vice President of Student Affairs. McEachern joined Spokane Colleges as an instructional designer in 2014 and has served in several leadership roles at the college including Associate Provost. 

McEachern holds an M.Ed. in instructional design, a B.A. in secondary education, and an A.A. from Spokane Falls Community College. McEachern is a Ph.D. candidate in Oregon State University’s Adult and Higher Education program, with an emphasis in community college leadership. 

President, Michael M. Munson, Salish Kootenai College

Dr. Michael M. Munson became the sixth president of Salish Kootenai College on June 23, 2025. 

Munson brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, leadership, and Native-serving institutions. She most recently served as Associate Vice-Provost of Tribal Research and Graduate Education at Washington State University, Pullman.  

Munson holds a B.A. in elementary education and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Montana. 

President, Katia Passerini, Gonzaga University

Dr. Katia Passerini became president of Gonzaga University on July 15, 2025.  

Passerini most recently served at Seton Hall University in New Jersey as provost and senior executive vice president from 2020-2025, a tenure that included a one-year stint as Seton Hall’s interim president during the 2023-24 academic year. 

Passerini holds MBA and Ph.D. degrees from The George Washington University, and a Certificate in Business Project Management from New York University, and undergraduate degrees in political science (LUISS University, Italy) and economics (University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy). She was a Fulbright Student Scholar and Fulbright Administrator Scholar, as well as an Italian National Research Council Fellow. 

President, Greg Pereira, Central Oregon Community College

Dr. Greg Pereira became the seventh president of Central Oregon Community College (COCC) in July 2025.  

Prior to joining COCC, Pereira served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Rio Salado College, where he also served as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Academic Affairs and Community Development, Associate Dean of Instruction and Community Development, and Director of Community Partnership Programs. 

Pereira holds an Ed.D. from Arizona State University, an M.A. in leadership from Azusa Pacific University, and a B.A. in communication studies. 

Interim President, Joseph E. Pizzorno, Bastyr University

Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno became interim president of Bastyr University, effective July 7, 2025.  

Pizzorno is the co-founder and founding president of Bastyr University. He led the effort to make Bastyr University the first accredited college of naturopathic medicine in the United States. He is an internationally recognized leader in environmental, functional, and integrative medicine. 

Pizzorno holds an N.D. from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine and a B.S. from Harvey Mudd College.   

Interim President, Jeremiah Shinn, Boise State University

Dr. Jeremiah Shinn became interim president of Boise State University in May 2025.  

Shinn previously served as Boise State’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment management. He returned to Boise State in early 2023 after serving as Vice President for Student affairs at Louisiana State University for three and a half years. Prior to Louisiana State University, Shinn worked in various roles at Boise State starting in 2010. In addition, he has taught at the graduate and undergraduate levels throughout his academic career.   

Shinn holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and administration from Eastern Michigan University, an M.A. in higher education administration from the University of Michigan, and a B.S. in natural sciences from Arkansas Tech University. 

President, Shane B. Smeed, Utah Tech University

Shane B. Smeed became president of Utah Tech University on May 1, 2025.  

Smeed previously served as president of Park University, where he led initiatives focused on student success, institutional excellence and workforce development. 

Smeed holds an M.A. in student personnel administration from Saint Louis University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He also holds a B.A. in business operations from DeVry Institute of Technology. 

Interim President, Alan L. Smith, Utah State University

Dr. Alan L. Smith was appointed interim president of Utah State University (USU), effective Spring 2025.  

Smith previously served as dean of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU. Prior to joining USU, he held leadership roles at Michigan State University and Purdue University and is a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology.  

Smith holds a Ph.D. in exercise and movement science from the University of Oregon, an M.S. in exercise and sport science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a B.A. in psychology from the University of Rochester. 

President, Brock Tessman, Montana State University – Bozeman

Dr. Brock Tessman became the 13th president of Montana State University – Bozeman on July 1, 2025.  

Previously, Tessman served as president of Northern Michigan University (NMU). Prior to his presidency at NMU, Tessman held several prominent roles within higher education, including Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs in the Montana University System and Dean of the Davidson Honors College at the University of Montana.  

Tessman earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and his bachelor’s degree in international relations from Brown University. 

President, Lexie Tom, Northwest Indian College

Lexie Tom was appointed president of Northwest Indian College (NWIC), effective May 2025.  

Tom previously served as interim president of NWIC. Prior to this appointment, Tom served as Acting Director of the Lummi Nation Educational System, which includes Lummi Nation K-12 School, the Early Learning Programs, Head Start program, Johnson O’Malley education program, and partnerships with all public schools that enroll Lummi children.    

Tom holds a doctoral degree in indigenous studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, an M.A. in public administration from Evergreen State College, a B.A. in anthropology from Western Washington University, and is a proud graduate of Northwest Indian College. 

Interim Co-President, Austin Vetter, Carroll College

Bishop Austin Vetter was appointed interim co-president of Carroll College for the 2025-26 academic year. 

Ordained a priest in 1993, Vetter has served in numerous leadership roles, including Rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck and Director of Spiritual Formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. As Bishop of Helena, he has played a key role in stewarding the Diocese’s mission, overseeing strategic planning, parish development, and clergy support, while advancing initiatives that align with the Church’s long-term goals. 

Vetter earned a B.A. in philosophy from Cardinal Muench Seminary and continued his theological studies at the Pontifical North American College and the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. 

Interim President, Douglas S. Wade, Warner Pacific University

Douglas S. Wade was appointed interim president of Warner Pacific University on June 27, 2025.  

Wade previously served as acting president of WPU, beginning April 2025. He is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, a role he will continue to hold in his interim presidency. He brings over two decades of higher education leadership experience to this expanded responsibility. 

Wade holds an M.A. in finance from the Wharton School and a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago.  

President, Suzanne Walsh, City University of Seattle

Suzanne Walsh was appointed president of City University of Seattle, effective July 1, 2025. 

Walsh previously served as President of Bennett College, a historically Black liberal arts college for women. Prior, she served as the Deputy Director of Postsecondary Success at the Gates Foundation and held key positions at the Lumina Foundation and The Heinz Endowments. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives to improve educational outcomes for underserved and non-traditional learners, focusing on student success and socioeconomic mobility. 

Walsh holds a juris doctorate and master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University, a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and an associate degree in applied science from Hudson Valley Community College. 

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Award winners must demonstrate distinctive, measurable, and replicable innovations that have resulted in student achievement and success at the institutional or programmatic level, including innovations in advising and mentoring, alternative credentialing, experiential learning, learning communities, or other such efforts. Other winning examples may include new curricula, courses, or educational delivery models. The Beacon Award will recognize innovative approaches that have significantly contributed to measurable improvements in completion and/or graduation rates at the institution.

Award winners will receive a trophy and cash award to be used to further the institution’s efforts to implement the initiative.

Winning institutions will be recognized during the NWCCU Annual Conference, where an institutional representative will have the opportunity to speak on the topic of their award-winning endeavors that are contributing to the success of their students. The winners will also be expected to submit a short article on their initiative for publication in NWCCU’s Beacon newsletter.

For more information on the Beacon Award and to learn more about previous winners’ initiatives, please visit NWCCU’s Beacon Award webpage.

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