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Dr. Selena Grace, Executive Vice President
sgrace@nwccu.org
Accreditation body appoints interim president and initiates executive search
SEATTLE, WA (February 18, 2025)—The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) announced today that its president, Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, has retired from his role.
The Board of Commissioners of the NWCCU has appointed Dr. Jeff Fox to serve as interim president. Dr. Fox is President Emeritus of the College of Southern Idaho and has served as an NWCCU commissioner. The Board will begin a national search for its next permanent president.
“It has been an honor to serve in this role,” said Dr. Ramaswamy. “The state of NWCCU is strong, with an excellent staff and stable financial situation. During my time at the Commission, we have promoted effective standards for accreditation, eligibility requirements, policies and procedures, which have enabled us to focus on promoting student success. I believe it’s time to bring in new leadership and vision to take the Commission to the next level of distinction.”
The NWCCU is recognized by the US Department of Education as an accreditor of higher education institutions throughout the United States. NWCCU provides institutional accreditation for public and private institutions of higher education, including Tribal and Faith-Based, throughout the United States and internationally.
“Sonny has inspired innovation and excellence for the entire membership of the Commission during his tenure,” said Dr. Fox. “His energetic presence, expertise and skill will be missed. In the transition process, I will look to him for his perspectives and wisdom. The NWCCU wishes him all the best in his next exciting chapter as he continues to make a positive difference in this world.”
The NWCCU was founded in 1917 and has been listed by the US Department of Education since 1952 as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
About the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) as an accreditor of public and private higher education institutions throughout the United States by applying data- and evidence-informed standards and processes to support continuous improvements and promote student achievement and success. Through its peer evaluation process, NWCCU ensures that its accredited and candidate (pre-accredited) member institutions are eligible for Title IV of USDE’s Higher Education Act programs in accordance with 34 CFR Part 602.10.
