V7I4: Commission Appointments and Updates

Election of New Commissioners

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.