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Middle States gives Nazareth University official and full reaccreditation

Published July 09, 2025

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) has officially and fully reaffirmed Nazareth University’s accreditation, along with an extra measure of success. The University received the longest accreditation period possible — eight years — and has no additional actions or requirements requested by Middle States. 

This news comes nearly four months after MSCHE’s peer review committee visited Nazareth’s campus to witness the hard work of the university in action — the final step in the accreditation process after MSCHE reviewed Nazareth’s rigorous 83-page self-study. 

“Middle States accreditation does not come easy. The effort all of you make to create and operate a university worthy of such recognition isn’t a one-time project,” said Nazareth University President Beth Paul. “This recognition is a direct result of your efforts to put our changemaker education model into action — day after day, year after year.”  

The accreditation self-study process documented Nazareth’s focus on offering a distinctive and compelling value and partnering for community impact, while guiding future-ready changemaking students, ensuring a sustainable financial future, and creating an equity-minded community and culture that includes shared governance.

The Middle States self-study and site visit leadership team consisted of Math Professor Matt Koetz, Associate Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders Lisa Hiley, and Associate Provost in Academic Affairs Marie Hopkins. Provost Maureen Finney guided Nazareth through the self-study process as MSCHE accreditation liaison officer. 

“Sincere thanks also go to the MSCHE working groups, steering group, and Cabinet, and the numerous individuals throughout our community who invested genuine passion and purpose to make sure Nazareth shined through the entire MSCHE process,” said President Paul. “Every member of our campus community contributed to this designation, and we can and should feel deeply proud of our collective accomplishments.”

 

Contact

Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.