—Decade-Long Reaffirmation Validates University’s Academic Programs—
The University of West Florida received a vote of confidence this week as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation through 2035. The decision ensures UWF can continue awarding degrees at all levels, from associate through doctoral programs.
- “We are dedicated to ensuring that a UWF education meets the highest standards of quality,” said Manny Diaz Jr., interim president. “When people hire a UWF graduate, they’ll know they’re getting someone equipped with the skills and knowledge to make an impact. This reaffirmation validates the strength of the education that stands behind them.”
But Wait: Gov. Ron DeSantis has argued that SACSCOC is politically biased, interferes with state control of public universities, and wields too much unaccountable power over Florida’s higher education system. UWF Trustee Adam Kissel has been a vocal critic of the SACSCOC. He has stated accreditors “have no legitimate role in university governance” and should not be second?guessing decisions made by boards, governors, or legislators when those bodies act within their legal authority.
What Accreditation Means
SACSCOC serves as the regional accrediting body for higher education institutions across 11 Southern states and select international locations. The accreditation confirms that UWF maintains an appropriate educational mission, possesses sufficient resources to sustain that mission, and achieves clearly specified educational objectives consistent with the degrees it offers.
For students and graduates, accreditation directly impacts the value of their credentials. Employers rely on accreditation as a quality benchmark, while students need it to qualify for federal financial aid and ensure their credits transfer to other accredited institutions.
UWF first earned accreditation in 1969, shortly after its founding. The university most recently received reaffirmation in 2015, making this latest approval the third successful review in over five decades of operation.
- “Maintaining our accreditation ensures that every student can trust the quality and integrity of a UWF education,” said Dr. Jaromy Kuhl, provost. “It reflects years of dedicated work by our faculty and staff and reinforces our mission to provide meaningful learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in their careers and communities.”
Additional information about UWF’s institutional accreditation is available at uwf.edu/sacscoc.
