Chief Executive Officer

About the Commission

The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) is a first-in-kind institutional accreditor founded by six public university systems to serve public colleges and universities across the United States. CPHE advances academic quality, student outcomes, and institutional improvement through a model built by publics, for publics.

CPHE’s approach emphasizes:

• A focus on student success and outcomes
• True peer review grounded in public higher education
• Efficient, transparent accreditation processes that reduce burden while maintaining quality

As an emerging accreditor, CPHE is actively working toward U.S. Department of Education recognition while onboarding initial institutional cohorts and refining its standards and processes.

Position Summary

The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of CPHE and provides strategic, operational, and external leadership during a formative period of organizational growth and national visibility.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead the continued build-out of CPHE as a new national accrediting body
• Develop and execute a strategic vision aligned with CPHE’s mission of improving student outcomes and institutional quality

Accreditation Leadership & Innovation

• Oversee the implementation and refinement of CPHE’s accreditation standards and evidentiary guidance

External Relations & National Leadership

• Serve as CPHE’s primary spokesperson and national representative

Governance & Board Relations

• Partner closely with the Board of Directors

Membership Growth & Engagement

• Recruit and support a growing membership of public colleges and universities

Operational & Financial Leadership

• Oversee all administrative and operational functions of CPHE

Required and Preferred Experience

• Senior leadership experience in public higher education is required
• Deep familiarity with accreditation processes and policy, federal higher education regulation, and public higher education systems is required

Required Education

Earned doctoral or terminal degree from an accredited university