Following an extensive, multiyear review of institutional operations and academic programs, the Higher Learning Commission has granted Fort Lewis College full reaccreditation for the maximum 10‑year term, reaffirming the College’s mission, academic quality, and commitment to student success.

The reaccreditation process included an 18‑month comprehensive evaluation of the college’s curriculum, governance, finances, compliance, and academic practices, as well as a campus visit, interviews with faculty, staff, and students, and a detailed review of supporting documentation.

In its findings, the review team noted that Fort Lewis College’s mission is evident throughout its operations and academic programs.

“The team concludes that FLC possesses a coherent culture, an engaged Board that respects administrative authority, has planned well for expected economic uncertainty, and offers the kind of experience that it purports to in its marketing. We noted the strong commitment to undergraduate research, even as faculty take on substantial teaching loads,” said the review team in their conclusion.

“The Higher Learning Commission recognized that Fort Lewis College’s commitment to access and excellence runs through everything we do,” added Provost Mario Martinez. “This outcome reflects the collective work of our faculty, staff, and students, and it affirms the strength of the institution we have built and continue to advance.”

The accreditation process formally began more than two years ago with the development of an initial institutional report. Approximately 18 months ago, the college assembled a cross‑campus accreditation team to address all required areas, including mission alignment, academic quality, financial stability, accountability, transparency, ethical practices, and compliance.

Associate Provost Pete McCormick, who led the effort, said the team prepared a 22,000‑word report supported by nearly 800 pieces of evidence, along with hundreds of additional pages of documentation submitted to the review team.

The visiting evaluation team came to campus in October to confirm that the written report accurately reflected the lived experience of the college community. During the visit, reviewers met with students, faculty, and staff, observed classes, and reviewed institutional practices.

Reviewers cited strong student support services, faculty‑mentored undergraduate research, the college’s liberal arts mission, and its role as a Native American‑Serving Nontribal Institution. They also noted Fort Lewis College’s regional roots combined with its national reach.

“This reaccreditation reflects the hard work happening across campus every day, and especially the multidisciplinary team that helped bring all of that work together for review,” McCormick said. “The process is rigorous, and I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who contributed.”

The HLC Reaffirmation Committee included:

Pete McCormick, Academic Affairs, Chair

Kris Greer, formerly of Academic Affairs

Dawn Mulhern, Arts and Sciences and Academic Affairs

Chiara Cannella, Education

Paul Clay, Katz School of Business

Heather Shotton, President and formerly of Diversity Affairs

Jenn Wagnon, TRIO

Doug Ewing, Student Affairs

Samantha Gallagher, Finance and Administration

Tessa Creatini, formerly of Academic Affairs


To learn more about the accreditation process at FLC visit the accreditation page