NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Leah Jackson (jacksonl@nsula.edu)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
5/20/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - The Northwestern State University Department of Family and Consumer Sciences has earned full accreditation of all programs within the department by the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
After conducting a year-long self study and submitting a comprehensive report in 2007, the department was granted a site visit which was held during Fall 2007. Members of the site visit team were from prestigious universities throughout the country, including Cornell University. Accreditation is granted to university departments who have met or exceeded national standards of excellence.
“This is the successful culmination of an extensive, rigorous self-study process in which all programs in the department are carefully evaluated and where continuous improvement is the goal,” said Dr. Pat Pierson, department head. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, students, and alumni. It validates on a national level what we have always known about the quality of our department and of Northwestern State University.”
The Council for Accreditation praised NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Tom Hanson, Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dr. Austin Temple, and Pierson for the administrative leadership of the university and the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
“The FACS faculty members were noted for their commitment to excellence in teaching, their genuine interest in students, a particularly strong advising program, their enthusiasm, professionalism and personal development,” Pierson said.
Other strengths highlighted by the accrediting agency included the attractive, well designed learning environment, along with the department’s university service and community outreach. The accreditation status is maintained for a 10-year period.
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