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NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Ericca R. Clark (reynoldse@nsula.edu)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
02/26/2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES -Northwestern State University's College of Education continued its preparation for reaccreditation by working with a noted expert on the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Dr. David C. Smith, dean emeritus of the college of education at the University of Florida, recently visited NSU to provide training, a better understanding of the NCATE and accreditation process.
"We needed a fresh pair of eyes to look at our college and see where we are and where we need to be, " said Dr. Vickie Gentry, acting dean of the College of Education at Northwestern. "Dr. Smith showed us different ways of doing things so we can provide a better product."
Smith has served as a consultant to more than 70 colleges and universities on matters relating to accreditation, assessment and program development. He has participated in accreditation workshops conducted by the NCATE and the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE), has served on the Board of Examiners for NCATE and the Specialty Area Studies Board. In addition, he has worked at five institutions that have gone through the NCATE accreditation process.
"My first impression was NSU was a college and university that had a deep and long-standing commitment to the preparation of teachers and other professional educational personnel," said Smith. "I also got the impression that the commitment to that legacy continues to thrive."
During Smith's visit, a conceptual framework forum was held for the faculty and staff.
"The purpose of this forum was to remind everyone of the purpose and importance of NCATE, the process we go through and how we need the support of each faculty and staff member," said Gentry. "This forum supported the idea of the quality of work that is done by faculty on this campus. It's important for the college of education and every college to have professional development forums of this nature."
The university plans to continue working with Smith during the process of reaccreditation.
"Reaccreditation is a complex process and it is not unusual for colleges to seek assistance from individuals who are knowledgeable and experienced," said Smith. "NSU's College of Education is very fortunate to have the strong support of the acting dean and the central administration."