NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

4/25/2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES - The theatre program at Northwestern State University has been reaccredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre through the 2015-2016 academic year.

NSU also received plan approval for its Bachelor of Science in Theatre with concentrations in design/technology, performance/directing, musical theatre performance and dance performance.

"The process of accreditation was very lengthy and was beneficial for our program. Several of our faculty put a lot of time into it," said Coordinator of Theatre Scott Burrell. "The self-study committee for the National Association of Schools of Theatre reviewed our faculty credentials along with support and salaries, curriculum, budget and the availability of library materials. They also looked at the program's place in the Natchitoches community."

Northwestern is one of approximately 135 schools to receive NAST accreditation.

"This gives us validity as a program by assuring prospective students that we have a position as one of the leading theatre schools in the United States," said Burrell. "This accreditation also helps us to attract top faculty."

Accreditation is a non-governmental system of academic review. It is a process which periodically evaluates and produces an independent judgment by peers about the extent to which an institution or program achieves its own educational objectives and meets the standards established by an Association. Standards address operational and curricular issues fundamental to educational quality.

The granting of accredited Membership by the Commission on Accreditation signifies that an institution has successfully demonstrated compliance with the procedures, standards, and guidelines of the Association. Integral to this voluntary process is ongoing, regularized self-evaluation and peer review.

All eligible academic programs at Northwestern have earned accreditation from recognized national or international agencies. NSU was the first public institution in Louisiana to achieve 100 percent accreditation of eligible academic programs.

Main Menu