Improving student learning is the heart of the accreditation process. As part of the reaffirmation for accreditation, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) expects each institution to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) that focuses on one area essential to the University’s mission and future success. Learning for Life: Experience Your Future was created through a multi-year process with input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Our QEP purpose over the next five years is to give all undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in one of the following high-impact educational practices: internship/apprenticeship; research thesis/project; or capstone course/project. These experiential education opportunities will best prepare students for their future.

Quality Enhancement Plan Guidelines

The QEP was developed by two teams: QEP Executive Committee and QEP Task Force. Three additional teams will be established to guide the implementation and assessment processes.

The purpose of the QEP Executive Committee is to provide leadership and oversight to the five components of the QEP Review Framework. These components include: 1) An institutional process, 2) Focus of the plan, 3) Institutional capability for the initiation, implementation, and completion of the plan, 4) Broad-based involvement of institutional constituencies, and 5) Assessment of the plan.

The QEP Task Force is responsible for writing the QEP. Each team member partners with one or two members of the Executive Committee to cover their writing assignment (i.e., one of the five components of the QEP Framework).

• The QEP Launch Party will take place on Wednesday, February 22 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom and Lobby. Students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders are welcome to attend this open house.
• The Launch Party will occur shortly before the Mardi Gras break and will be themed to take advantage of the celebratory nature of the season.
• Food and activities will be provided to generate interest and enthusiasm about the QEP.
• Pilot programs will be given the opportunity to market experiential learning opportunities in their respective programs.

Dr. John Dollar (Chair)
Department Head; Professor of Health & Human Performance

Ms. Veronica Biscoe
Executive Director, Institutional Effectiveness & Human Resources

Ms. Reatha Cox
Executive Director, First Year Experience & Leadership Development

Dr. Vickie Gentry
Provost; Vice President of Academic Affairs

Dr. Marcia Hardy
President, Faculty Senate; Assistant Professor, School of Business

Mr. Drake Owens
Assistant Vice President of External Affairs for University Advancement; Assistant Professor in Business

Mr. John Pearce
President, Student Government Association

Ms. Rebecca Boone
Director, Counseling & Career Services

Dr. Debra Clark
Assistant Professor, College of Nursing

Mr. Tony Davis
President & CEO, Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce; Louisiana Board of Elementary & Secondary Education (District 4)

Dr. Paula Furr
Department Head; Professor, New Media, Journalism, & Communication

Dr. Chris Gilson
Assistant Professor, History

Dr. Kelli Haynes
Associate Professor, School of Allied Health

Ms. Connie Jones
Assistant Professor, Hospitality, Management, & Tourism

Dr. Katrina Jordan
Assistant Professor, Teacher Education

Dr. Curt Phifer
Professor, Scholars’ College

Dr. Dana Clawson
Dean, College of Nursing & Allied Health

Dr. Greg Handel
Interim Dean, College of Arts & Sciences; Director of Creative & Performing Arts

Ms. Jennifer Kelly
Director, Academic & Auxiliary Services; Assistant to the Provost & VPAA

Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne
Interim Dean, College of Business & Technology