Post University Reaffirmation 2027
Exciting Advancements at Post University: Strengthening Our Future Through NECHE Accreditation
Big things are happening at Post University—and every improvement is designed with one goal in mind: giving our students the best possible learning experience.
Post University is proudly accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a mark of excellence that reflects our strong academic programs, financial stability, and long-standing commitment to student success. This accreditation isn’t just a stamp of approval—it’s a promise that we continually evolve, innovate, and rise to meet the highest standards in higher education.
As part of our ongoing growth, we recently completed a comprehensive NECHE reaffirmation process in 2024, including a campus-wide self-study and a successful visit from a NECHE evaluation team. We’re thrilled to share that Post University’s accreditation was continued—an achievement made possible by the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students.
In 2024, Post University joined the Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB) network, opening the door to new opportunities, global partnerships, and expanded resources for students. With this exciting transition, NECHE and federal guidelines require another reaffirmation within three years—a chance for us to showcase the incredible progress already underway.
NECHE’s next site visit is scheduled for March 28–31, 2027, and preparations are already underway. Over the next year, we’ll conduct a deep, university-wide self-study exploring how we’ve grown, how we’re improving, and how we continue to meet NECHE’s rigorous standards. This process helps us identify new opportunities, strengthen our programs, and ensure that every Post student has access to a high-quality, future-focused education.
To lead this effort, Post University has launched the 2027 Reaffirmation Workgroup, bringing together leaders and representatives from every area of the institution. This collaborative initiative reflects what makes Post special—our shared commitment to creating an environment where students thrive.
We’re excited about the journey ahead. As Post continues to grow and evolve, accreditation serves as both a compass and a celebration of what we can achieve together. Thank you to our students, faculty, staff, and community for being part of this important work.
For questions or to get involved, reach out to Tom Bryant, Shawn Fields, or Teresa Crosier—we’d love to connect!
To prepare for its March 2027 review, a reaffirmation team with members who represent the various operational areas within Post University is in place to guide the process. All team members are responsible for supporting and coordinating the University’s efforts in achieving and maintaining compliance with the NECHE Standards of Accreditation. The reaffirmation team consists of five individual workgroups, each responsible for one of the five NECHE Standards of Accreditation.
Post University is pleased and honored to announce the team leaders and workgroup members of the 2027 reaffirmation team. These members represent all the operational areas within Post University and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Workgroups and Members
Standard One - Mission, Organization, Governance, and Planning
The institution’s mission defines its distinctive character, provides direction for institutional activities, and forms the basis for institutional planning, resource allocation, assessment, and improvement. The institution has a system of governance, internal and at the Board level, that facilitates the accomplishment of its mission, provides for effective planning and evaluation, and supports institutional improvement and innovation. The institution has sufficient autonomy and control of its programs and operations to be held accountable for meeting the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation.
Chair: Thomas Bryant
Committee Members:
- Craig Lundsten
- Aimee Radeschi
- Kimber Summers
- Enrique Yuri
Standard Two - The Academic Program, Faculty, and Students
The institution’s academic program and student services are consistent with and serve to fulfill its mission and purposes. The institution works systematically and effectively to plan, provide, oversee, evaluate, improve, and assure the quality and integrity of its academic programs and credits and degrees awarded as well as its student services and co-curricular programs. The institution supports teaching and learning through a well-qualified faculty and academic staff, who, in structures and processes appropriate to the institution, collectively ensure the quality of instruction and support for student learning. The institution sets a standard of student achievement appropriate to the degree or certificate awarded and develops systematic means to demonstrate how and what students are learning and to use the evidence provided to improve the academic program.
Chairs: Mary Carr and Sandra Wilson
Committee Members:
- Lisa Acerbo
- Michael Alfano
- Jessica DePalmer
- Kevin Hale
- Christian Jahnsen
- James Lee
- Hamid Malakpour
- Kristin McDonald
- Abigail Nemec
- Kimberly Nerud
- Jennifer Peffers
- Renee Pitre
- Mark Pollack
- Isabella Russo
- Dawn Sherman
- Kristine Skalsky
- Andrew Smith
- Kate Thiry
- Jennifer Zaniewski
Standard Three - Institutional Resources
The institution has and maintains sufficient human, financial, information, physical, and technological resources and capacity to support its mission wherever and however its academic programs are offered. Through periodic evaluation, the institution demonstrates that its resources are sufficient to sustain the quality of its educational program and to support institutional improvement now and on an ongoing basis. The institution demonstrates, through internal and external evidence, its financial capacity to graduate its entering class. The institution administers its resources in an ethical manner that assures effective systems of enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, and internal controls.
Chair: Edward Cabanas
Committee Members:
- Scott Allen
- Wesley Debnam
- John Fair
- Christopher Fusco
- Adam Gorski
- James Heffner
- Shane Lively
- Robert Maxwell
- Tracy Ralston
- Dennis Zancan
Standard Four - Educational Effectiveness and the Success of All Students
The institution demonstrates its educational effectiveness and the success of all students by ensuring appropriate levels of student achievement on mission-appropriate student outcomes. Based on sustained, evidence-based reflection and study, the institution employs comprehensive quality assurance processes to demonstrate and continually improve institutional effectiveness and student learning and success.
Chair: Teresa Crosier
Committee Members:
- Sarah Calzone
- Scott Fournier
- Melissa Kendall
- James Loughran
- Jennifer Nicknair
- Jennifer Pisco
- Yolanda Smith
- Kelley Walters
- Barbara Zerillo
Standard Five - Integrity, Transparency, and Public Disclosure
Through its commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and accountability, the institution upholds high standards in all its operations. It provides accurate, timely, and accessible information to all constituents, including the public and the Commission.
Chair: Shawn Fields
Committee Members:
- Robert Acosta
- Michele Bartlett
- Kalyan Carlson
- Virginia Folger
- Michelle Gambacini
- JC Hopkins
- Joan Huwiler
- James Loughran
- Karin Mann
- Carolyn Wisler
Reaffirmation Member Highlights
Sarah Calzone
Assistant Dean
John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education
Q. As a member of the reaffirmation team, what do you hope to gain from the experience?
A. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the reaffirmation process and how accreditation standards translate into everyday practice across the university. I’m also looking forward to collaborating with colleagues across departments and strengthening my skills in continuous improvement.
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Q. What is your current position at Post University and how do you feel your involvement with the 2027 reaffirmation process will impact your approach?A. I serve as the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Programs in the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education. Being involved in the 2027 reaffirmation process will push me to be even more intentional about using evidence to guide decisions, aligning program goals with student outcomes, and strengthening communication and documentation around what we do and why it works.
Q. How can you inspire other associates to realize the importance of compliance on the quality of education and services delivered to students?A. I can emphasize that compliance isn’t just a requirement; it’s a tool that helps us improve the student experience and protect the quality of our programs. By sharing how standards connect directly to student success, providing clear expectations and support, and celebrating progress, I can help build shared ownership and pride in the work.
Alisa Hunt, PhD, CPA
Director of International Education
Q. How do you think complying with the NECHE Standards of Accreditation supports the University’s mission?
A. NECHE’s Standards for Accreditation reinforce Post University’s mission by ensuring that all aspects of the student experience—academic programs, support services, assessment practices, and institutional resources—are intentionally designed to promote student success and growth. By requiring institutions to demonstrate integrity, academic quality, effective teaching, and meaningful learning outcomes, NECHE strengthens Post University’s ability to foster knowledge exchange, broaden students’ perspectives, and refine both practical and professional skills in and beyond the classroom.
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Q. How can you inspire other associates to realize the importance of compliance on the quality of education and services delivered to students?A. I can inspire others to value compliance by connecting it directly to what they already care about: student success, institutional reputation, and pride in their own work. When associates understand that compliance isn’t just a regulatory requirement but a framework that protects students, strengthens academic integrity, and ensures programs meet the high standards expected of a trusted university, they begin to see it as part of their professional identity—not an obligation.
Dr. Hamid Malakpour, BSME, MBA, E.D., L.D.
Program Chair – Finance and Professor
The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business
Q. As a member of the reaffirmation workgroup, what do you hope to gain from the experience?
A. As a member of the reaffirmation workgroup, I hope to gain a deeper institutional perspective on how our practices, processes, and outcomes align with NECHE standards across the university. Having been closely involved in academic leadership and prior accreditation efforts, I see this as an opportunity to further strengthen my understanding of institutional effectiveness, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. I also value the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a process that ensures we are delivering high-quality education while remaining accountable to our mission and our students.
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Q. What is your current position at Post University and how do you feel your involvement with the 2027 reaffirmation process will impact your approach?A. I currently serve as a Program Chair, having previously held the role of Interim Dean of the School of Business. My involvement in the 2027 reaffirmation process will further strengthen my approach to leadership by reinforcing the importance of data-informed decision-making, documentation, and alignment with institutional priorities. It will also enhance my ability to support faculty and staff in understanding how their daily work contributes to broader institutional goals, particularly in areas such as student outcomes, program quality, and compliance.
Q. How can you inspire other associates to realize the importance of compliance on the quality of education and services delivered to students?A. I believe inspiration comes through example, communication, and support. Throughout my time at Post, I have focused on creating an environment where faculty and staff feel valued, supported, and connected to the mission. By helping associates understand that compliance is not just a requirement but a tool that strengthens the quality of education and student experience, we can shift the mindset from obligation to purpose. I also believe in working closely with teams, listening to their challenges, and providing practical guidance so they can see how their efforts directly impact student success and institutional growth.
Marie Russell, MS
Program Chair, Child Studies / Coordinator, ECE & CHS: Program
John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education
Q. How do you think complying with the NECHE Standards of Accreditation supports the University’s mission?
A. Complying with NECHE Standards ensures that the University is consistently delivering on what it says it values. It enhances academic quality, promotes consistency across programs, and maintains a focus on student outcomes. In my experience, accreditation pushes us to look closely at what is working, what needs to improve, and how we know. That process strengthens both the quality of our programs and the integrity of the student experience, which is at the core of the University’s mission.
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Q. How can you inspire other associates to realize the importance of compliance on the quality of education and services delivered to students?A. I focus on making accreditation practical and relevant. When people see how standards connect directly to their day-to-day work—course design, student interaction, and outcomes—it becomes much more meaningful. I also try to model that this is not just about compliance. It is about improving what we do. When that mindset is shared, it helps build a culture where quality, accountability, and student success are part of the work—not something separate from it.
Andrew Smith, Ed.D
Assistant Dean
John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education
Q. As a member of the reaffirmation workgroup, what do you hope to gain from the experience?
A. As a member of the reaffirmation workgroup, I hope to gain a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of how institutional effectiveness is evaluated under NECHE standards. This experience will provide a valuable opportunity to engage through reflection on our practices, identify areas of strength, and discover opportunities for continuous improvement.
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Q. What is your current position at Post University and how do you feel your involvement with the 2027 reaffirmation process will impact your approach?A. As an Assistant Dean at Post University, my role focuses on program quality, faculty support, and student success initiatives. My involvement in the 2027 reaffirmation process will further deepen my commitment to data-informed decision-making and intentional alignment between programmatic outcomes and institutional goals. Additionally, it will enhance my ability to lead with a stronger emphasis on documentation, assessment, and continuous improvement, ensuring that our programs not only meet standards but exceed expectations in supporting student learning and persistence.
Q. How can you inspire other associates to realize the importance of compliance on the quality of education and services delivered to students?A. Inspiring others begins with connecting compliance to purpose. Rather than viewing accreditation as a regulatory requirement, I like to place emphasis on how it directly impacts the student experience and outcomes. By sharing data, success stories, and examples of how compliance-driven improvements enhance teaching, learning, and support services, we can shift perspectives.
Barbara Zerillo, EdD
Senior Director of Career Development
Q. As a member of the reaffirmation workgroup, what do you hope to gain from the experience?
A. I hope to gain a clearer picture of institutional strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Also, I’m looking forward to building stronger cross-departmental relationships.
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Q. What is your current position at Post University and how do you feel your involvement with the 2027 reaffirmation process will impact your approach?A. My current position at Post is the Senior Director, Career Development Center, My involvement will impact my approach as it will strengthen the focus on measurable career outcomes and student success indicators. Additionally, it will encourage more intentional use of data to guide programming.
Q. How can you inspire other associates to realize the importance of compliance on the quality of education and services delivered to students?A. I will Share data and stories that show how compliance efforts improve retention, learning, and career outcomes. Also, after the process, we will be able to encourage more cross-departmental collaboration to solve problems revealed through the assessment.
Reaffirmation is a Total University Effort. For additional information on the reaffirmation process and how you can become involved, please contact
- Tom Bryant: [email protected], 203.596.4609
- Shawn Fields: [email protected], 203.591.5230
- Teresa Crosier: [email protected], 203.591.7465