Committees & Working Groups
Committees & Working Groups
Middle States 2027 Committees and Working Groups
More than 100 individuals are involved in preparing a draft of the Self-Study. This includes faculty, staff, and students engaged in one of seven Working Groups, analyzing evidence collected by the Evidence Inventory Committee to support our achievement of MSCHE’s Standards of Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation.
The organizational structure for the Self-Study includes four principal constituents: Core Committee, Steering Committee, Working Groups, and Consulting Committees. Three complementary committees support these primary groups—Compliance and Risk Management, Communication, and the Evidence Inventory Committees. Compliance and Risk Management and Evidence Inventory Committees primarily support the Working Groups’ efforts, allowing the Working Groups to focus on further research and analysis.
The entire Rowan University community will have a chance to review a draft of the Self-Study and provide feedback in Spring 2027.
Core Committee
The Core Committee oversees and facilitates the entire Self-Study process. The Steering Committee is composed of the Core Committee and administrative leaders overseeing key University strategic initiatives and operational areas. Members of the Steering Committee are the administrative leaders of the Working Groups. This structure ensures alignment with institutional priorities and to meet the Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation through rigorous assessment and evaluation.
Core Committee Members
| Name | Title | Affiliation | Role |
| Lorraine Ricchezza | Associate Provost for Academic Strategic Initiatives; University Accreditation Liaison Officer | Office of the Provost | Self-Study Chair & University Accreditation Liaison Officer |
| Jeffrey Bonfield | Director of Assessment | Office of the Provost | Self-Study Co-Chair |
| Bill Freind | Professor; President, University Senate | Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences | Self-Study Co-Chair |
| Grace Farber | Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs | Office of the Provost | Self-Study Co-Chair |
| RJ Tallarida | Chief of Staff | Office of the President | Consulting Member |
| Roberta Harvey | Vice Chancellor; Senior Advisor to the Provost | Office of the Provost | Consulting Member |
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee serves as the central organizing body for the Self-Study, coordinating the activities of the Working Groups. The Steering Committee is responsible for refining lines of inquiry, identifying participants for each group, and guiding the process and outcomes to ensure meaningful alignment with the Standards of Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation. The entire Steering Committee will meet several times through the process; much of the work will be offline reviewing materials, meetings with Working Groups, and providing updates to Consulting Committees. The Steering Committee will also participate in periodic updates to the Board of Trustees and the University community.
Steering Committee Members
| Name | Title | Affiliation |
| Michael Blake | Vice President, Budget & Financial Planning | Division of Finance |
| Jeffrey Bonfield | Director of Assessment | Office of the Provost |
| Raymond Braeunig | Chief Audit, Compliance & Privacy Officer | Office of Compliance and Corporate Integrity |
| Joseph Campbell | Vice Chancellor, Facilities & Operations | Office of the President |
| Joe Cardona | Vice Chancellor, University Relations | Office of the President |
| Matthew Edson | Dean | Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine |
| Grace Farber | Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs | Office of the Provost |
| Bill Freind | Professor; President, University Senate | Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences |
| Jeff Gant | Vice Chancellor, Admissions | Division of Strategic Enrollment Management |
| Roberta Harvey | Vice Chancellor; Senior Advisor to the Provost | Office of the Provost |
| Richard Jermyn | Vice Chancellor | Virtua Health College of Medicine and Life Sciences and Dean, Rowan Virtua SOM |
| Kevin Koett | Vice Chancellor, Student Life; Dean of Students | Division of Academic Affairs |
| Rory McElwee | Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs; Dean, University College | Division of Academic Affairs |
| Penny McPherson-Myers | Vice Chancellor, Student Access & Pathway Programs | Office of the President |
| Lorraine Ricchezza | Associate Provost for Academic Strategic Initiatives; University Accreditation Liaison Officer | Office of the Provost |
| Kha’ Sadler | Associate Provost, Wellness and Inclusivity | Office of the Provost |
| RJ Tallarida | Chief of Staff | Office of the President |
| Melissa Wheatcroft | General Counsel | Office of General Counsel |
| Mei Wei | Vice Chancellor for Research | Division of Research |
| Scott Woodside | Assistant Vice President for Community Health and Well-being | The Wellness Center |
| John Zabinski | Vice President, University Advancement and Executive Director of the Rowan University Foundation | Division of Advancement |
Consulting Committees
- Executive Cabinet
- Deans’ Council
- Provost’s Senior Staff
- Health and Medicine Council
- University Senate Executive Committee
- Chairs’ Council
- University Research Council
- Student Government Association Executive Board
- Graduate Student Government Association
Working Groups
The Working Groups are at the heart of Rowan University’s Middle States Self-Study. Bringing together diverse voices from across the campus community, these groups will lead the research, analysis, and reflection that form the foundation of our accreditation process. Their work goes beyond compliance, it’s an opportunity to take a thoughtful, honest look at how we fulfill our mission and live out our values every day. In close collaboration with the Steering and Consulting Committees, the Working Groups will foster open dialogue, share evidence, and highlight areas of strength and opportunity. Through this inclusive and transparent process, the groups will help shape a collective vision for Rowan’s continued growth, innovation, and excellence.
Standard I: Mission and Goals
- Stephanie Lezotte, Assistant VP for Sponsored Research and Administration
- MaryBeth Walpole, Professor, Educational Leadership, Administration and Research
The institution’s mission defines its purpose within the context of higher education, the students it serves, and what it intends to accomplish. The institution’s stated goals are clearly linked to its mission and specify how the institution fulfills its mission.
Working Group Members
| Name | Title/Faculty Rank | Department/Unit/Office |
| Annette Reboli | Dean | Cooper Medical School of Rowan University |
| Ayishat Omar | Associate Professor | Department of Accounting & Finance |
| Dyron Corley | Director | Center for Student Success, SOM |
| Greg Caputo | Professor | Dept of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, CSM |
| Heidi Kovalick | Director | Financial Aid |
| Jessica Prach | Senior Assistant Director | Office of Admissions, Div. of Strategic Enrollment |
Standard II: Ethics and Integrity
- Penny McPherson-Myers, Vice Chancellor, Student Access & Pathway Programs
- Jon Jiras, Lead, Technology Services, Campbell Library
Ethics and integrity are central, indispensable, and defining hallmarks of effective higher education institutions. In all activities, whether internal or external, an institution must be faithful to its mission, honor its contracts and commitments, adhere to its policies, and represent itself truthfully.
Working Group Members
| Name | Title/Faculty Rank | Department/Unit/Office |
| Jennifer Ravelli | Assistant Dean | College of Science & Mathematics |
| Kim Houser | Associate Professor | Department of Law and Justice Studies |
| Nicole M. Edwards | Professor | College of Education |
| Nicole McTague | Director of Internal Audit | Office of Audit, Compliance & Corporate Integrity |
| Shagela Davis | Employee Relations Manager | Office of Employee Equity and Labor Relations |
| Tracy Wolak | Esquire, Associate General Counsel | Office of General Counsel |
| Zobeida Concepcion | Director of Employee Life Cycle | Office of Human Resources |
Standard III: Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience
- Grace Farber, Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs
- Jeremy Glazer, Assistant Professor, Content Area Teacher Education
An institution provides students with learning experiences that are characterized by rigor and coherence of all program, certificate, and degree levels, regardless of instructional modality. All learning experiences, regardless of modality, program pace/schedule, level, and setting are consistent with higher education expectations.
Working Group Members
| Name | Title/Faculty Rank | Department/Unit/Office |
| Michalina Zelazny | Senior Academic Advisor | College of Education |
| Jill Perry | Director, Faculty Center | Division of Academic Affairs |
| Linda Drexel | University Registrar | Registrar's Office |
| Allison Kelly | Associate Teaching Professor | College of Science & Mathematics |
| Kelly Duke Bryant | Associate Professor | Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities & SS |
| Mike Ciocco | Associate VP | Rowan Online |
Standard IV: Support of the Student Experience
- Michelle Mignot, Assistant Director, University Advising Services
- Jude Miller, Associate Teaching Professor, First Year Writing Coordinator
Across all educational experiences, settings, levels, and instructional modalities, the institution recruits and admits students whose interests, abilities, experiences, and goals are congruent with its mission and educational offerings. The institution commits to student retention, persistence, completion, and success through a coherent and effective support system sustained by qualified professionals, which enhances the quality of the learning environment, contributes to the educational experience, and fosters student success.
Working Group Members
| Name | Title/Faculty Rank | Department/Unit/Office |
| Daniel Kipnis | Librarian | Library |
| Dr. Brett Pulliam | AVP Pathways program | Student Access and Pathway Programs |
| Erin Hannah | Academic Support Programs | Academic Support Programs |
| Jenn Tharp | Assistant Director, Grad Academic Services | School of Graduate Studies |
| Jessica Prach | Assistant Director of Admissions | Admissions |
| Kim Poolos | Chief Technologist (CS) | Computer Science |
| Scott Woodside | AVP of Community Health and Wellness | Wellness Center |
| Shawn Washart | Advising | University Advising Services |
Standard V: Educational Effectiveness Assessment
- Jeffrey Bonfield, Director of Assessment
- Trevor Smith, Associate Professor, Content Area Teacher Education
Assessment of student learning and achievement demonstrates that the institution’s students have accomplished educational goals consistent with their program of study, degree level, the institution’s mission, and appropriate expectations for institutions of higher education.
Working Group Members
| Name | Title/Faculty Rank | Department/Unit/Office |
| Carmen McDonald | Department Chair & Teaching Professor | Department of Nursing |
| Jody Seutter | Assistant Vice President | Online Program Portfolio, Online Operations |
| Julius Grayson | Pre-Health Advisor | Office of Pre-Health Programs |
| Megan Bucknum | Associate Teaching Professor | Department of Geography, Planning, & Sustainability |
| Melissa Awenowicz | Assistant Dean Accreditation and Assessment | College of Education |
| Nathan Bauer (consulting member) | Assistant Professor and Chair | Philosophy & World Religions Department |
Standard VI: Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement
- Michael Blake, Vice President, Budget & Financial Planning
- Garrett Broad, Associate Professor, Communication Studies & Provost’s Fellow for Sustainability
The institution’s planning processes, resources, and structures are aligned with each other and are sufficient to fulfill its mission and goals, to continuously assess and improve its programs and services, and to respond effectively to opportunities and challenges.
Working Group Members
| Name | Title/Faculty Rank | Department/Unit/Office |
| Erlina Papakroni | Assistant Professor of Accounting | - |
| Jackie Ring | Chief Institutional Research Officer | - |
| Joe Campbell | Vice Chancellor for Facilities & Operations | - |
| Mark Sedlock | Vice President and CTO, Information Resources and Technology | - |
| Nicole McTague | Director of Internal Audit, Office of Audit, Compliance & Corporate Integrity | - |
| Theresa Brooke Lew | Associate Vice President, Finance & Controller | - |
Standard VII: Governance, Leadership, and Administration
- RJ Tallarida, Chief of Staff
- DeMond Miller, Professor of Sociology and Disaster Science & Emergency Management
The institution is governed and administered in a manner that allows it to realize its stated mission and goals in a way that effectively benefits the institution, its students, and the other constituencies it serves. Even when supported by or affiliated with a related entity, the institution has education as its primary purpose, and it operates as an academic institution with appropriate autonomy.
Working Group Members
| Name | Title/Faculty Rank | Department/Unit/Office |
| Christine Pickel | Assistant General Counsel | Office of General Counsel |
| Gerald Hough | Professor | College of Science & Mathematics |
| Kevin Dahm | Professor | Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering |
| Kha Sadller | Associate Provost, Wellness & Inclusivity | Office of Provost |
| Lynn Sanders | Director of Operations | Office of Chancellor |
| Mariano Savelski | Senior Vice Provost | Office of the Provost |
| Sarah Wilson | Associate Professor | Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering |
| Stephen Fleming | Associate Dean | Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities & SS |
| Tom Fusco | Associate Professor | College of the Arts |
Committees
The Working Groups are supported by three complementary committees: Compliance and Risk Management, Communication, and the Evidence Inventory Committees, that each help reinforce the study’s rigor, transparency, and effectiveness. A committee charge appears below for each committee along with committee representation.
Communication Committee
Lead: Joe Cardona, Vice Chancellor, University Relations
The Communication Committee is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communication strategy to support institutional accreditation efforts in consultation with the core committee. The committee ensures consistent, transparent, and timely communication among all stakeholders, fostering awareness, engagement, and confidence in the accreditation process. Identify and segment key audiences (e.g., faculty, staff, students, trustees, public) and tailor messaging accordingly. The committee ensures message consistency, clarity, and accuracy across all platforms and correspondence and promotes engagement opportunities across the University.
The committee comprises representatives from representatives from University Communication, Marketing, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, selected students, and other stakeholder groups. The Accreditation Liaison Officer serves on the committee to ensure overall coordination of communications.
Compliance and Risk Management Committee
Lead: Melissa Wheatcroft, General Counsel
The Compliance and Risk Management Working Group is charged with evaluating how the institution ensures regulatory compliance and proactively manages risk in alignment with its mission, strategic goals, and accreditation requirements. The group is responsible for assessing the systems, policies, and structures in place to monitor and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, as well as the institution’s ability to identify, assess, and respond to potential risks.
The committee comprises representatives from the Office of General Counsel, compliance, risk management, and auxiliary units, along with liaisons from the Self-Study Steering Committee.
Evidence Inventory Committee
Lead: Jeffrey Bonfield, Director of Assessment
The Evidence Inventory Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining an organized, centralized, and accessible repository of documentation that supports the institution’s compliance with the MSCHE Requirements of Affiliation and Standards for Accreditation. This work directly informs and supports the Self-Study process and subsequent peer review.
The committee comprises representatives from institutional research and analytics, academic affairs, finance, human resources, and administrative units, along with liaisons from the Self-Study Steering Committee.