Council for Higher Education Accreditation Elects Eight New Members to Board of Directors

June 22, 2026

Media Contact:
Audrey Hamilton
202-372-9263
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) today announced its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, including eight newly elected members and a new slate of Board officers.

Representing colleges and universities from across the country, the Board brings together experienced leaders in higher education who will help guide CHEA's work to advance academic quality, institutional excellence, and public confidence in accreditation. 

"CHEA benefits tremendously from the experience, insight, and leadership of our Board members," said CHEA President, Nasser H. Paydar. "As higher education continues to evolve, their expertise will help ensure CHEA remains a strong voice for quality assurance and accreditation on behalf of institutions, students, and the public." 

The following board members were elected at CHEA’s recent Board meeting to three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026. 

Newly Elected Board Members  

  • Lora Bailey, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, University of the Virgin Islands 
  • Julie Dinger, Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education 
  • Linda Essig, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Baruch College (CUNY) 
  • Bennie L. Harris, Chancellor, University of South Carolina Upstate 
  • Kathy Johnson, Executive Vice President and Provost, Saint Louis University (effective July 13) 
  • Marilee Bresciani Ludvik, Director of Academic Effectiveness and WSCUC Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), University of San Diego; Professor Emeritus, San Diego State University 
  • Carlos Morales, President, Lone Star College-Online 
  • Ellen Neufeldt, President, California State University San Marcos 

2026–2027 Board Officers 

  • Chair: Catherine Wehlburg, President, Athens State University 
  • Vice Chair: David Schmidt, Provost, Webster University 
  • Secretary: Lori Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Lori Williams PhD LLC 
  • Treasurer: Colette Pierce Burnette, President Emeritus, Huston-Tillotson University 
  • Immediate Past-Chair: F. Javier Cevallos, President, American Academic Leadership Institute 

CHEA also extends its appreciation to F. Javier Cevallos for his dedicated leadership and service as Chair of the Board during the 2025–2026 term. 

The Council congratulates all of its newly elected and reappointed Board members and looks forward to working with them to advance CHEA's mission of strengthening quality assurance and accreditation in higher education. 

About the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is the national advocate and institutional voice for academic quality through accreditation. Representing degree-granting colleges and universities, it is the only national organization focused exclusively on higher education accreditation and quality assurance. CHEA plays a central role in recognizing accrediting organizations and strengthening public trust in higher education. For more information, visit www.chea.org.