President Cynthia Jackson Hammond Honored for Global Leadership in Higher Education Quality and Cybersecurity Advocacy

In a landmark moment for international higher education leadership, Dr. Cynthia Jackson Hammond, President of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) was honored with the Leadership in Quality Assurance Award by the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi) and the West Africa Office of the Association of African Universities. The award, presented on April 30, 2025, celebrates Dr. Jackson Hammond’s exceptional commitment to promoting accreditation, institutional quality, and academic excellence worldwide.

As a seasoned advocate for educational standards, Dr. Jackson Hammond has played a pivotal role in strengthening accountability and rigor within higher education institutions across the globe. Under her leadership, CHEA has continued to support colleges and universities in not only meeting but exceeding expectations for academic integrity and institutional improvement. Her efforts have extended beyond U.S. borders, significantly shaping accreditation policies in Africa and contributing to international quality assurance dialogues.

This recognition came during a momentous event—the Opening Ceremony of Module 10 of the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE). Serving as the Special Guest of Honor and keynote speaker, Dr. Jackson Hammond addressed over 4,500 virtual participants from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across several countries. The theme of the session, "Basic Cybersecurity for Higher Education Practitioners," underscored the urgent need for robust digital literacy and data protection in the academic sector.

In her keynote, Dr. Jackson Hammond emphasized the critical role of cybersecurity awareness in safeguarding institutional data and preserving academic integrity. “Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it is an educational imperative,” she declared. “Empowering our higher education practitioners with the knowledge and tools to protect digital infrastructure ensures that learning, research, and innovation continue in safe and resilient environments.”

The training session was hosted by CIQG Advisory Council member, Professor Emeritus Peter A. Okebukola, Director and Facilitator-General of VICBHE and President of GUNi Africa, along with Deputy Facilitator-General Professor Monioluwa O. Olaniyi. The initiative is part of VICBHE’s broader mission to enhance digital capacity within higher education, equipping academic, administrative, and technical personnel with essential cybersecurity skills to combat evolving threats such as phishing, malware, and data breaches.

During the event, Dr. Jackson Hammond received formal commendation for her enduring advocacy. The award citation lauded her as:

“…a strong advocate for accreditation and institutional quality… maintaining rigorous academic standards and ensuring continuous improvement… Her work has also extended internationally, influencing accreditation discourse and policies that impact higher education in Africa.”

This dual recognition—both for her quality assurance leadership and her role in promoting digital resilience in education—further cements Dr. Jackson Hammond’s position as a global thought leader. Her contributions highlight the intersection of educational quality and technological readiness, demonstrating that strong leadership is vital to preserving the transformative power of higher education in a rapidly changing world.