Summer 2025
Introduction
Welcome to the Summer 2025 Issue of the Quality Assurance Newsletter
This season marks a historic milestone in international higher education quality assurance: The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has granted recognition to its first international accrediting organization—the EdNet Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, based in Kyrgyzstan. As the first independent accreditor outside the United States to receive CHEA recognition, EdNet joins a distinguished group of organizations committed to upholding CHEA’s high standards for quality assurance in higher education. This milestone underscores CHEA’s growing global engagement and its deepening commitment to promoting shared academic standards across borders.
In our Spotlight feature, we turn to the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), a regional leader with a global outlook. The article highlights how AURAK blends international accreditation, innovation, and impact to prepare students for an interconnected world. Don’t miss the accompanying recording, where AURAK President and CHEA Board member, David A. Schmidt, offers a compelling inside look at the university’s strategy and vision.
This issue also presents timely research on generative AI governance in higher education, recaps a recent event honoring CHEA President Dr. Cynthia Jackson Hammond for her global leadership in quality assurance and cybersecurity, and highlights CHEA’s continued engagement with higher education officials and partners from Latin America to Southeast Asia. Additionally, a recent webinar explored how embedding equity into quality assurance can help build more inclusive academic systems.
As CHEA continues to build bridges across regions and sectors, we invite you to explore these stories and learn more about the impactful work advancing quality assurance around the world.
CHEA Recognizes Its First International Accrediting Organization
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) announced today that the CHEA Board of Directors accepted the CHEA Committee on Recognition’s (COR) recommendation for CHEA recognition for EdNet Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, based in the Chüy Region, Bishkek, in Kyrgyzstan. EdNet is the first international accrediting organization to receive CHEA recognition. The EdNet organization accredits approximately 20 institutions and 300 programs that offer baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
"As the first independent accreditation body in Kyrgyzstan, EdNet’s recognition by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation marks a pivotal moment in the commitment to advancing global higher education quality standards,” said CHEA Board Chair Dottie L. King, Ph.D. “By recognizing our first international accreditor, we are strengthening our collective impact and reinforcing the importance of quality across higher education institutions worldwide." READ MORE
Spotlight: The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) stands at the forefront of global higher education, driven by a strong commitment to quality assurance and international engagement. With accreditations from respected agencies in the UAE, U.S., and UK, AURAK exemplifies academic excellence and global relevance. This article explores how the university measures impact, embraces innovation, and builds international partnerships—demonstrating its dedication to preparing students for a dynamic, interconnected world. An accompanying recording features insights from AURAK President Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, who also serves as a member of the CHEA Board of Directors, offering a firsthand perspective on the university’s strategic priorities and global vision. READ MORE.
Recent Research in QA
"A Framework for Developing University Policies on Generative AI Governance: A Cross-national Comparative Study"
The paper titled "A Framework for Developing University Policies on Generative AI Governance: A Cross-national Comparative Study" by Ming Li, Qin Xie, Ariunaa Enkhtur, Shuoyang Meng, Lilan Chen, Beverley Anne Yamamoto, Fei Cheng, and Masayuki Murakami examines how universities in the United States, Japan, and China are developing policies to govern the use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in higher education. READ MORE.
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. READ MORE.
CHEA Strengthens Global Ties Through Continued Engagement with International Leaders
Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to international collaboration in higher education and quality assurance, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recently welcomed two international delegations to its Washington, D.C. office.
On April 15, 2025, CHEA hosted seven higher education professionals from Latin America through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), implemented by the Mississippi Consortium for International Development. The delegation included Carlos German Rilling Tenorio (Universidad de Chile), Leopoldo Ignacio Vallejos Contreras (Municipality of Providencia), Paula Lucia Ulloa Meneses (Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica), Luis Santiago Quiroz Fernandez (Technical University of Manabi), Juan Pablo Argueta Lima (Universidad Rafael Landivar), Jorge Ernesto Matamoros Canales (National Pedagogical University “Francisco Morazan”), and Fiorella Ursula Chois Cuadros (Technical Higher Education Institute). Interpreters Maria Berlanga-Sanchez, Suzanne Kleis, and Vinka Valdivia accompanied the group. Their program explored U.S. postsecondary education and innovations in access, technology, and workforce development. At CHEA, they met with Vice Presidents Loretta Waldron and Michelle Claville to discuss institutional recognition, international quality assurance practices, and global partnership opportunities.
On June 6, 2025, CHEA welcomed a four-member delegation from Indonesia, led by Dr. Diah Ayu Maharani, Education and Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington, D.C., and professor at Universitas Indonesia. She was joined by three distinguished dental public health scholars from Universitas Indonesia: Dr. Armasastra Bahar, who also serves as Sub-coordinator of Dentistry at the Indonesian Accreditation Agency for Higher Education in Health (IAAHEH); Dr. Anton Rahardjo, Chair of the Research Ethics Committee; and Dr. Risqa Rina Darwita, Head of the Department of Preventive and Public Health Dentistry. Their visit focused on CHEA’s recognition process, differences between accreditation and recognition, and the potential for CHEA to recognize IAAHEH. They also discussed CIQG membership and future collaboration in health education quality assurance.
These visits underscore CHEA’s dedication to fostering global dialogue and cooperation. Through its ongoing international efforts, including the work of the CHEA International Quality Group (CIQG), CHEA continues to promote mutual learning, shared standards, and partnerships that strengthen academic quality worldwide.
Webinar: Equity and Quality Assurance in Higher Education
On April 23, 2025, a timely and thought-provoking webinar titled “Equity and Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Progress, Challenges, and Impact” brought together experts to examine the evolving relationship between equity and quality assurance in tertiary education. As quality assurance frameworks increasingly embed equity criteria, institutions are being encouraged to broaden access and support for underrepresented groups. Yet, this progress has not come without resistance—even in democratic societies, higher education institutions have encountered backlash for equity-focused efforts. The webinar's panelists delved into how these efforts not only advance inclusion but also elevate the overall educational experience, strengthening the academic environment for all learners.
CHEA Leadership Transition: Farewell to Cynthia Jackson Hammond, Welcome Nasser Paydar
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) bids a heartfelt farewell to Dr. Cynthia Jackson Hammond as she concludes her distinguished tenure as President. Under her leadership, CHEA strengthened its commitment to academic quality, expanded global partnerships, and championed the vital role of accreditation in higher education. We extend our sincere gratitude for her dedication and service. As we look ahead, we warmly welcome Dr. Nasser Paydar as the incoming President. His extensive experience in higher education promises to build on CHEA’s legacy as a quality assurance leader, and guide the organization into its next chapter.
Submissions
Remember that you are invited to submit articles or op-eds that focus on current topics relevant to quality assurance and international higher education. After reviewing the Quality International Newsletter Guidelines, please submit your articles, op-eds, announcements by September 2, 2025, for consideration of inclusion in the Fall 2025 issue of QI News.
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation,
its International Quality Group, its Board, or its members.
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