Interview with Vice President of NECHE Dr. Carol Anderson

Dr. Carol Anderson is the Vice President of the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). She is currently visiting the American University of Kurdistan (AUK), which is officially seeking accreditation from the body she represents. Michael Collins, Content Writer for AUK, met with Dr. Anderson to discuss her impressions of AUK, a young university with grand ambitions.

Kurdistan is renowned for being hospitable to guests, yet tourists are hesitant to visit due to international security narratives. What have been your impressions of Kurdistan and the Kurdish people?

Dr. Carol Anderson:

“My impression is very positive; everything from the moment I arrived has been exceptionally positive. The reception of the people in the hotel, the university, restaurants, and the general public has been very warm. The students at AUK should be recognized as being friendly, professional, and articulate.”

Your organization is centered in Boston and has historically focused on institutions within New England. Why do you think a growing number of schools abroad are seeking accreditation from NECHE?

Dr. Carol Anderson:

“It is primarily because of the world-class institutions the New England Commission of Higher Education accredits. Many educational leaders from around the world have been educated in the United States, and they recognize the value of United States accreditation.”

Now that NECHE is working with a greater number of international institutions as they travel on the road to accreditation, what is the single greatest challenge international institutions must overcome to earn NECHE accreditation?

Dr. Carol Anderson:

“The single most critical challenge international institutions face is integrating American culture into the culture of an institution in a foreign country. The institutions must meet the standards to be ‘American-style’ while maintaining fidelity to the local culture.”

Obviously, all institutions have their own history and culture. How does NECHE accommodate this cultural diversity while ensuring that all of the accreditation standards are met equally?

Dr. Carol Anderson:

“Each institution complies with the standards through the lens of its own mission. In the United States, ‘diversity’ means one thing; in Kurdistan, it means something else. You must adapt your understanding of ‘diversity’ to meet the needs of the institution.”