Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaffirms Montgomery County Community College's accreditation

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) has announced that the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) reaffirmed the accreditation of MCCC on June 26, 2025.

MSCHE confirmed that MCCC fully meets the Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation (Thirteenth Edition). There were no requirements (indications of noncompliance) and no recommendations for further evidence across any of the seven standards evaluated.

MSCHE is a global institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education since 1952, according to its website. As an accreditor and member of the regulatory triad (MSCHE, U.S. and Pennsylvania Departments of Education), MSCHE “assures students and the public of the educational quality for over 500 institutions of higher education.”

During March 30-April 2, an eight-member peer evaluation team representing MSCHE visited MCCC’s campuses and met to verify the Self-Study Report with trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members. During the open forum session, nearly 400 employees participated to further provide their input. Prior to the visit, MCCC spent more than two years conducting a comprehensive self-evaluation, the results of which were compiled into a 100-page Self-Study Report and used as the basis for the evaluation team to conduct its review.  

Middle States evaluated MCCC on seven standards: Mission and Goals; Ethics and Integrity; Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience; Support of the Student Learning Experience; Educational Effectiveness Assessment; Planning, Resources and Institutional Improvement; and Governance, Leadership and Administration.

“Our more than two-year reaccreditation journey was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our achievements, reaffirm our commitment to continuous growth, and demonstrate our dedication to exceeding standards for the success of all students,” said Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez, MCCC President. “It allowed us to celebrate important milestones, honor our united efforts, and recognize the enduring impact we have on students and our communities through the strength of our academic programs and holistic support services. Throughout this process, we proudly displayed the spirit of Montco—a welcoming place where everyone belongs, united by a shared purpose to inspire, lead, and transform destinies and future generations.”

In its report, the evaluation team recognized the following areas of strength and excellence for MCCC:

• Strong commitment to ensuring student learning, expanding community participation and enhancing the employee experience, demonstrating its focus on achieving goals
• Ongoing efforts to significantly increase graduation and retention rates
• Continued work to serve the entire county and advance equity, as evidenced by the investments made in the Pottstown Campus
• Deep commitment to fostering a vibrant sense of community both on campus and beyond
• Proactive approach in actively seeking input from diverse stakeholders when shaping its mission, goals, and values, especially in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Consistent efforts to provide opportunities for student engagement in policymaking, including representation on key committees and the innovative Student Usability Board
• Faculty evaluation processes that emphasize professional development through the development of individualized goals, mentoring and self-reflection
• The Wellness Center, described as a “clear model of holistic care and a guiding star” for other institutions
• Scalable, transparent, and collaborative academic assessment process
• Comprehensive financial strategic plan with defined goals, solution-based strategies, and clear communication regarding the impact on the institution's financial health
• Strategic investment in infrastructure and facilities across campuses, reflecting the prioritization of the student success learning environment
• Strong shared governance model that provides opportunities for all students to have a voice
• Strong commitment to and strong partnerships with the communities it serves

The evaluation team did not list any requirements (indications of noncompliance) or make any recommendations for additional evidence.

“At Montco, we are continually working to enhance the learning experience for our students, invest in the growth of our employees, and strengthen our impact in the communities we serve,” said Dr. Chae Sweet, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and Provost. “Our Self-Study Report reflects this ongoing commitment while also identifying valuable opportunities for further development.”

Dr. Cathy Carsley, English Professor, and Dr. Amanda Gatchet, Communications Studies Professor, served as co-chairs of the 2025 MSCHE Self-Study. Dr. Bridget Haines-Frank, Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness; Dr. Celeste Schwartz, Accreditation Liaison Officer; and Dr. Sweet served on the core team along with the co-chairs.

MCCC was initially accredited by the MSCHE on April 24, 1970. The last reaffirmation of accreditation occurred in 2015, and the next review will take place in 2032-2033. For more information about MCCC, visit mc3.edu.

About Montgomery County Community College 

For 60 years, Montgomery County Community College has been transforming lives and communities to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College’s thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown and online.  

As an Achieving the Dream Leah Meyer Austin Alumni Award recipient, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to remove barriers to access, improve learning outcomes, and increase completion for all students. The College also is recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service-learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. For nine years, MCCC has been named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges in the nation by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development for its commitment to diversity through inclusive learning and work environments, student and staff recruitment and retention practices, and meaningful community service and engagement opportunities. For more information, visit https://www.mc3.edu.