Strategic Accreditation and Accountability Step-by-Step Solutions for Institutional Success and Growth

PART I: FOUNDATIONS  1. The Accreditation Landscape Today  2. Leading Strategic Accreditation  PART II: STRATEGY AND PLANNING  3. Mapping Your Accreditation Landscape and Timeline  4. Engaging Stakeholders  PART III: NARRATIVE AND EVIDENCE  5. Writing the Self-Study as an Institutional Narrative  6. Designing Data and Evidence Systems That Work  PART IV: REVIEW AND RESPONSE  7. Preparing for the Accreditation Site Visit  8. Responding, Regrouping, and Moving Forward  PART V: SUSTAINING IMPROVEMENT  9. Quality Assurance, Continuous Improvement, and Culture  10. Reflection, Succession, and Institutional Memory

Biography

Tarrah Comeaux Davis is Director of Accreditation and Accountability and an Associate Professor for the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA.

“Strategic Accreditation and Accountability offers a thoughtful and practical framework for transforming accreditation from a compliance exercise into a strategic process that advances program quality and continuous improvement. This book provides educators and institutional leaders with actionable guidance for building sustainable evidence systems that strengthen both accountability and innovation.”

 Malina Monaco, Senior Vice President, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

 

“At a time when the principles and procedures of higher education accreditation are being questioned, Tarrah C. Davis offers an effective response:  a timely practical guide to the value for institutions of the accreditation process.  From preliminary planning to self-study through management of the site visit and beyond, her “toolkit” will enable institutions and their leaders to use accreditation to their advantage. Davis thereby demonstrates that accreditation remains relevant to quality higher education in the US—indeed, that it has never been more so!”

Paul L. Gaston, Trustees Professor Emeritus, Kent State University

 

“Accreditation is far more than a compliance exercise; it is a profound lever for institutional transformation. In this well- structured text, Dr. Davis offers higher education leaders a definitive, step-by-step roadmap for navigating this complex landscape. I have witnessed firsthand the power of the strategies detailed in this book. By framing accreditation as an inclusive, narrative-driven journey rather than a bureaucratic hurdle, Dr. Davis provides mid-level and senior leaders alike with the tools to build a lasting culture of continuous improvement. This is an essential guide for anyone tasked with leading their institution into the future.”

Megan Parker Peters, Professor and Assistant Provost for Institutional Effectiveness, Lipscomb University

 

“Educational Excellence continues to serve as the bedrock of the Knowledge Revolution and with the assurances of Accreditation Done Right, academic leaders coupled with learners on All Levels become WINNERS!  Accreditation is the Guiding Star for Empowered Assessment, Achievement and Academic Growth! Congratulations to Dr. Tarrah Davis on sharing her expertise via her new and exciting book, Strategic Accreditation and Accountability! BRAVO to this Awesome Thought Leader!”

Paula S. Montgomery, Professor Emeritus, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

 

“Strategic Accreditation and Accountability by Tarrah Davis is a clear, practical guide that makes accreditation feel manageable instead of overwhelming. It offers step‑by‑step tools and real examples that leaders can use right away to strengthen programs and support continuous improvement in their institutions. It also shows how accreditation processes, when used well, can turn required reviews into meaningful, ongoing improvements in teaching, student outcomes, and institutional practices.”

Lisa Cooper, Director of Clinical Preparation and Partnerships, Louisiana State University Shreveport