Episode Title: 7 Lessons About Accreditation: Insights from a Career in the Field

Podcast: Accreditation Unlocked: Navigating Higher Education Compliance

Host: Dr. Ken Clough, Accreditation Expert

Episode Summary: In this reflective and practical episode of Accreditation Unlocked, Dr. Ken Clough shares the seven most valuable lessons he’s learned throughout his career in accreditation. Drawing from decades of experience in higher education, Ken offers a thoughtful look into what really drives successful accreditation efforts—and what traps institutions often fall into.

Listeners will learn why treating accreditation as a continuous process, rather than a one-time event, leads to more meaningful outcomes. Ken emphasizes the importance of campus culture, leadership buy-in, and seeing accreditors as partners rather than adversaries. He also breaks down how the self-study can become a compelling narrative when rooted in honesty, and why documentation should be purposeful and well-organized, not just voluminous.

Whether you’re preparing for your first site visit or looking to improve your institution’s long-term accreditation strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Ken’s clear-eyed perspective, paired with real-world examples, makes this a must-listen for accreditation liaisons, academic leaders, and institutional effectiveness professionals.

Key segments include:

• Why accreditation is a continuous process—not a deadline-driven event
• How institutional culture drives long-term success
• Tips for writing honest, effective self-studies
• The hidden value of site visit feedback and recommendations
• Building productive relationships with your accreditor
• The role of leadership in accreditation outcomes
• Creating sustainable systems for documentation and evidence collection

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