Staff
Rawan Abbasi
Assistant Director for Communications
Chief of Staff and Strategic Advocacy
Phone:267.284.5090
Rawan Abbasi
Rawan Abbasi joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in October 2023 and became Assistant Director for Communications in July 2024. Rawan works closely with the Senior Director for Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy to support strategic communications and the Commission's priorities. She most recently served as Communications Manager at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Global Affairs where she led strategic communications through news, social media, web and email communications. Rawan holds a B.A. in public policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Diana Barbu
Diana Barbu joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in August 2022 and was named Vice President for Research in July 2024. In this role, she leads the work of the Research Unit, which includes conducting both ongoing and new research and data analysis critical to quality assurance. Before joining the Commission, Diana served as the Associate Vice Provost of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at St. Thomas University (FL), where she co-led the development of the Strategic Plan. She previously served as the Director of Research and Data Analytics at Miami Dade College (FL), and before that, as the Director of Academic Programs at The State University System of Florida, Board of Governors. A published author, Diana earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Florida State University, an M.S. in Communication and Information Studies from Rutgers University (NJ), and a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Northern University (Romania). and Information Studies from Rutgers University (NJ), and a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Northern University (Romania).
Kasey Bennett
Executive Coordinator for the President’s Office
Office of the President
Phone:267.284.5084
Kasey Bennett
Kasey Bennett joined the MSCHE staff in September 2022 and was named Executive Coordinator for the President’s Office in July 2023. In this role, she supports the work of the President, MSCHE's Executive Leadership Team, and the Commission. Prior to joining MSCHE, she was a paralegal in Dover, DE, working in the practice areas of personal injury, criminal defense, and family law. Kasey attended Delaware Technical and Community College, where she studied Drug and Alcohol Counseling, as well as Human Services (Paralegal Studies).
Nicole Biever
Nicole Biever joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in April 2022 and was named Chief of Staff in January 2024. Nicole provides organization-wide leadership and decision-making to ensure consistent operational coordination of accreditation activities, effective organizational management, and practices to ensure the attainment of critical strategic priorities. In addition, she provides oversight for communications and revenue-generating alternatives, including grant projects. As Chief of Staff, Nicole serves as a member of the President's Executive Leadership Team and Cabinet. She most recently served as Assessment/Grant Specialist for the Wokini Initiative and has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and communication. Previously, Nicole taught in the English Department at South Dakota State University (2003-2019) and served as Chief Development Officer for the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains (SD; 2019-2021), directing the organization's marketing, development, special events, and grant management. She holds an M.A. and B.A. from South Dakota State University.
Kristy Bishop
Vice President for Institutional Field Relations
Accreditation Relations and Services
Phone:267.284.5025
Kristy Bishop
Kristy Bishop joined the staff of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as Vice President for Institutional Field Relations in January 2025. In this role, she serves as a liaison to member institutions, providing advice to institutions and assisting them with accreditation activities. Kristy brings more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, with expertise in accreditation, assessment, strategic planning, workforce development, and classroom teaching. Prior to joining the Commission, Kristy served as Interim President at Westmoreland County Community College (PA). Also at Westmoreland, she was the Vice President of Academic Affairs. She also served as the institution’s Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) and a peer evaluator with MSCHE. Previously, Kristy was the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City (MO). Kristy earned her Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Kansas, M.S. in Psychology from Avila University and B.A. in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Diana Bonner
Assistant Director for Membership
Accreditation Relations and Services
Phone:267.284.5030
Diana Bonner
Diana Bonner joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in September 2011 and was named Assistant Director for Membership in July 2023. Diana works closely with the Director for Membership and supports the intake and evaluation processes for applicant and candidate institutions, including management of procedures for institutions seeking membership, assignment of peer evaluators for evaluations, and support of the Commission’s Committee on Applicant and Candidate Institutions. Previously, she served as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students and Office Manager for Student Affairs at Arcadia University (PA) for nine years. She also has prior experience at St. Joseph's University (PA) working with international students enrolled in an intensive ESL program. Diana completed undergraduate work at the Pennsylvania State University.
Bridgette Boody
Senior Director for Policy and Records Management
Policy and Administrative Services
Phone:267.284.5010
Bridgette Boody
Bridgette Boody joined the MSCHE staff in August 2020 and was named Director of Policy and Records Management in July 2023. She contributes to all phases of policy development, including researching, writing, and ensuring alignment of policies and procedures. She is also responsible for managing the Commission's maintenance and retention program and responding to all legal and regulatory requests for information and documents. Prior to joining the MSCHE team, Bridgette was the Policy Associate at Rodel Delaware, where she conducted research on best practices related to K-12 education, led the annual publication of the Delaware Public Education at a Glance data flipbook, and facilitated a coalition of educators across the state of Delaware on behalf of various education policy initiatives. She is also an alumna of the AmeriCorps national service program, where she served as an International Dyslexia Association-certified reading interventionist in a Title I elementary school. Bridgette earned bachelor's degrees in political science and women's studies from the Pennsylvania State University.
Michael Bowden
Vice President for Institutional Field Relations
Accreditation Relations and Services
Phone:267.284.5050
Michael Bowden
Michael W. Bowden joined the staff of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as Vice President for Institutional Field Relations in January 2025. In his role, he serves as a liaison to member institutions, providing advice to institutions and assisting them with accreditation activities. Prior to joining the Commission, Michael served as the Assistant Vice President for Planning and Assessment for 20 years at Coppin State University (MD). Additionally, he served as the institution’s Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), and he has been a peer evaluator with MSCHE. Prior to his service at Coppin, he was the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Diversity Initiatives at the University System of Maryland (USM) where his primary responsibilities included the development and guidance of a minority achievement plan, faculty workload, and assisting universities with the development, approval, and redesign of academic programs. Michael has also served in other higher education roles at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and Strayer University. Such experiences include grants and contracts, financial aid officer, institutional research, assessment, strategic planning, undergraduate and graduate curriculum development, and adjunct professor. He has also worked in the legal field and for a major political think tank in Washington, D.C. Michael earned his master’s degree from the University of Baltimore where he is obtaining his Doctorate in Public Administration. He earned his B.A. in Public Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also holds a webmaster certification from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and is a recent graduate of the Rising Scholars Fellowship program with the Education Advisory Board (EAB).
Madison Campos
Director for Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Phone:267.284.5080
Madison Campos
Madison Campos joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in May 2022 and was named Director for Legal and Regulatory Affairs in January 2024. Madison oversees the Commission’s work with our regulatory partners and prepares the petition to ensure continued recognition by the United States Department of Education. In addition, she directs the Commission's compliance program and manages the Commission's complaints and third-party comments process. Previously, Madison served as a paralegal at a boutique law firm in Orange County, CA. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration majoring in Paralegal Studies from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Victoria Clark
Victoria (Vicki) E. Clark joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 1994 and was named Director for Events. She works closely with the Senior Director for Events to manage logistical functions and registration for all events (including conferences, webinars, workshops, and other assigned special events) offered by the Commission. Prior to joining the Commission, she worked at the University City Science Center and primarily for Ben Franklin Technology Center as an Administrative Assistant to the Senior Vice President. Vicki holds an Associate Degree from Harcum College (PA).
Connie Clifton
Director for Membership and Interim Vice President for Institutional Field Relations
Accreditation Relations and Services
Phone:267.284.5086
Connie Clifton
Connie Clifton joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in January 2023 as the Director for Membership. In this role, she supports the Commission’s strategic priority relating to its membership initiative, which includes service to new prospective institutions as well as support for the peer review process. Prior to joining the Commission, Connie served as the Dean of Educational Services at Allegany College of Maryland where she held various other positions in the areas of admissions, enrollment, advising, and academic affairs during her 30-year tenure. She holds an E.L.D. from the University of Charleston (WV), an M.B.A. from Frostburg State University (MD), and a B.A. in English from West Virginia University.
Inell Coston
Assistant Director for Volunteer Services
Accreditation Relations and Services
Phone:267.284.5089
Inell Coston
Inell Coston joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in September 2023 and was named Assistant Director for Volunteer Services in September 2024. In this role, she works closely with the Director for Volunteer Services to support the work of the Commission. Inell’s primary responsibilities are to support the management of peer evaluator assignments. Inell has more than 10 years of experience in higher education. She previously served as the Coordinator for Records Evaluation in the Office of Student Records and Registration at Community College of Philadelphia (PA). Inell earned her A.A. degree from Community College of Philadelphia (PA).
Marilyn Del Valle
Assistant Director for Accreditation Services
Accreditation Relations and Services
Phone:267.284.5077
Marilyn Del Valle
Marilyn Del Valle joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in November 2021 and was named Assistant Director for Accreditation Services in July 2023. In this role, she supports the work of the Committee on Substantive Change and the Committee on Follow-up Activities. Marilyn has 20-plus years of experience in higher education. Prior to joining the organization, she worked as the Coordinator for Records Evaluation in the Office of Student Records and Registration at Community College of Philadelphia. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Peirce College (PA) and an M.S. in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Success from Walden University (MN).
Rebecca Escher
Rebecca Escher joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in January 2021 and was named Staff Accountant in July 2023. In this role, she supports the work of the Finance Unit. Before coming to the Commission, Rebecca served as the Office Administrator for Milestone Church from 2006-2022 and handled all aspects of the church office. Prior to that, she worked in the banking industry before becoming a stay-at-home mom for a few years. She earned a B.S. in Office Administration with a concentration in Business Management/Accounting from Pensacola Christian College (FL).
Christy Faison
Part-Time, Accreditation Relations and Services
Accreditation Relations and Services
Phone:267.284.5021
Christy Faison
Christy L. Faison joined the staff of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as Coordinator for Substantive Change in February 2024. Christy originally joined the Commission as Vice President in January 2012. She became Senior Vice President for Accreditation Relations in January 2019 before she retired in 2022. In her current role, she provides support for the substantive change process. Christy was previously employed by Rowan University (NJ) in a variety of roles, including Professor of Education, Assistant Dean of Education, Associate Dean of Education, Associate Provost, Interim Provost, and Special Assistant to the President. Dr. Faison is a former member of the Board of Examiners for the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, and a former member of the Boards of Directors for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the South Jersey Technology Park. She holds a B.S. degree in Elementary/Special Education from Hampton University (VA), an M.A. in Educational Media from The Ohio State University, and an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology from Temple University (PA).
Caroline Hannum
Associate Policy Analyst and Records Officer
Policy and Administrative Services
Phone:267.284.5048
Caroline Hannum
Caroline Hannum joined the staff of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as Associate Policy Analyst and Records Officer in March 2025. In this role, Caroline supports the Policy and Administrative Services unit with policy research and records management and contributes to all phases of the policy development process under the supervision of the Senior Director for Policy and Records Management. Prior to joining the Commission, she worked for both the U.S Senate and Congress as a Legislative Intern where her portfolio focused on Foreign Affairs and Education. She has also served as a Press Intern for the Department of Education. Caroline holds an M.A. in English Literature from Georgetown University (DC) and a B.A. in History from American University (DC).
Ryan Hartnett
Vice President for Institutional Field Relations
Accreditation Relations and Services
Phone:267.284.5096
Ryan Hartnett
Ryan Hartnett joined the staff of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as Vice President for Institutional Field Relations in March 2024. In this role, he serves as a liaison to member institutions, providing advice to institutions and assisting them with accreditation activities. Prior to joining MSCHE, Ryan served as Provost at Villa Maria College (NY), leading as both Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and Student Affairs Officer (SAO). In this role, he also served as the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), leading his institution through the self-study process and other accreditation activities. Prior to serving at Villa Maria College, Ryan served as Dean of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies at Trocaire College (NY). Ryan has experience with the Commission as a peer evaluator and team chair for self-study and follow-up visits. Ryan earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, concentrating in the areas of philosophy of science, metaphysics, and bioethics. He also holds a B.A. in philosophy and psychology from The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo.
Eschelle Jackson
Administrative Coordinator for Finance, Policy, and Administrative Services
Policy and Administrative Services
Phone:267.284.5098
Eschelle Jackson
Eschelle Jackson joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in April 2024 as Administrative Coordinator for Finance, Policy, and Administrative Services. In this role, she provides support to the Policy and Administrative Services and Finance Units. Before joining the Commission, Eschelle served as the Associate Vice President of Accreditation for the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), where she led visiting teams to evaluate first-time accreditation or reaccreditation for schools for 13 years. She has also spent four years as Vice Chair of the Greenwoods Charter School Executive Board and Development Committee. In addition, she has served as a Personal Banker and Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo (NJ). Eschelle holds an M.S. in Business Strategic Leadership and Entrepreneurship and a B.A. in Business from Rosemont College (PA). She also earned a Computer Science certification from The Pennsylvania State University.
Kathie Jeffries
Kathie Jeffries joined the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in July 2009 and was named Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer in August 2020. She provides financial reporting, review, and analysis and contributes to strategic planning and resource allocation to support the future initiatives of the Commission. Before coming to the Commission, Kathie served as Controller at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she worked from 2001-2009. Her many years of service includes working in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors in various positions, including Manager of Accounting Services and Director of Finance. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics from The King's College (NY) with an Accounting concentration at Pace University (NY).