MSU-West Plains regains accreditation without probation

The Higher Learning Commission has removed its probationary sanction from the full accreditation of Missouri State University’s West Plains campus.

MSU-West Plains’ accreditation has been on probation for the past two years. A series of changes were made ahead of a campus visit in late 2025, and a decision was made in late June.

Zora Mulligan, chancellor of the MSU-West Plains campus, has said in interviews and public meetings that while feedback from the visit was overwhelmingly positive, she was not going to celebrate until the ruling was final.

The campus has been reaccredited by the HLC. The Chicago-based commission evaluates and accredits more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the U.S.

Two years ago, HLC changed the status of MSU-West Plains to “accredited, on probation” after determining its assessment of student learning was out of compliance. It also expressed concerns about the quality of academic offerings and the institution’s system for planning and improvement.

Mulligan, who started the job a year ago, said the process of addressing concerns was started by her predecessor, Dennis Lancaster, and involved a committee made up of leaders from all over the campus.

“This marks an important milestone for our university. It reflects our strength as a vibrant institution that transforms lives through impactful education and training, offering personalized support for student success and strengthening our communities,” Mulligan said in a statement.

Mulligan added, “Our entire university community played a role in this reaffirmation, and I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this achievement.”

The committee was led by Michael Orf, vice chancellor of academic affairs, and included Leigh Adams, Alex Graham, Renee Keith, Carla Neff, Rachel Peterson, Erica Puckett, Dasha Russell and Angela Totty. Input was also sought by students, staff, faculty and community members.

The next accreditation check will be during the 2029-30 academic year.

In a blog post July 7, MSU President Richard “Biff” William said HLC has also reaffirmed accreditation for the main campus in Springfield. MSU goes through a recheck every decade.

Williams wrote, “The commission found that we met every criterion and core component for reaffirmation with no interim monitoring required. This is a tremendous accomplishment for both our Springfield and West Plains campuses, and it’s something all of us should celebrate.”

He described the accreditation as “an independent affirmation of the quality of our academic programs, the strength of our operations and most importantly our commitment to student success.”