Q & A With HLC’s Accreditation Systems Coordinator

Nicole Perez organizes peer reviews of institutions. She also has a knack for teaching. You may see her presenting at the upcoming 2025 Annual Conference, but you also can find her most days carefully tracking and analyzing data that are foundational to an upcoming HLC review.  

When and how did you first learn about accreditation?  

I first learned about it when I was an English as a Second Language instructor at a technical institution that was applying for accreditation. 

How do you explain your work with HLC to people who aren’t familiar with accreditation, in 10 words or less?  

I coordinate reviews of institutions and their sites and programs. 

Why did you want to get involved with HLC?  

I didn’t know about accreditation when I was in school, but I always hoped there was an external body that was looking out for students. Finding one of those organizations has allowed me for the last four years to make a direct impact in supporting and improving higher education. In such a dynamic field, I’m always learning! 

What aspects of your background have been particularly helpful in your work with HLC?  

In research and teaching, I needed to be flexible, prepared, and organized in order to find ways of conveying historical concepts and uncovering information. Being part of HLC has allowed me to use skills I learned as an ESL instructor and then as a Ph.D. candidate in history. Some of my skills that have been helpful in my work at HLC include my ability to do careful data tracking and to quickly respond to new policies and challenges.  

What have you learned from working with HLC that’s been beneficial to you?  

Although I mostly communicate with institutions and peer reviewers via email, I’m also responsible for presenting my work processes at the HLC annual conference and through webinars and trainings. These opportunities have allowed me to use and build on the skills I developed as an instructor.  

What has been one of your most memorable experiences working with HLC?  

Being able to observe a comprehensive evaluation visit at a nearby institution reaffirmed why I work with HLC and higher ed. Hearing the students’ positive experiences and the efforts of the faculty/administration was truly inspiring. 

What do you like to do outside the office?    

Outside the office, I’m usually reading or working on my garden in the summer. I also crochet and embroider while watching hockey. I’m slowly improving at snowboarding and ice and roller skating – no major falls so far! 

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?  

I could never decide! I’d read all about something but then I would discover a new topic. Now I get to see the development of new fields and programs come through the substantive change process.  

What is your greatest career or life achievement so far?  

It may have taken a moment, but I finally completed my dissertation and earned my doctorate in history from Loyola University Chicago in 2019. The experience was amazing. It included being a teaching assistant and teacher of record in which I was able to evaluate student work, collaborate with the professor on course work, advise students and prepare student lectures. 

What’s your favorite part of being a member of the HLC community?  

My favorite part is connecting with others invested in responding to changes and improving higher ed for providers, students, and the broader public. When I read a peer reviewer’s report detailing institutional support for students, encouraging growth and success, I’m reminded that what may seem like small tasks really do add up to a larger impact.