Q&A with Academy Mentor & Peer Reviewer Chandra Arthur

HLC Assessment Academy mentor and peer reviewer Chandra D. Arthur leads accreditation and health care initiatives as associate vice president at Cuyahoga Community College.  

She also regularly puts her skills to work in accounting, risk management, strategic planning, assessment, process improvement and other specialized areas as a volunteer HLC Assessment Academy mentor and peer reviewer.  

When and how did you first learn about accreditation?  

I first learned about accreditation in the late 1990s when I helped draft an application for accreditation to Middle States Commission on Higher Education for a college where I worked. A visit to the school by national accreditor ACICS, which is now defunct, led me to become interested in doing accreditation reviews. I was an evaluator and reviewer for 12 years with ACICS, specializing in public administration, allied health, business, and accounting, before joining HLC.  

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

Accreditation provides institutions guidance on continuous improvement, strategy, and viability. 

Why did you want to get involved with HLC?  

I was initially recruited by a staff member to join the HLC Peer Corps. ACICS was in a transitional period, and it was a great opportunity for me to continue doing the work I love. HLC gave me an opportunity to parlay my business knowledge and specialized accreditation experience for the benefit of others. When I started more than 20 years ago with HLC, it was the era of the strategy forum, and the opportunity to serve as a facilitator was excellent experience.  

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

I have been in higher education for most of my life. I was lead faculty in business at Bryant and Stratton College, senior faculty at Peirce College, lead faculty and assessment liaison at University of Phoenix and have held both a faculty and administrative role at Cuyahoga Community College. I have a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and am currently writing my dissertation for a doctorate in organizational and higher education leadership at Franklin University. My experience in accounting, risk management, strategic planning, assessment, and process improvement has helped me in working with others as an Academy mentor. I also feel that this experience is useful when I chair peer review teams, as I am able to identify skills and abilities of other team members, and then work with them accordingly. 

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

I have developed a deeper understanding of higher education from an operational perspective. The knowledge gained from others as an Academy mentor has broadened my understanding of student affairs, federal compliance, and planning in higher education. This knowledge also has helped me in my work at my own institution, especially with helping students.  

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

Being a foodie, I have to say I really enjoy the different culinary experiences that I have had while serving as a peer reviewer. I have enjoyed the presentations of students in culinary programs, the restaurants where we get to try regional fare and our site visits, including one where the institution’s chancellor provided homemade lunch and desserts! I also like traveling to different states and learning about cultures, traditions, and history. There is personal as well as professional enrichment in being involved at HLC.  

How do you find the time to volunteer with HLC?  

I work for an institution that supports my engagement with HLC. I am also a lifelong learner who is dedicated to all assignments I accept. Over the years, these have included strategy forum facilitator, peer reviewer/chair, IAC member, and Assessment Academy mentor.  

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

Either a pilot or a member of the Congress 

What is your greatest career or life achievement so far?  

My greatest life achievement has been being a mom, and now a grandmother. My biggest career achievement has been getting tenure and being fortunate to have a role at my college where I can impact students’ lives in a positive and tangible way. I worked on the “I Love A Clean New York Campaign” under the administration of Mayor Ed Koch in New York City, which was very rewarding. I also sang in the All-City Choir throughout high school in New York and recently in the choir at Carnegie Hall as part of the Keith and Kristyn Getty Irish Christmas tour. 

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

I have been able to develop a network of peers and colleagues over the years from my peer review teams, HLC workshops, and the annual conference. The camaraderie is authentic, and I value the friendships I have formed. I also appreciate the opportunity to be helpful to institutions as both a mentor and a reviewer, and I am always looking to take back what I have learned to my own institution.