Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is proud to announce that the Institutional Actions Council (IAC) of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has reaffirmed its accreditation for the next ten years. This milestone marks the culmination of a two-year, college-wide effort to prepare for an in-depth evaluation by HLC in October 2024.
“This reaffirmation from the Higher Learning Commission is a proud moment for Paradise Valley Community College,” said Dr. Jana Schwartz, President of PVCC. “It reflects the hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment of our faculty, staff, and students. Together, we’ve built a culture of excellence and innovation—one that empowers learners and strengthens our community. Accreditation is more than a stamp of approval; it’s a testament to the meaningful, student-centered work happening at PVCC every day. I couldn’t be more honored to lead this incredible college into its next chapter.”
“Our outstanding accreditation report and site visit stem from a powerful synergy among our dedicated faculty, supportive administration, staff, and, most crucially, our enthusiastic students. United in vision and purpose, we truly hit our stride, embodying teamwork at its best. We were in the zone—energized, focused, and unstoppable,” said CIS Residential Faculty Michelle Carter, who also oversaw the rigorous process as project manager.
Leading this initiative involved coordinating five criterion teams, managing evidence, facilitating work sessions, retreats, and reviews with key stakeholders. The project spanned several years and required compiling more than 2,000 evidence files. Beyond meeting external requirements, Carter’s goal was to foster a deeper sense of community within the institution.
Throughout the process, PVCC faculty and staff showcased the institution’s adherence to HLC’s rigorous Criteria for Accreditation. This comprehensive, two-day site visit demonstrated PVCC’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Eddie Lamperez added, “The reaffirmation of our accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission reflects PVCC’s dedication to academic quality and student-centered learning. It affirms our ongoing commitment to providing students with an exceptional educational experience that prepares them for success.”
HLC accreditation is a rigorous process recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Institutions must demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, with PVCC undergoing annual monitoring and submitting Institutional Update reports. The college’s next reaccreditation review will take place in 2034-35.
The accreditation team highlighted PVCC’s strengths, particularly its support for faculty and students and its dedication to student success. Evaluating and enhancing teaching and learning remain fundamental to PVCC’s mission, ensuring students receive inclusive and effective educational experiences. Additionally, the well-maintained campus reflects the college’s commitment to providing a supportive learning environment.
A key focus during the review was PVCC’s efforts to promote civic engagement. Gina Cinali, Associate Vice President of Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, emphasized the college’s holistic educational approach: “Commitment to the community is not just in our name. We ensure students understand that their education here will prepare them not only for their first job but for their entire career. The cura personalis ethos – the focus on the whole person – is central to our mission.”
Paradise Valley Community College offers 32 associate degrees, two bachelor's degrees, and 97 certificate programs. Its mission is to educate the whole person and serve students and the community by providing learning opportunities that help them achieve their goals. With the reaffirmation of accreditation, PVCC continues to elevate its role in the classroom, the community, and the state of Arizona.
For more information about PVCC’s accreditation, visit our website.