Henry Smith, Ph.D., previous president and current faculty member of Indiana Wesleyan University, has recently been elected to serve on the board of trustees of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
According to David Wright, Ph.D., president of IWU, Smith’s understanding and experience cover the spectrum of higher educational institutions with special expertise in private faith-based institutions. “Dr. Smith has a wealth of successful experience across the academy. He is deeply committed to the accreditation process and has served as an active peer reviewer for many years,” Wright said.
The Higher Learning Commission is an organization tasked with the regional accreditation responsibilities for post-secondary education institutions in the central United States. The HLC oversees the accreditation of degree-granting colleges and universities in 19 mid-western and south-central states.
During Smith’s presidency, from 2006 to 2013, he had several notable accomplishments. Under his leadership, Wesley Seminary was founded and IWU enrollment grew to 16,000 students. Additionally, Smith was a part of building the endowment from $40 million to over $100 million.
Currently, Smith serves as a professor of communication for IWU’s graduate and undergraduate communication courses, primarily online. Although successful in his career as IWU president, his “first love” is teaching.
Beyond the HLC, Smith has served in several different capacities throughout his career. From department chair, director of broadcasting, chancellor, provost, CCCU board member, graduate dean to consultant, Smith has spent his career devoted to Christian universities and contributing towards their success.
Throughout his time as IWU’s president and as a member of the faculty, Smith was involved with the HLC in different capacities such as participating in international reviews and serving as team chair.
Smith said that during his time working with the HLC, he has gained experiences that impacted him as a leader. “I am honored to move to the governance level and review some of the most complex issues confronting higher education today,” Smith said. “Further, the opportunity to have a voice in shaping accreditation policy in higher education is a privilege that is personally very enriching and fulfilling.”
Smith’s term as an HLC board member begins on Sept. 1, 2019 and ends in Aug. 2023.
“IWU is honored to have our former president and current faculty member selected for this important role,” Wright said. “He will be a fair, informed and able member of the HLC Board.”