JALC Administrators Present at National Accreditation Conference
Published on April 6, 2026
Three administrators from John A. Logan College were selected to present at the 2026 Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference, marking the first time since 2014 that staff have presented at the national event.
Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford, Emily Monti, and Joseph Dethrow led a session titled “A Practical, Campus-Wide Approach to Preparing an HLC Interim Report,” offering attendees actionable strategies for addressing accreditation concerns through effective interim reporting.
The presentation outlined a collaborative, institution-wide framework that emphasized the use of project management tools, cross-campus engagement, and a structured organizational approach aligned with the Higher Learning Commission’s core components.
Attendees received guidance on developing reports that are both responsive and sustainable, while remaining aligned with institutional strategic planning efforts. The presenters highlighted the importance of shared ownership, clear communication, and intentional alignment in producing meaningful accreditation documentation.
College officials said the opportunity reflects John A. Logan College’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, continuous improvement, and leadership in higher education practices.
“I am extremely proud of our team being selected to present. Hundreds of individuals and groups request to present, and only a few are selected,” said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “This is an example of the collaboration and leadership of our accreditation team at JALC.”
The Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference is a national gathering hosted by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), of the accrediting agencies for colleges and universities in the United States.