HELENA, MT – Carroll College is pleased to announce that the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has reaffirmed the college's accreditation through 2032, following a comprehensive evaluation of institutional effectiveness.
NWCCU accreditation is a rigorous, peer-reviewed process that affirms an institution meets high standards for academic quality, student success, and institutional effectiveness. The evaluation process included a comprehensive self-study followed by a multi-day campus visit in Fall 2025, during which NWCCU peer reviewers met with Carroll faculty, staff, students, and members of the Board of Trustees to review the college’s academic programs, operations, and student support.
“This reaffirmation is a true reflection of the hard work and commitment of every member of the Carroll community including our faculty, staff, and students alike,” said Carroll President-elect and Interim Co-President Dr. Jennifer Glowienka. “We are incredibly proud of what we have built together, and this recognition affirms that we are fulfilling our mission at the highest level. In addition, we are grateful for the trust the NWCCU has placed in Carroll College.”
In its report, the Commission recognized Carroll College's outstanding efforts with four formal commendations, highlighting the following strengths and institutional initiatives:
- Mission-Centered Innovation: The Commission commended Carroll’s innovative mission-focused efforts, including the creation of the Dean of Mission faculty position, the Laudato Si campus-wide initiative, and the Service Learning Program Coordinator position.
- Strategic Leadership and Transparency: Carroll was recognized for its strategic leadership and extensive efforts to improve transparency and collaboration, as well as its intentional use of cascading communication that has strengthened trust and fostered a renewed sense of hope across campus.
- Enrollment Growth and Access: The Commission highlighted the institution-wide commitment to supporting enrollment growth with intentional measures to reduce barriers to enrollment and increase retention, including the Academic Scholarship Program and the Saints Spots.
- Holistic Student Development: Carroll was praised for its meaningful and deliberate efforts to foster the holistic development of students both inside and outside the classroom, through initiatives such as the Student Research Festival, the CARE team, data-driven retention strategies, and extensive one-on-one mentoring and ministering.
As part of the accreditation process, the Commission also provided recommendations for continued growth and improvement. The recommendations reflect areas the college has already identified as priorities and where meaningful work is actively underway.
“Accreditation is ultimately about our students and the quality of education they receive here at Carroll. This outcome speaks to the strength of our programs and the people behind them. We will continue building on this momentum as we work through the recommendations ahead,” added Carroll Interim Co-President Bishop Austin Vetter.
Carroll College’s next evaluation milestones include an Ad Hoc Report with Virtual Visit in Fall 2027, a Mid-Cycle Review in Fall 2028, and a full Year 7 Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness in Fall 2032.
About NWCCU:
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Through a peer-review process, NWCCU works with colleges and universities across the Northwest to promote educational quality, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
About Carroll College:
Founded in 1909, Carroll College is a Catholic liberal arts college in Helena, Montana, known for its strong academic programs, commitment to service, and close-knit learning community. Guided by its mission of preparing students for lives of leadership and service, Carroll provides a rigorous education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
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