By Howard Koplowitz

The chief of staff of Alabama State University has been named to the Peer Review Advisory Board of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Dr. Kevin Rolle, ASU’s chief of staff and the acting vice president of the office of Student Affairs, was appointed to the prestigious board that advises SACSCOC, which is responsible for accrediting more than 13,000 public and private educational institutions that range from preschool to college level institutions. The areas of oversight for SACSCOC are in the Southern section of the country, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, as well as schools for U.S. students in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
“I feel both honored and privileged to be appointed to the Peer Review Advisory Board,” Rolle said. “I will fairly and justly rep[1]resent all schools on this board and make sure that they are heard and that we help them on the path to best educating the students that are served.”
ASU’S PRESIDENTAPPLAUDS ROLLE’S APPOINTMENT
The University’s president, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., says the appointment reflects Rolle’s years of experience in higher education and his commitment to the continuous improvement process which is the foundation of accreditation for colleges and universities.
“I wish to congratulate Dr. Rolle on this noteworthy accomplishment,” Ross said. “He has been a valuable asset to the University’s reaffirmation team as we have navigated our accreditation process, and I am sure that he will bring that same dedication and expertise to his new role with the Advisory Board.”
Rolle’s appointment is for May 2021 through December 2024.
The board that Rolle will serve on reports to the SACSCOC executive council through the president of the commission, Dr. Belle S. Wheelan.
PURPOSE OF THE PEER REVIEW ADVISORY BOARD
The SACSCOC executive council authorized the establishment of a Peer Review Advisory Board as part of its continuing commitment to enhance the quality and value of the peer review process according to the appointment letter from SACSCOC President Wheelan.
“The purpose of the board is to provide guidance and assistance to the Commission and its staff on a wide range of issues bearing upon the evaluation process by keeping the Commission apprised of issues raised and constructive suggestions offered by member institutions,” Wheelan stated.
She explained that each member is a sounding board by observing the “concerns and comments” that others make about the organization’s peer evaluation process with the responsibility to convey the data and information obtained through the board to her.
ROLLE WANTS TO MAKE SURE ALL VOICES ARE HEARD
Rolle stated that one of his personal goals is to help uplift SACSCOC’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s).
“HBCU’s don’t always have the resources or privileges to have a big voice; so, I am happy to be on the board to make sure their voices are also heard,” Rolle added.