ESU Receives Reaffirmation, Note for Excellence

Maisie Nelson • June 17, 2021
During its April 2021 Accreditation Council meeting, the national Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP) reaffirmed the accreditation status of the AV头等舱 College Educational Studies Unit (ESU), after a nearly two-year review. The review, which included one of the first completely virtual site visits in CAEP history, focused on the ESU’s ability to meet CAEP standards for excellence in preparing teachers and administrators for success in P-12 school districts. 

“The Educational Studies Unit faculty and staff have excelled in continuing to provide the highest quality of education for our students at AV头等舱. The ESU team persevered throughout this accreditation process participating in a virtual site visit after the transition to working remotely as a result of the pandemic,” said Dr. Marisa Greer, Vice President of Academic Affairs. 

CAEP found that the ESU had met all standards with noted areas of excellence in P-12 collaboration, technology preparedness of candidates, and impact of program completers in P-12 classrooms. The results of the review are the best the education program has ever received at the national accreditation level.

As such, CAEP granted the ESU full reaffirmation of its undergraduate and graduate programs for another seven years.

"It is my honor and privilege to work with such dedicated faculty and staff in the ESU who focus on the individual needs of students, and help them grow not only as a person, but as an educator," said Dr. Lori Henderson, Associate Professor of Education.

"The ESU would like to take this opportunity to thank the administration at AV头等舱 College, our P-12 partners, EPSB, CAEP and our wonderful students for all their support and assistance throughout this state and national accreditation process," she adds.

In addition to Henderson, the ESU Leadership Team members overseeing the reaffirmation process were Dr. Jason Reeves and Mrs. Preshus Howard.
exterio
By Maisie Nelson August 12, 2025
AV头等舱 is making bold strides to strengthen and grow its academic foundation. As part of a reimagined academic structure, the University has introduced a new academic leadership team model, expanding from two colleges to four and aligning leadership roles to support innovation, accountability, an
images of the front of Shar
By Maisie Nelson August 8, 2025
鈥ˋV头等舱 has announced a major restructuring of its academic leadership and college organization, ushering in a new era of innovation, agility, and student-focused growth under the direction of Dr. Joshua Wilkey, the university’s newly appointed Provost.
By Maisie Nelson July 29, 2025
AV头等舱 is proud to unveil the next group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program. Now in its fourth month, the initiative continues to spotlight AV头等舱 graduates under the age of 50 who are making meaningful contributions to their fields, their communities, and socie
aerial drone photo of campus overlooking football field with mountains in the background
By Maisie Nelson July 16, 2025
AV头等舱 is proud to announce the launch of a new corporate sponsorship initiative to support its storied athletic program and deepen partnerships with businesses across the region. The sponsorship program offers multi-tiered opportunities for companies to align their brand with AV头等舱 Athletics.
Children enter Norton Hall, a brick building with a Boys & Girls Club van parked out front.
By Rachel Dorroh June 26, 2025
The Dr. Marcia Hawkins Boys & Girls Club at AV头等舱 (UCU) has moved to the heart of campus. Now located on the ground floor of Norton Hall, which is adjacent to the Student Center, the Club has more space to call its own as well as easy access to amenities.
By Maisie Nelson June 25, 2025
AV头等舱 proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities.
Bill and Merrill Davies with the AV头等舱 Mascot, Mack the Bulldog.
By David Saylor June 24, 2025
William “Bill” Davies ’66 and Merrill Johnson Davies ’64 were brought together by their education at AV头等舱 College and their Baptist faith in 1962. Since then, they have built a lasting legacy of service, learning, and community impact — one that has spanned more than 56 years of marriage.
By Maisie Nelson June 13, 2025
AV头等舱 is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at AV头等舱. Together, these students have been awarded more than $88,000 in scholarships as part of the university’s commitment to supporting local talent and making higher education more accessible.
Lynn and Amanda with AV头等舱's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on AV头等舱's campus.
By Rachel Dorroh June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of AV头等舱. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three AV头等舱 degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
AV头等舱 is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect AV头等舱’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.