Lackawanna College Earns Institutional Reaccreditation for Next Eight Years Lackawanna College has earned reaccreditation through the 2031-32 academic year from The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The reaccreditation reflects the college’s commitment to maintaining high standards of education and accountability. The reaffirmation culminates a rigorous two-year long self-study process that directly involved more than 100 faculty, staff, students, board members and employers. The process included various reviews of Lackawanna College’s strategic plan, enrollment process, academic development and offerings, campus life, fiscal health and student success rate. “This impressive outcome reflects our continued commitment to providing a quality education to all persons who seek to improve their lives” Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, Ph.D. said. “This is a critical accomplishment and reflects years of hard work by our entire college community. While we are proud of our results, we are even more proud of our outstanding team.” As part of the reaccreditation process, a self-study team was created to review and prepare information for the MSCHE evaluation team’s three-day site visit in March 2024. The self-study team was led by Lackawanna College Provost Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of Health Sciences Kelly A. Musti, PT, DPT, Dean of Curriculum and Faculty Affairs Adrienne Asbury and Director of Academic Quality Lindsey Munley. The Lackawanna College community also collaborated for the site visit by partaking in self-study activities, participating in working groups and were heavily involved in the on-site MSCHE visit. After the review, the MSCHE found Lackawanna College meets all standards and requirements for accreditation, providing nine commendations for outstanding aspects of the college. As of July 2024, the MSCHE has formally accepted the evaluation team’s report and reaffirmed its accreditation status. “Maintaining our MSCHE accreditation is vital for ensuring academic excellence and institutional integrity,” Musti said. “Achieving reaffirmation of our accreditation is not merely a benchmark; it supports Lackawanna College’s commitment to providing a high-quality education and making a positive impact within our community.” The MSCHE is a voluntary, non-profit association providing accreditation to institutions of higher education in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The next self-study evaluation will take place in eight years.
Geisinger Janet Weis Hospital Receives Reaccreditation Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital has been granted Level II Trauma Center reaccreditation by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF). The Level II trauma designation means the children’s hospital provides advanced care and expertise for pediatric trauma patients with specialized equipment, training and a dedicated pediatric emergency zone and pediatric sedation suite. Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital is the only designated pediatric trauma center in central Pennsylvania. To receive the Level II designation, the children’s hospital underwent a review process by the PTSF that included reviews of its resources, capabilities, and care for patients with traumatic injuries. “This renewal of our Level II trauma accreditation means pediatric patients from local communities can continue to receive the most specialized level of care close to home,” said Alfred Kennedy, M.D., Geisinger pediatric trauma director. “This accreditation speaks to the tremendous work our physicians, nurses and staff continue to deliver to our youth.” Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital joins Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton as the system’s Level II trauma centers while Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger Medical Center in Danville are Level I trauma centers. Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital are Level IV trauma centers.
