The Hidden Power of Accreditation: How Data Builds Public Trust in Higher Education | Dr. Laurie Shanderson, CEO of Accreditation Insights

Richard Roman sits down with higher education leader and accreditation expert Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Founder of Accreditation Insights, to unpack one of the most misunderstood forces shaping colleges and universities today: accreditation. From the Trump administration’s latest executive order targeting accreditors to the future of quality assurance, institutional trust, and student protection, this conversation explores why accreditation matters far beyond bureaucracy. Dr. Shanderson explains how accreditation works, why it can be a powerful tool for improvement, and how institutions can use data, transparency, and leadership to strengthen trust with students and the public. They also discuss the future of higher education in a changing political landscape, the rise of online and for-profit programs, the role of innovation in accreditation, and what students should really look for when evaluating a degree. If you are interested in higher education, leadership, public trust, or the future of learning, this episode offers a sharp, timely look at what quality really means. Listen now to hear how accreditation, accountability, and trust intersect in higher education, and why the conversation matters more than ever.