USC Rossier Professor Adrianna Kezar, a nationally known researcher in the areas of college and university governance, leadership and the professoriate, was recently named to two prestigious organizations in recognition of her expertise and stature.
In July, she will become a commissioner of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, (WASC), a membership organization that, through peer evaluation, is responsible for ensuring and improving the quality and effectiveness of approximately 170 colleges and universities. These are institutions offering the baccalaureate degree and above in California, Hawaii, Guam, the Pacific Basin, and several international locations. As described in the WASC Constitution, the work of the agency is overseen by the Senior Commission, comprised of national leaders including university presidents, chancellors, senior administrators and policymakers.
WASC is recognized by the US Department of Education to be a reliable determiner of institutional quality and integrity, permitting accredited institutions to apply for various forms of federal student aid. In addition, WASC is reviewed periodically and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Professor Kezar has also accepted an invitation to become a TIAA-CREF Institute Fellow, a membership restricted to nationally prominent thought leaders with expertise in strategic management and organizational effectiveness in higher education. TIAA-CREF is the financial services firm serving those in the academic, medical, cultural, governmental and research fields.
The TIAA-CREF Institute group is composed of active researchers and senior executives from higher education, including presidents, provosts, deans, and senior HR administrators. Fellows work with the TIAA-CREF Institute to examine strategic issues, conduct objective research and help inform decision-making relevant to the business of higher education and lifelong financial security.
Both WASC and TIAA-CREF will draw on Kezar’s extensive research. Among many roles, she heads the Delphi Project, a partnership with the American Association of Colleges and Universities, which is exploring the ramifications of changing faculty populations,
