Westminster’s Department of Education is once again approved for accreditation as an Education Preparation Provider by the Missouri State Board of Education, as recommended by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The accreditation is particularly significant because it did not require a site visit, based on highly comprehensive data submitted by the College to DESE.
“Annual accreditation is a noteworthy achievement and a testament to your institution’s commitment to ensuring that children across Missouri and the Midwest have access to high-quality teachers, counselors and school leaders,” Dr. Darryl Fridley, Coordinator of Educator Preparation, wrote in a letter to Westminster dating Feb. 13, 2025. “The work requires a significant investment of resources, as well as collaboration between numerous staff, faculty, administrators, students and K-12 partners.”
Dr. David Jones, Westminster’s Chief Accreditation Officer and Accreditation Liaison Officer to the Higher Learning Commission, said the department’s accreditation is worthy of celebration.
“Achievement of DESE accreditation is due to Westminster’s high-quality education faculty, teacher education programs and students. With this accreditation, Westminster will continue to strive to produce outstanding K-12 teachers for the state of Missouri and for the country,” he explained.
Approximately 55 students are currently involved in Westminster’s education program, which has strong ties to elementary and secondary schools throughout the mid-Missouri area through programs such as Grow Your Own program the Developing an Educator Workforce That Expands Yearly award, which Westminster recently received for the second time in support of its teacher preparation efforts.
Education majors from Westminster typically receive job offers well before graduation because of their strong educational foundation and classroom preparation skills. Learn more about the College’s education program on Westminster’s website.
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
