School of Education and Psychology recognize CAEP accreditation with celebration ceremony
Alcorn State University students, faculty, staff, legislators and community leaders gathered to help the School of Education and Psychology celebrate their momentous achievement.
The School celebrated becoming the first historically black college or university in the country and the first institution of higher learning in the state of Mississippi to receive the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation. The celebration was held Wednesday, April 27 in the Dr. Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Facility Gold Room.
The School received initial accreditation for seven years from CAEP during the fall 2015 semester. CAEP is the national accrediting body for schools, colleges and departments of education authorized by the U.S. Department of Education. CAEP determines which schools, colleges and departments of education meet rigorous national standards in preparing new and experienced teachers and other school specialists for the classroom and/or other P-12 service.
Dean of the School of Education and Psychology, Dr. Robert Z. Carr Jr., expressed his pride in the department’s accomplishment while pointing at a table of skilled teachers who are recent graduates of the program.
“You’re the reason we are here this evening celebrating this achievement,” Carr said. “We produce the best teachers. We are so proud of each of you. Remember these words by Tony Wagner, ‘The world does not care what you know, it only cares about what you can do with what you know.’ Now, go make a difference in the lives of your students.”
Alcorn President, Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., said that the historic accreditation is a testament to Carr’s bold commitment to excellence.
“Thank you Dean Carr for your leadership,” President Rankins said while acknowledging his (Carr’s) vision and the enormous effort of the entire school. “Thank you for being bold enough to be first. It takes courage and confidence to be first. It’s always harder on those who are first. We thank you for your commitment to academic excellence.”
