Med school gets 10-year accreditation with ‘exceptional’ status

April 25, 2024

The Campbell University medical school is accredited for another 10 years, earning "accreditation with exceptional outcome" status from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).

The designation, effective April 12, came after representatives from the accrediting organization visited the med school earlier this year. It's the second COCA accreditation for the school, which opened during the 2013-14 academic year.

It's an important achievement, and one that everyone affiliated with the med school and university should be proud of, said Dr. Brian Kessler, dean and chief academic officer at the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Kessler announced the achievement during a faculty and staff meeting April 24.

"I'm very proud of what we've done and what we continue to do," Kessler said.

The 10-year designation and "exceptional" status are especially significant, he said.

"We went above and beyond and met all the elements (for the exceptional accreditation)," he said.

The 10-year accreditation allows the school to "really move forward," he said. "This is something we need to celebrate. That's really kudos to each and every one of you and to what we're doing as an institution. We're setting the pace for others."

The med school must complete a comprehensive report after five years, as well as yearly reports for COCA.

"As a dean, it's not what I do, but (rather) it's what each and every one of you do. It makes me very proud and privileged to be standing here in front of you. This is a phenomenal accomplishment."

Dr. Michael P. Mahalik, vice dean for Academic Affairs and a professor of pharmacology, has been part of the medical school from the start, helping with its development and continued success.

"We're very pleased that all the hard work from the CUSOM family is recognized by the accrediting body," Mahalik said.

That body, COCA, is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accreditor of colleges of osteopathic medicine, its website says.

"COCA accreditation signifies that a college has met or exceeded the Commission's standards for educational quality," it says.Campbell med school gets 10-year accreditation with 'exceptional' status

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