Peer Review Visit

Peer Review Team Visit
April 6 - 9, 2025

Fordham’s reaccreditation process culminated in a site visit in early April by a MSCHE evaluation team which is made up of peer evaluators who are higher education professionals at other institutions.

The Role of the Peer Review Visit

The Peer Review Team’s role is to offer a fair, unbiased assessment and provide constructive feedback that helps the institution grow and maintain its accreditation status. Before the visit, the Peer Review Team will have read Fordham’s self-study and have analyzed the supporting evidence that was submitted in advance including financial reports, policies, assessment data, and strategic plans. During their visit, activities include: 

  • Meeting with the president, provost, deans, and senior administrators to discuss governance, strategy, and institutional priorities.
  • Engaging with academic and administrative staff to assess teaching quality, research, and operational effectiveness.
  • Gathering feedback from undergraduate and graduate students on their educational experiences, campus resources, and satisfaction over lunch.
  • Meeting with trustees to evaluate oversight, financial sustainability, and alignment with the institution’s mission.
  • Touring facilities and areas vital to supporting the student experience to ensure they meet the needs of the institution and its students.

After their visit, the Team will prepare a formal evaluation report detailing Fordham’s compliance with accreditation standards, highlighting our strengths and areas for improvement. The report will be submitted to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education who will make the final reaccreditation decision based on the team’s findings.

Meet the Team

Gerard Rooney, President, St. John Fisher University and Chair, 2025 Middles States Peer Review Team

Gerard Rooney, president of St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY, has been named chair of Fordham’s Peer Review Team. Learn more about Dr. Rooney.

Team Members

Dr. Claire Williams Bridgwater
Research Professor
American University

Dr. Tobias Greiff
Associate Dean Academic Affairs
The George Washington University

Mr. Joseph Murray Hawk
Executive Director of Assessment & Accreditation/Accreditation Liaison Officer
Drexel University

Ms. Katie Leonard
Associate VP of Finance
Gannon University

Dr. Kelli Lammie Maxwell
Associate Dean for Student Success
Carnegie Mellon University

Ms. Marcia Brown Mintz
Former Associate Provost; Adjunct Faculty Member
Georgetown University

Dr. Caroline Sherman
Vice Dean
The Catholic University of America