SUA’s Asawa Begins Three-Year Term as WSCUC Commissioner

Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO Archibald Asawa has been elected to serve as a commissioner of the organization that accredits colleges and universities.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits public and private higher education institutions in the United States and around the world, focusing primarily on those in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands region. Through a process of peer review, the commission encourages continuous institutional improvement and ensures that accredited institutions are fulfilling their missions in service to their students and the public good.

“WSCUC Commissioners perform a valuable service to students, higher education, and accreditation,” said Jamienne S. Studley, president of WSCUC, in making the announcement. “We are truly grateful that you have agreed to undertake this responsibility, especially given what a pivotal time this is for assuring confidence in accreditation and the value of postsecondary education.”

Asawa, whose three-year term begins July 1, said he was “honored and excited” to serve on the commission. Tomoko Takahashi, vice president for institutional research and assessment and dean of the Graduate School, previously served as a WSCUC commissioner and spearheaded Soka’s accreditation review process.

“It presents an opportunity for me to further contribute back to our field of higher education,” Asawa said. “Being among university presidents, provosts, and other senior-level college administrators on the commission, I will do my best to represent Soka during my WSCUC term.”

In 2021, WSCUC approved SUA’s accreditation for another 10 years, using a new streamlined process designed for high-performing institutions that demonstrate consistent evidence of healthy fiscal condition, strong student achievement indicators, and sustained quality performance. SUA received its first accreditation in June 2005, four years ahead of what is typical for a new institution.