Dr. Shari Peterson Elected to NWCCU Commission

A big round of applause to CSN’s very own Dr. Shari Peterson, who has been elected to serve as a commissioner for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Starting July 8, she’ll represent Nevada on the 26-member board that oversees accreditation across the region.

This is a major win for CSN and the state. NWCCU is the body responsible for making sure colleges and universities meet rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness. Commissioners play a vital role in evaluating institutions, setting accreditation criteria, and ensuring continuous improvement across higher education.

Dr. Peterson has been with CSN for nearly three decades. She began as an adjunct instructor in the dental hygiene program, later serving as its program director for seven years. In 2015, she stepped into her current administrative role as Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation and Strategic Planning. In 2019, she was named CSN’s accreditation liaison officer — a role she’s carried out with dedication, smarts and steady leadership.

Beyond CSN, she’s been active in the broader accreditation space, serving as a peer evaluator for NWCCU and the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Her work at the college centers on helping CSN track its progress, improve programs, and ensure we meet our mission to serve students well.

Her appointment to the NWCCU Commission strengthens CSN’s voice in shaping the future of higher education — and deepens our connection to the accreditation standards that guide our work.

Congratulations, Dr. Peterson! We’re proud to have you representing CSN on this important stage.