Department Mission

The mission of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research (OIER) is a partner to the University’s success by providing analytic services that contribute to informed decision-making. The OIER support the University’s strategic mission by providing consistent and reliable data through collaborative and integrated planning and assessment. The OIER reinforces a culture of accountability and transparency by actively engaging the campus constituencies and levels of governance in the continuous improvement of student learning, educational programs, administrative and academic support services, and campus operations.

The OIER serves the diverse information needs and reporting demands through consultative leadership and assistance to academic and administrative departments in planning, assessment, data collection and reporting, analytics, and accreditation.

Department Goals

• Provide decision support research and analysis to facilitate the college’s planning process and associated program review, accreditation, benchmarking, and outcomes assessment activities
• Coordinate the college institutional effectiveness program
• Report official institutional data to external agencies and organizations
• Design and conduct internal studies as needed for informed decision making
• Develop and maintain student cohort databases for longitudinal comparisons and analysis
• Serve as the liaison to the regional accrediting agency (SACSCOC)
• Perform additional institutional research duties that may become necessary to further the goals of the college

Accreditation

Tennessee Wesleyan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Tennessee Wesleyan University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC website (www.sacscoc.org). 

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) granted accreditation to the baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Tennessee Wesleyan University for 10 years, extending to June 30, 2027.

The Tennessee State Board of Education approves Tennessee Wesleyan University programs in teacher education.

Tennessee Wesleyan is an approved institution by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church.

Tennessee Wesleyan is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Students who participate in intercollegiate athletics must meet the eligibility requirements of both of these organizations.

Staff Information 

Stephanie Smallen, Ed.D.
Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Research
ssmallen@tnwesleyan.edu 
423-746-5213