The New Head of SACS Shares His Vision for the Accreditor

"I enjoyed my time at the Southern Regional Education Board. It was really a fantastic place to work and [has] great people, and we did a lot of good stuff there, but when the opportunity to move over to SACS came up, I had a desire to help shape policy that can improve how we see higher ed and hopefully improve aspects of higher ed. And it felt like the right avenue."

"It helps that Belle is a good friend. I've known Belle for a good while now, so our transition has been a good one. She was our longest-serving president; she was there for 20 years, and I kept joking with her that her record was safe. I don't see myself there for 21 years. But following her has been an absolute pleasure and honor to get to build on the things that she started,"

"After two decades with Belle Wheelan at the helm, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is under new leadership since she retired earlier this year. New SACS president Stephen Pruitt comes from the Southern Regional Education Board, which he led from 2018 until June, when he stepped down, before starting his current job in August. Pruitt previously served as the commissioner of education in Kentucky, worked for the Georgia Department of Education."

Stephen Pruitt became president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in August, succeeding Belle Wheelan after her retirement earlier this year. Pruitt led the Southern Regional Education Board from 2018 until June and previously served as Kentucky commissioner of education, worked for the Georgia Department of Education, and taught at K-12 and collegiate levels. Accreditors face increased criticism from federal and state officials who accuse them, including SACSCOC, of overstepping, while the Trump administration seeks to make it easier for new accreditors to enter the market. Pruitt plans a 100-day agenda and intends to shape policy to improve higher education.

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