BOKARATON, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday announced the launch of a new national accreditation body, the Public Higher Education Board (CPHE), as an alternative to what he described as an “activist-controlled” accreditation system. The new committee will focus on student outcomes, academic quality and operational efficiency.
CPHE is a consortium formed by six public university systems across the country. According to state officials, the initiative aims to shift the accreditation process to performance-based standards that emphasize ideological impact and transparency, accountability and measurable success.
“Florida has set an example for the country to regain higher education and is working to make its success permanent,” DeSantis announced. “It means breaking the accreditation monopoly managed by activists. This new accreditor offers an alternative to breaking ideological hubs.”
The committee’s standards are adaptable based on outcomes, focusing on the use of student data, guiding institutional decisions, driving improvements, and ensuring that the institution maintains both academic and operational excellence.
Florida State University System Premier Ray Rodriguez said the new committee is designed to raise standards and increase institutional accountability.
“We are proud to join in the leaders of five other public university systems and establish an accreditor that focuses on ensuring that institutions deliver high quality, high value programs are provided,” Rodriguez said.
Sadd H. Westbrook, chairman of the University of South Carolina Council, also expressed his support for the initiative. “The innovations we expect to implement will benefit students, making accreditation more efficient and focusing on outcomes, quality and success,” Westbrook said.
The Florida movement arises amid growing national debate about the role of traditional accredited bodies and the extent to which it affects curriculum, governance, and institutional policies.
