Dr. Ryan Hartnett began at the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in March 2024 as a Vice President for Institutional Field Relations. In this role, he served as a liaison to member institutions, providing advice to institutions and assisting them with accreditation activities. Dr. Hartnett supported Commission representatives engaged in the work of accreditation through the Commission’s multi-level decision-making process.
As Vice President for Membership, Dr. Hartnett has now taken the lead role in MSCHE membership initiatives, helping inquiry, applicant, and candidate institutions navigate the process of initial accreditation with MSCHE, and helping to support accredited institutions with their engagement and retention. Dr. Hartnett works closely with MSCHE institutions on every step of the process.
Prior to joining MSCHE, Dr. Hartnett served as Provost at Villa Maria College (NY), leading as both Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and Student Affairs Officer (SAO). In this role, he also served as the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), leading the institution through the self-study process and other accreditation activities. Prior to serving at Villa Maria College, Dr. Hartnett served as Dean of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies at Trocaire College (NY). Dr. Hartnett also brings accreditation experience as a peer evaluator and team chair. Dr. Hartnett earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, concentrating in the areas of philosophy of science, metaphysics, and bioethics. He also holds a B.A. in philosophy and psychology from The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo.
