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Oklahoma education commission approves multiple university accreditations and adopts permanent rule changes
Summary
At its Jan. 21, 2026 meeting in Oklahoma City, the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability unanimously approved accreditations for new degree programs at Oklahoma State University, the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian University, approved a review schedule for Southwestern Christian University and adopted permanent rule changes under 75 O.S. § 303.
The Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability voted Jan. 21, 2026, to accredit new teacher-preparation programs at Oklahoma State University, the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian University and to adopt permanent rule changes published in the Oklahoma Register.
Secretary of Education Daniel Hamlin, Ph.D., who chaired the meeting at the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability in Oklahoma City, said the meeting’s agenda included several accreditation items and rule changes. The commission approved the consent agenda, including minutes of the Dec. 17, 2025 meeting, by unanimous roll call vote after a motion from Commissioner Kathryn Szallar and a second from Ken Parker.
The panel next considered a Bachelor of Science in Mid-level Education — Science proposed by Oklahoma State University. "Accredit new program for a Bachelor of Science in Mid-level Education - Science leading to certification in mid-level science, at Oklahoma State University," Secretary Hamlin moved; John Daniel seconded. Dr. Ashlyn Fiegener recused from that vote. The motion passed with five votes in favor and one recusal.
The commission then approved a Bachelor of Science in Mid-level Education — Mathematics at Oklahoma State University after a motion from Melissa Evon and a second from Kathryn Szallar. Dr. Fiegener again recused herself and the motion passed with five votes in favor and one recusal.
Members also approved the University of Central Oklahoma’s proposal for an Ed.D. in Transformative Leadership and Learning, a program described by the university as leading to School Superintendent Certification. John Daniel moved to accredit the Ed.D.; Melissa Evon seconded. Secretary Hamlin and Dr. Fiegener recused on this item. The motion passed unanimously among the four members who voted (Ken Parker, John Daniel, Kathryn Szallar and Melissa Evon).
The Commission approved accreditation of a new Master’s in Elementary Education at Oklahoma Christian University, a program leading to initial standard certification, on a motion by Secretary Hamlin seconded by Ken Parker; Dr. Fiegener recused and the motion passed with five votes in favor and one recusal.
The Commission also granted Southwestern Christian University’s request for a new accreditation review schedule in 2026 (motion by Ken Parker, second by Kathryn Szallar). Finally, the panel moved to adopt the permanent rule changes as set forth in the Notice of Rulemaking Intent published in the Oklahoma Register, Volume 43, Number 7, on Dec. 15, 2025, under authority of 75 O.S. § 303 of Article I of the Administrative Procedures Act; Secretary Hamlin moved for final adoption, Dr. Fiegener seconded and the adoption passed unanimously.
All roll-call votes and recusals were recorded in the meeting minutes. With no public comment and no further business, Secretary Hamlin moved to adjourn at 3:05 p.m.; Kathryn Szallar seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
