NPC Hospitality program accreditation extended

National Park College’s Hospitality and Tourism Administration program was recently granted a full seven-year accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration, a leading organization in the accrediting of hospitality programs.

Only 70 programs nationwide and only three in Arkansas have earned this certification. The accreditation recognizes NPC’s Hospitality and Tourism Administration Program as one that meets or exceeds stated standards of educational quality, as well as promoting higher education and ethical standards of professional education. Areas of evaluation include mission and objectives, evaluation and planning, administration and governance, curriculum, faculty and instructional staff, student services, and activities and resources.

The process began in the summer of 2015 and included Eve Victory, hospitality and tourism instructor; David Hughes, dean of business, technical and early college programs; and Wade Derden, vice president for academic affairs. Derden said he has been involved in many difficult accreditation processes,

“This was by far one of the most difficult,” Derden said. “However, we are pleased that after our very first attempt, we can now be counted as an educational program that meets the high standards of ACPHA accreditation.”

The team completed a self-evaluation and an application for an ACPHA team evaluation. The rigorous ACPHA evaluation ensures approved programs offer educational opportunities that promote excellence across the hospitality industry.

“Not only does this garner a better academic reputation within the campus community and among the public, certification means much more for students in the NPC Hospitality and Tourism Administration Program,” said Hughes.

“Students have assurance of a robust and respected curriculum and instructor, as well as a distinction that sets them apart as a graduate of an accredited program.”

The accreditation has been granted for seven years and will result in a reaccreditation visit in 2024.

“The hiring pool is always looking for the cream of the crop, and this certification will set our graduates apart,” Victory said.