DeSantis announces Commission for Public Higher Education, a new higher education accreditor – FOX 35 Orlando

Report on the Establishment of the Commission for Public Higher Education in Florida

Introduction

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the creation of a new higher education accreditor, the Commission for Public Higher Education, aimed at enhancing the quality and operational standards of public colleges and universities in the state. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

New Higher Education Accreditor

Background and Purpose

Governor DeSantis has advocated for Florida’s public higher education institutions to transition from their existing accrediting agencies to alternatives that better reflect the state’s educational priorities. The newly announced Commission for Public Higher Education is designed to:

• Ensure academic quality and operational excellence in public higher education institutions.
• Focus on academic excellence, student outcomes, process efficiency, and quality assurance.
• Include six public university systems collaborating under a first-of-its-kind accreditation model.

This initiative supports SDG 4 by fostering high-quality education systems that are accountable and transparent.

Policy Context

• Florida has enacted legislation restricting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education, reflecting a focus on maintaining specific educational standards.
• The 2023 law banning state funding for DEI programs at public institutions aims to uphold standards of conduct and institutional accountability.

These measures relate indirectly to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, emphasizing accountable and inclusive institutions.

The Commission for Public Higher Education

Commission Structure and Goals

The Commission will comprise six public university systems and aims to establish an innovative accreditation model characterized by:

1. Rigorous, transparent, and adaptable outcomes-based accreditation standards.
2. Prioritization of academic excellence and student achievement.
3. Efficient and effective accreditation processes.

By focusing on measurable student outcomes and institutional quality, the Commission advances SDG 4’s target of improving educational quality and relevance.

Implementation and Approval Process

• The Commission’s establishment requires approval through both state and federal regulatory frameworks.
• The process is expected to take time to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Leadership Support

Key figures in Florida’s education system have endorsed the Commission, including:

• Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida.
• Adam Hasner, President of Florida Atlantic University.
• Thad Westbrook, Chair of the University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees.

Statements on Educational Quality and Accountability

• Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of leadership accountability and protecting the academic process.
• Rodrigues highlighted the commitment to high-quality, high-value programs and data-driven decision-making.
• Westbrook noted the benefits of innovative accreditation for students and institutional efficiency.

These commitments support SDG 4 by ensuring inclusive, quality education and fostering innovation in education systems.

Florida’s Education System: National Standing and Impact

Achievements and Rankings

• Florida ranked No. 1 in the nation for education in 2024 by U.S. News & World Report for the second consecutive year.
• The state offers the lowest undergraduate tuition and fees nationally for the third straight year, with costs significantly below the national average.
• Approximately 77% of resident undergraduate students graduate debt-free, demonstrating financial accessibility.

These achievements contribute to SDG 4 by promoting affordable and equitable access to higher education.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – Through the Commission’s focus on academic excellence, student outcomes, and efficient accreditation processes.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – By maintaining low tuition fees and supporting debt-free graduation rates, the state enhances educational equity.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The emphasis on accountability and transparent standards strengthens institutional governance.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Commission for Public Higher Education represents a strategic effort by Florida to enhance the quality, accountability, and efficiency of its public higher education system. This initiative aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education, reducing inequalities, and fostering strong institutional frameworks. Continued collaboration among educational leaders and adherence to rigorous standards will be essential for the Commission’s success and its contribution to sustainable development.

Source

This report is based on information shared by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during a press conference on June 26, 2025, and data from the Florida Department of Education and the State University System of Florida.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on higher education quality, academic excellence, and student outcomes in Florida’s public universities.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article mentions legislation restricting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which relates to addressing inequalities in education.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The establishment of a new accreditor to ensure accountability, transparency, and operational excellence in public higher education institutions aligns with strengthening institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including quality assurance mechanisms.
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are inclusive and effective.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Academic Quality and Student Outcomes
   • Student graduation rates, including the percentage of students graduating debt-free (77% as mentioned).
   • Use of student data to drive decisions and improve academic programs.
   • Ranking and recognition metrics, such as Florida being ranked No.1 in education by U.S. News & World Report.
2. Operational Excellence and Efficiency
   • Process efficiency in accreditation and education delivery.
   • Implementation of rigorous, transparent, and adaptable accreditation standards.
3. Affordability and Access
   • Undergraduate tuition and fees comparison (Florida’s $6,360 vs. national average $11,610).
   • Percentage of students graduating without loans.
4. Equity and Inclusion
   • Legislation impact on DEI initiatives, though the article implies restrictions rather than progress indicators.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 4: Quality Education	4.3: Equal access to affordable, quality tertiary education 4.7: Acquisition of knowledge and skills for sustainable development 4.a: Build and upgrade inclusive education facilities	Graduation rates and student outcomes Use of student data for decision-making National education rankings (e.g., U.S. News & World Report) Tuition and fees affordability
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	10.2: Promote social, economic, and political inclusion	Legislation impact on DEI initiatives (implied)
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions	16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions 16.7: Ensure inclusive and representative decision-making	Establishment of new accreditation commission Implementation of rigorous, transparent accreditation standards Process efficiency and accountability metrics

Source: fox35orlando.com