Regional accreditation - a system of self-regulation and peer review -- is considered essential for an educational institution. And, while accreditation is voluntary, an institution must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization in order for its students to be eligible for federal financial aid.
Baehre's appointment came after serving on Middle States accreditation teams since 1989 in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
In addition to this most recent appointment, Baehre serves on key education committees and commissions including the Governor's Commission on Career and College Success, the Pennsylvania Community College Commission, the American Association of Commnity Colleges, Team Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board and the National Governor's Association Academy.
Baehre is also an active member of the board of the United Way of the Capital Region and founded and chair's the United Way Women's Leadership Network.
Baehre has served as president of HACC since 1997 and has presided over the college's record growth in enrollments and the addition of the new York Center - the college's fifth major regional location.
HACC serves a ten county area in central Pennsylvania and has more than 16 thousand degree-seeking students along with more than 55 thousand participants in workforce training and community education classes. The Middle States Association covers Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Washington DC and the U.S. Virgin Islands.