Higher Learning Commission

Kerry Lofton has worked in Accreditation Services primarily on the decision-making team with the Institutional Actions Council, on the Eligibility Process for institutions seeking accreditation, and on requests for official letters for institutions from regulatory agencies.  She has been most impressed with HLC’s inclusive environment and staff’s willingness to impart knowledge—an ideal experience, she says, for any lifelong learner.

1. When and how did you first learn about accreditation?
   I first learned about accreditation in college. However, this was a new industry for me when I started at HLC.  Since then, I have learned so much about accreditation. One of the things I have come to realize is that accreditation is constantly evolving.
2. How do you explain your work with HLC to people who aren’t familiar with accreditation, in 10 words or less?
   HLC is a regulatory agency that accredits colleges and universities.  
3. Why did you want to get involved with HLC?
   When I originally started working at HLC as a temporary worker, I liked the work environment and culture almost immediately. My first year here, I remember being invited to the Christmas party, and participating in the mask-making contest. The theme our group chose for our masks was the candy-crush theme. I enjoyed collaborating with Babatunde (Alokolaro) and Eva (Sitek) on creating the masks and our team placed in the contest at the party.  As I said, I was just a temp then and HLC didn’t have to invite me to the party at all but the organization is very inclusive and it felt good to be appreciated and included from day one.
4. What aspects of your background have been particularly helpful in your work with HLC?
   Prior to working at HLC, I worked for 15 years in state government, first as a management secretary, administrative assistant, and then as a senior policy advisor for the Illinois Commerce Commission. I also worked for the state of Illinois as senior policy advisor for Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn’s office where I worked on his health, education, and food policies. I also worked on food policy for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Because of these experiences, I knew what the work at a regulatory agency entailed and understood the processes and how those processes can move. My experience helped me as I made the transition at HLC from temp to full-time, first as an accreditation processes associate, decision making, then accreditation processes coordinator, decision making, and now as accreditation services manager.
5. What have you learned from working with HLC that’s been beneficial to you? 
   Working at HLC provided me with a lot of useful information as I prepared to send my daughter off to college. I started paying attention to the trends we were seeing in higher education so I could help her in her search and with her college selection. I found that everyone at HLC is willing to share information and direct you to resources. HLC is a fast-paced environment, but training has always been an option at HLC, and that’s been very beneficial. I would say if you enjoy learning, then this is the place for you.
6. What has been one of your most memorable experiences working with HLC?
   My daughter wanted a Mac computer when she went to college and it just so happened that HLC was raffling off one, and I won! I was so happy because I wouldn’t have been able to give her the Mac desktop computer otherwise.  It simply wasn’t in my budget. It was great to be able to send her off to college with the Mac and I have HLC to thank for making it possible.
7. What do you like to do outside of the office?
   I love to read and travel. I just got back with my children from San Jose del Cabo and recently went to Boston with my husband to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. I am learning to love the outdoors. I enjoy creating and decorating my outdoor oasis. I am trying to learn to become one with nature but bugs scare me. I finally put the indoor-outdoor rug I won at HLC to use in my gazebo. Have you noticed that raffles seem to be my thing at the office? I have won a few items participating in them and I am truly grateful.
8. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
   A criminal defense attorney.
9. What is your greatest career or life achievement so far?
   Experiencing motherhood has been a great life achievement. Another has been getting my master’s degree in public administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology. I started my program during a period of change in my life and I am proud I persevered and accomplished my goal.
10. What’s your favorite part of being a member of the HLC community?
    I like all of HLC’s events—the annual conference, staff events, welcome lunches, raffles, and the regular fellowshipping around the office. I feel at home here with my colleagues. It’s a welcoming place and a warm environment even though it’s extremely quiet. This took some getting used to, but I love being here and being part of a community.