For 15 years, John Chikow has served as a public member on HLC’s Institutional Actions Council (IAC). Public members like John have limited to no experience in higher education and bring an important, outside perspective to the decision-making body. 

Tell us about yourself and your work with HLC. 

Fifteen years ago, a friend of HLC mentioned they were looking for public members, individuals who are not affiliated with a college or university or in higher education, to serve on the Institutional Actions Council (IAC). Our role as public members is to bring the perspective of the general public to HLC’s decision-making processes.  

My degree is in nonprofit management. I served as chief operating officer for the Boy Scouts of America in Pasadena, California before returning to Chicago as CEO of an association foundation and most recently as CEO of the Magnificent Mile Association.  

What has participating as an IAC public member taught you? 

Participating as an IAC public member has been valuable in understanding the governance and financial structures of higher education, as well as the process of ensuring quality experiences for both staff and students. My experiences with IAC reviews have helped me hone my approach to nonprofit management. 

What is the biggest advantage to being a member of the HLC community? 

The engagement with top quality leaders during the IAC case reviews and deliberations shows a high degree of fairness and concern for a proper outcome. Many of these people are also involved with the training opportunities provided to HLC members. During a recent hearing, the representatives of the institution pointed out the value of the people and process and could not wait to participate in the Academies as well as become peer reviewers. 

What has surprised you most during your experience as an HLC volunteer? 

I know how much hard work goes into assessment processes. It took a while to become comfortable with the unique language of accreditation. 

What is your pro tip for new IAC members?  

Don’t be afraid to dig in and rely on your fellow hearing members for guidance. Early on I chatted with my assigned hearing partner for the virtual sessions on anything that did not seem straightforward.