BOCA RATON, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday announced the launch of a new national accrediting body, the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), as an alternative to what he described as an “activist-controlled” accreditation system. The new commission will focus on student outcomes, academic quality, and operational efficiency.
The CPHE is a consortium formed by six public university systems from across the country. According to state officials, the initiative aims to shift the accreditation process away from ideological influences and toward performance-based standards that emphasize transparency, accountability, and measurable success.
“Florida has set an example for the country in reclaiming higher education—and we’re working to make that success permanent,” said DeSantis at the unveiling event. “That means breaking the activist-controlled accreditation monopoly. This new accreditor will offer an alternative that breaks the ideological stronghold.”
The Commission’s standards will be outcomes-based and adaptable, focusing on the use of student data to guide institutional decisions, drive improvement, and ensure that institutions maintain both academic and operational excellence.
Chancellor Ray Rodrigues of the State University System of Florida said the new commission is designed to raise standards and increase institutional accountability.
“I am proud to be joined by leaders of five other public university systems to establish an accreditor that will focus on ensuring institutions provide high-quality, high-value programs,” Rodrigues said.
Thad H. Westbrook, Chair of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, also voiced support for the initiative. “The innovations we expect to implement will benefit students while making accreditation more efficient and more focused on outcomes, quality, and success,” Westbrook said.
Florida’s move comes amid growing national debate over the role of traditional accrediting agencies and the degree to which they influence curriculum, governance, and institutional policy.
