PUC’s Osborn Joins WASC Staff

Spectrum Staff | May 26, 2009

Starting July 1, 2009, Richard Osborn will be an associate director for the Senior College Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Osborn was offered the position in late May, weeks after his April resignation as president of Pacific Union College (PUC).

“Dr. Osborn brings a wealth of experience and wisdom about higher education, and we are all excited to have him join WASC,” said Ralph Wolff, president and executive director of the Senior College Commission of WASC. “He brings a wonderful style of analysis and support of being able to analyze educational institutions…. His joining the WASC staff will be a major contribution to WASC and higher education.”

As an associate director, Osborn will work with more than 30 colleges and universities—ranging from UC and Cal State campuses to faith-based and non-sectarian private institutions—and their accreditation as part of his portfolio. Osborn will also be involved in shaping policy and analyzing new approaches to accreditation in these economically turbulent times for higher education.

The Senior College Commission of WASC is located in Alameda, California and oversees the accreditation of 161 four-year colleges and graduate universities in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Basin. The Senior College Commission is one of three regional accrediting commissions under WASC; the other two manage accreditation for K-12 education, and community and junior colleges. WASC was formed in 1962 to promote the welfare, interests, and development of education in the Western Region.

Osborn came to PUC in 2001; prior he was vice president of education for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. During Osborn’s tenure at PUC, he served as chair of the 77-member Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.

Osborn says, “I look forward to working with the great team at WASC in helping the higher educational institutions in our region become even more effective in improving educational effectiveness by creating a culture of evidence centered around student learning.”

He and his wife, Norma, will continue living in Angwin, California where she serves as a pastor at the PUC Church.

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