ARLINGTON, Virginia — On Thursday, September 18, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) presented the prestigious Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement (Murray Recognition) to the University of Mount Union's School of Education during CAEP’s annual conference.

The 2025 Murray Recognition was awarded to a group that demonstrated documented exceptional commitment to excellence and continuous growth, earning accreditation with no recommended areas for improvement identified. Prior to 2025, only three Ohio Educator Preparation Programs out of 50 had earned this recognition.

“Frank Murray was passionate about education preparation, a prominent leader in our profession, and an advocate for evidence to improve education,” said Yuhang Rong, chair of the CAEP Board of Directors. “The providers that CAEP is recognizing are committed to continuous improvement and preparing their students to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate. CAEP accreditation is a sign of commitment to quality through purposeful use of evidence. The Murray Leadership Recognition recipients should be proud of their accomplishments.”

Recipients of the 2025 Murray Recognition were selected from Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) that received initial accreditation from CAEP in the previous year. To qualify for this recognition, EPPs must present a comprehensive set of evidence showing demonstrated data trends with no stipulations or areas requiring improvement. These recognized providers promote equity and excellence in educator preparation by effectively utilizing self-study procedures and evidence-based reporting, which ensure quality and support continuous improvement in P-12 learning. The EPPs also implement inquiries and assessments to establish quality assurance systems that drive ongoing enhancements.

CAEP Board Chair Yuhang Rong, Bigham, Askren Edgehouse, Coblentz, Reash and CAEP President Christopher Koch

“This recognition highlights the extraordinary dedication of our School of Education faculty and staff and our P–12 partners, who work tirelessly each day to elevate the future of education,” said Dr. Melissa Askren Edgehouse, professor, director and CAEP coordinator in Mount Union’s School of Education. “Their unwavering commitment to student-centered teaching and evidence-based practice continues to shape the next generation of educators and make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities alike.”

Mount Union’s School of Education proudly participated in the conference and presented a session. The University’s CAEP Leadership team for its April 2024 accreditation visit consisted of Askren Edgehouse, Linda Bigham, director of assessment and licensure, Dr. Caitlin Reash, assistant professor of education, Dr. Mandy Capel, director of graduate programs and Dr. Chanda Coblentz, associate professor of education.

“Data analysis can be a complex and demanding process, but our dedicated colleagues in the School of Education approach it with both skill and passion,” said Askren Edgehouse. “Their strong belief in continuous improvement means they never shy away from reviewing data—because they truly believe in the power of reflection, and they care deeply about our candidates and alumni.”

CAEP accreditation serves two main purposes: accountability and continuous improvement. To date, 541 educator preparation providers across 43 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates have received accreditation under CAEP standards. The CAEP accreditation process evaluates the performance of these providers, with a particular focus on ensuring that their candidates are adequately prepared for the demanding responsibilities they will encounter in classrooms. Approximately 600 educator preparation providers are participating in the CAEP accreditation system, including some that were previously accredited under former standards.

Earlier this year, the School of Education earned another impressive designation: U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of the #1 Online M.Ed. Program in Ohio and the #1 Private Online M.Ed. Program in the nation. Learn more about Mount Union’s established and awarded School of Education at mountunion.edu/school-of-education.