Assistant Dean Named as Accreditation Commissioner of ABET

TRENTON, N.J. – The ABET Board of Directors Executive Committee has appointed Richard P. Coe, PhD, assistant dean in the School of Business and Technology at Thomas Edison State University, as an ABET Applied Science Accreditation Commissioner (ASAC).

“The college is extraordinarily fortunate to have Dr. Coe as a member of its community,” said William J. Seaton, vice president and provost at Thomas Edison State University. “Dr. Coe lead the team in the promotion and advancement of the college’s Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology program and that program’s successful ABET accreditation.”

Prior to joining the college in 2010, Coe spent 20 years in line management and senior consulting in the domestic and international nuclear power industries. He has spent 15 years in higher education, most recently as associate vice president for Academic Affairs at South Carolina State University. He is a 2004 recipient of the Training and Education Pioneer Award by the American Nuclear Society for his dedication and contributions to nuclear energy training and education. Coe earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in industrial education from The University of New Jersey and a PhD in educational/vocational administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

“Dr. Coe’s appointment recognizes his outstanding contributions to the profession and elevates the college and its applied science and technology programs nationally,” said Seaton.

As an ABET commissioner, Coe will serve as an Applied Science Accreditation team chair for the organization’s higher education site visits during the organization’s 2013-2014 cycle and attend 2013 and 2014 Summer Commission meetings.

Founded in 1932, ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization whose accreditation provides assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards established by the profession. ABET accreditation is considered a global benchmark in the disciplines of applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology in higher education. ABET is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and approximately 85,000 students across 24 countries graduate from ABET-accredited programs each year.

About Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University provides flexible, high-quality collegiate learning opportunities for self-directed adults. One of New Jersey’s 12 senior public institutions of higher education, the University offers associate, bachelors and masters degrees in more than 100 areas of study. Students earn degrees through a wide variety of rigorous and high-quality academic methods that can be customized to meet their individual needs. Thomas Edison State University is a national leader in the assessment of adult learning and a pioneer in the use of educational technologies. The University is home to The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy. The New Jersey State Library is an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University. For further information, visit: www.tesu.edu