Jeffrey Stroup, OSU-CHS Provost, Appointed to National Education Accreditation Advisory Committee

Appointment brings osteopathic perspective to federal higher education accreditation advisory body

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Bethesda, MD) – The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) applauds the appointment of Jeffrey S. Stroup, PharmD, to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI). AACOM supported Dr. Stroup’s appointment by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).

NACIQI advises the U.S. Secretary of Education on accreditation, institutional quality and eligibility for federal student aid programs. Its recommendations help shape the federal oversight of accrediting agencies and play an important role in maintaining educational quality and accountability across higher education.

"Dr. Stroup's appointment ensures that the osteopathic medical education community will have an experienced and respected voice contributing to important national conversations about accreditation and educational quality," said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. "His decades of leadership in higher education, deep expertise in accreditation and unwavering commitment to student success make him exceptionally well suited for this role. AACOM congratulates Dr. Stroup and thanks Senator Thune for his support of this appointment."

"Accreditation is fundamental to ensuring students receive a high-quality education and are prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of their communities. I'm honored to serve on NACIQI and contribute to thoughtful, evidence-based discussions that strengthen higher education and support the next generation of healthcare professionals," said Dr. Stroup.

Dr. Stroup serves as professor of internal medicine, provost and senior vice president at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. He previously served as the chair of the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. He brings more than 20 years of leadership in higher education, accreditation and health professions education to NACIQI.

Throughout his career, Dr. Stroup has led institutional accreditation efforts, guided strategic growth and academic program development and overseen institutional budgeting and student financial resources. His experience provides valuable perspective on the relationship between accreditation, institutional quality and student access to higher education.

NACIQI is composed of 18 members appointed equally by the U.S. Secretary of Education, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Dr. Stroup's term began in June 2026 and runs through September 30, 2028. The committee's next meeting is scheduled for July 22–23, 2026.

About AACOM:

Founded in 1898, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is the leading voice for the education and training of physicians who practice osteopathic medicine in settings across the medical spectrum—from primary care to the full range of medical specialties. We support our member colleges of osteopathic medicine in their efforts to attract and train individuals who are fueled by a desire to make a difference in our healthcare system by treating the whole person and building a future emphasizing health and wellness for all people. Today, more than 38,000 future physicians—close to 30 percent of all U.S. medical students—are being educated at one of our 48 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 75 teaching locations in 36 states. To learn more about AACOM, please visit our website.

Contacts:

Joseph Shapiro
Director of Media Relations
(240) 938-0746
jshapiro@aacom.org

Christine DeCarlo
Senior Manager of Media and Public Affairs
(202) 603-1026
cdecarlo@aacom.org