Advancing Accreditation Excellence: Highlights from COE’s June 2025 Washington, D.C. Meetings & Capitol Hill Engagements

The Council on Occupational Education (COE) concluded a successful week of impactful strategic meetings, committee sessions, and policy engagement during its 2025 Summer Commission Meeting and “COE Day at the Capitol” in Washington, D.C. Held June 8–12, this marked the second year COE convened its Commission and core committees in the nation’s capitol, reinforcing the importance of advocacy, transparency, and strategic alignment in workforce and technical education.

The week brought together Commissioners, committee members, and COE staff for intensive reviews, policy refinement, and collaborative dialogue. Committees included Policies & Rules, Standards & Conditions, Nominations, and Bylaws, all advancing key topics affecting accreditation standards, federal regulations, and institutional compliance.

COE was joined the during the week by other notable experts in the field. Scott Estrada, Professional Staff Member for the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce (Office of Ranking Member Bobby Scott), opened the week with a compelling policy overview.

Emmanual Guillory of the American Council on Education addressed the evolving government relations landscape in higher education. Also, another notable expert in the field spoke candidly about future federal directions impacting accreditation and occupational education.

“The conversations in these rooms continue to shape the future of accreditation,” said Dr. Kirk Nooks, COE President and CEO. “Our focus remains on aligning policy, institutional needs, and student outcomes in ways that deliver education that works—for learners, communities, and the workforce.”

This year’s meetings were especially timely following the release of changes focused on accreditation reform and workforce development. Commissioners engaged directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill, making visits to both House and Senate offices to educate officials and their staff on the impact of increased investment in short-term training programs, healthcare education, and Registered Apprenticeship funding.

The Commission also continued its internal work to monitor the implementation of COE’s 2030 Strategic Plan, reviewed survey feedback from member institutions, and outlined next steps for the upcoming U.S. Department of Education Recognition Review.

Additionally, during the Commission meeting, Commissioner Chad Burchell took the annual Oath of Office, a reaffirmation that underscores their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethical governance in career and technical education accreditation.

Take a look at our gallery of photos!