International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education
The International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE) is a global quality assurance body dedicated to accrediting online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced education programs. Through a fully digital accreditation process, we serve institutions, training providers, and professional academies that prioritize academic integrity, innovation, and learner success in the digital age.
Our Foundation
What We Stand For
Mission
IACDE exists to uplift and validate institutions that deliver meaningful, high-quality education through virtual and hybrid formats. We provide a rigorous, transparent accreditation process that recognizes academic excellence, technological advancement, and outcomes that truly serve today’s learners—whether they are earning degrees, professional credentials, or faith-based qualifications.
Vision
We envision a future where digital education is not an alternative, but a global standard for quality learning. IACDE seeks to be the leading accreditor of virtual institutions and programs, empowering providers who are redefining access, flexibility, and success in education across borders and communities.
Core Values
Our work is grounded in six core values: Integrity, Innovation, Student Success, Global Collaboration, Continuous Improvement, and Digital Trust. These principles guide our peer review processes, support services, and ongoing commitment to helping institutions grow. We believe that excellence in online education must be as accountable and learner-focused as any traditional model.
Scope of Accreditation
IACDE offers both Institutional Accreditation and Programmatic Accreditation Distinctions to a diverse range of digital learning providers. This includes fully online universities and colleges, hybrid schools, continuing education programs, coaching academies, faith-based institutions, and global providers offering competency-based or microcredential learning. Our recognized Distinctions—such as IACDE-MGT (Management), IACDE-CYB (Cybersecurity), and IACDE-MDV (Ministry & Divinity)—allow institutions to showcase specialized excellence and align with global workforce and community needs.
Governance and Quality
Assurance Framework
Governance and Oversight
IACDE operates under the leadership of an independent Accreditation Commission composed of experienced educators, administrators, industry experts, and subject-matter specialists.
The Commission holds sole authority for granting, denying, or withdrawing accreditation, ensuring that decisions are impartial, rigorous, and aligned with the mission of promoting excellence in digital education.
Commitment to Continuous Standards Improvement
IACDE is committed to maintaining accreditation standards that reflect the highest levels of academic, operational, and technological quality.
Our standards are reviewed and updated periodically to align with best practices, emerging innovations, and the evolving needs of students, educators, and institutions in the global digital landscape.
Peer Review Model
Accreditation decisions at IACDE are based on a peer review process.
Peer reviewers are selected for their expertise in online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced education and are trained to assess institutions objectively, fairly, and ethically.
This collaborative model promotes transparency, credibility, and continuous improvement throughout the accreditation process.
Recognition and Collaboration
IACDE actively seeks partnerships, recognition opportunities, and collaborations with national and international education organizations dedicated to advancing the quality, accessibility, and impact of digital learning.
Through these efforts, IACDE contributes to a global movement focused on transforming education through technology and innovation.
Recognition and Collaboration
At the International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE), we recognize that credibility is earned through transparency, quality alignment, and a commitment to global standards. While we are an emerging accreditor, our approach is modeled on internationally recognized best practices and designed to meet the evolving needs of digital institutions.
We proudly operate with a fully documented quality assurance process aligned to:
- INQAAHE Guidelines of Good Practice
- The European Standards and Guidelines (ESG)
- UNESCO’s Cross-border Education Guidelines
- U.S. Department of Education-recognized institutional integrity principles
Our quality assurance model—Core Standards Framework—is grounded in ten clearly defined areas of evaluation that reflect IACDE’s commitment to academic excellence, ethical operations, and digital innovation. This framework guides institutions in achieving academic and operational integrity across online, hybrid, microcredential, and faith-based learning contexts.
Though we are not currently affiliated with CHEA or listed in national directories, IACDE offers a transparent, standards-aligned, and peer-reviewed pathway for providers seeking recognition and structured accountability in the digital education landscape.
As we grow, we are actively pursuing partnerships with mission-aligned networks, professional associations, and open learning coalitions to expand access, support member visibility, and promote trust in digitally delivered education across borders.
IACDE Leadership Team
Guiding Excellence in Digital Education with Integrity, Vision, and Operational Strength
Roxanne Kemp, PhD
President
Dr. Kemp serves as the public face of IACDE and leads all policy development, external relations, and strategic oversight. She ensures the Commission’s vision is executed with purpose and integrity.
Kahla LaPlante, PhD
VP Operations
Dr. LaPlante oversees the day-to-day operations of IACDE, ensuring systems, processes, and personnel work in sync to support institutional reviews, partner onboarding, and administrative functions.
Ciara Owens, M.S.
VP People Leaders
Ciara leads the coordination of all personnel and evaluators, nurturing a collaborative and mission-driven team environment. She oversees the appointment, training, and engagement of accreditation reviewers and support staff.
Lisa Maricondo, DBA
VP Quality
Dr. Maricondo ensures IACDE’s accreditation processes align with the highest legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. She leads quality assurance, compliance checks, and continuous improvement of accreditation protocols.
Accreditation Review Council
The Accreditation Review Council is a growing international body of peer reviewers supporting IACDE accreditation decisions. Our Founding Review Council — Featured Members bring distinguished expertise across education, business, leadership, and instructional design.
Dr. Tara Canfield, Ed.D.
Senior Reviewer, Program Quality, Faculty Development & Student Success
Ed.D., Higher Education Leadership; M.A. & B.A., Communications
Expertise: Faculty development, online education, curriculum design, student retention. Former dean/associate dean; experienced faculty in communications and business; digital curriculum designer since 2008.
Dr. Deneia Y. Fairweather, Ph.D.
Senior Reviewer, Culture, Community & Organizational Strategy
Ph.D., Applied Cultural Anthropology; M.Ed., Reading Education; Florida Certified Educator
Expertise: Educational anthropology, digital learning innovation, DEI. Lecturer (John Jay College; Hillsborough College; Galen University, Belize). Founder of ESE Consulting, LLC. Research across the African Diaspora (U.S., Belize, Brazil).
Dr. Lisa Salazar, Ph.D.
Senior Reviewer, Learning Design, Accessibility & Assessment
Ph.D., Educational/Instructional Media Design
Expertise: Instructional design, accessibility, public health education, online curriculum. Clinical Assistant Professor, Community Health & Promotion (2012–present). Former Public Health & CEPH Director (2019–2022). Previous roles include Research Coordinator (Physician Assistant Studies), Instructional Technologist (Idaho National Laboratory), and Instructional Design Manager (Watco).
Dr. Tiffany Tatum, Psy.D.
Senior Reviewer, Governance, Leadership & Institutional Effectiveness
Psy.D., Organizational Management & Consulting; MSW; B.A., Psychology
Expertise: Organizational leadership, diversity & inclusion, higher education administration. Former Executive Director (NAMI), General Education Dean (Arizona College), international teaching experience (South Africa, Philippines, China).
International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education
8206 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste B #10025,
Albuquerque, NM 87113
info@iacde.org
1-505-230-4110
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