Pierce assumes role as APQI chair at national business meeting

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, with Colleen

Hayden, Ed.D.

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, executive director of accreditation and continuous quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning, was named chair of the Accreditation Preparation and Quality Improvement (APQI) group. She assumed the role during the APQI National Business Meeting, held in conjunction with Learn Serve Lead: The AAMC Annual Meeting, on Nov. 1 in San Antonio.

This year marked the first time APQI held dedicated space and formal recognition within the Learn Serve Lead conference, elevating the group’s national presence as a community of practice focused on accreditation readiness and continuous quality improvement in undergraduate medical education.

APQI supports professionals engaged in accreditation and CQI through advocacy, professional development, collaboration, and innovation. Pierce’s appointment reflects her national leadership in operationalizing accreditation readiness, CQI systems, and data-informed improvement.

“Melisa’s appointment as APQI chair reflects her expertise in building effective accreditation and CQI systems,” said Tim Gilbert, Ed.D., associate dean of accreditation and planning. “Her leadership strengthens our institution and contributes meaningfully to the national accreditation community.”

In her role at the Whiddon College of Medicine, Pierce serves as the primary operational lead for accreditation and continuous quality improvement, coordinating CQI committee work, managing accreditation platforms and documentation, and serving as Liaison Committee on Medical Education site visit coordinator. Her work aligns directly with the College’s strategic priorities related to educational excellence, staff and faculty success, and continuous improvement.