VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University announced that the university has been granted renewal of accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

The renewal of membership and accreditation approved by the NASM Commission on Accreditation confirms that VCSU’s music programs and instruction meet or exceed the national standards set forth by the NASM.

“This is validation of the outstanding education and experience our music students receive at VCSU,” said President Alan LaFave. “We recognize the monumental and collective effort it takes to achieve this renewal, and we thank everyone involved in the process.”

VCSU’s renewal of accreditation effort was headed by Dr. Christopher Redfearn, an associate professor of music. The renewal process began back in 2019 and was worked on by numerous music faculty and campus staff.

“It was a group effort at VCSU, and I’m grateful for all the work put in by the music faculty and others around campus,” said Redfearn. “I’d like to extend a big thank you to the VCSU administration for their continued support of music education on our campus.”

Accreditation with the NASM is completed every 10 years. VCSU’s next accreditation renewal is scheduled for the 2028-29 academic year.

Founded in 1924, the NASM is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 639 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.