News
Momentum Continues at Luna Community College Following Accreditation Review and Action
Las Vegas, NM — February 25, 2026
Luna Community College (LCC) has received formal notification from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) confirming that its Institutional Actions Council (IAC) has concurred with the findings of a Focused Visit peer review team, the visiting team sent by HLC to evaluate LCC’s progress, and affirmed that the College has demonstrated sufficient evidence to address all required accreditation components.
As a result of this action, Luna Community College is no longer on monitoring status with its regional accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission.
“The Board of Trustees is proud of the work that led to this determination. It reinforces our shared commitment to student learning, fiscal sustainability and long-term institutional stability,” said Dr. Phyllis Martinez, Chair of the LCC Board of Trustees.
The affirmed Core Components reflect two critical areas of institutional performance:
● Teaching and Learning for Student Success: Academic quality is strengthened through systematic assessment of student learning and periodic program review, with evidence used to improve educational programs and curriculum in support of student success.
● Institutional Sustainability and Planning: Current operations and long-term viability are supported through effective financial and personnel resources, balanced short- and long-term financial management, and systematic, data-informed planning that integrates enrollment trends, financial capacity, student learning results, institutional operations, and external conditions to support continuous improvement.
“This is a significant milestone for Luna Community College,” said Dr. Carol Linder, President of Luna Community College. “It reflects the focused, coordinated, and sustained work of our faculty and staff to strengthen our academic programs, assessment practices, and institutional systems. I am deeply proud of the professionalism, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement demonstrated across the College. This outcome affirms the strong practices we have put in place and positions Luna well for continued progress.”
The Higher Learning Commission’s action acknowledges substantial institutional progress in strengthening program review processes, advancing assessment of student learning, stabilizing financial oversight, improving operational systems, and aligning planning with resource allocation to support long-term institutional effectiveness.
“This affirmation is the result of collaborative and campus-wide engagement,” said Sierra V. Fernandez, MS, Director of Assessment and Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Liaison Officer. “Faculty and staff across the College played an essential role in preparing documentation, participating in mock sessions, meeting with the peer review team, and demonstrating how assessment and resource base allocation and operational planning are meaningfully used to improve student learning and institutional outcomes.
Luna Community College extends its sincere appreciation to the many faculty and staff members whose efforts, and commitment to excellence contributed to this successful outcome. This achievement marks an important step forward and reinforces the College’s ongoing dedication to student success, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
For more information, visit the Accreditation page on the Luna Community College website at luna.edu under the About tab.
Momentum Continues at Luna Community College Following Accreditation Review and Action