Shellie Haut honored with Outstanding Service Award from Midwestern Higher Education Compact

Shellie Haut, executive director of Licensure, Regulatory Services and Human Capital for Central Michigan University, was acknowledged by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) as a recipient of their Outstanding Service Award on November 9, during the Compact’s Annual Commission Meeting, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Haut was nominated for her contributions to MHEC’s Regional Steering Committee (RSC) of the Midwestern-State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (M-SARA), which she has served on as a state appointed member since 2015. The SARA program provides a voluntary, approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is the national entity that coordinates efforts of the four regional SARAs housed at the regional higher education compacts.

“Shellie’s contributions have been critical to the success and support of SARA not only in the Midwest but also nationwide,” stated Susan Heegaard, MHEC president.

Haut has served on several RSC working groups including one on branch campuses and was also nominated to serve on an NC-SARA board-based working group regarding regulatory oversight within SARA of branch campuses outside the state of the main campus. “Shellie has served as a mentor and role model to other members of the M-SARA RSC but also to member states and institutional representatives,” added Emily Jacobson, MHEC’s associate director for M-SARA.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award, and to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible organization as MHEC, and more specifically with the M-SARA program,” said Haut. “We see the good that SARA and other initiatives accomplish on behalf of students, colleges, and universities each and every day.”

One of four regional higher education compacts in the United States, MHEC brings together midwestern states to develop and support best practices, collaborative efforts, and cost-sharing opportunities. Through these efforts it works to ensure strong, equitable postsecondary educational opportunities and outcomes for all.