Barbara Mutch appointed to lead Commission on Accrediting through historic transition

The Board of Commissioners has appointed Barbara Mutch as the interim executive director of the Commission on Accrediting (COA), effective November 2, 2026. The appointment comes as COA prepares for a significant organizational transition that will establish it as structurally independent accrediting agency under new US federal expectations for accreditors. For more than two decades, ATS and COA have operated as separate nonprofit corporations with distinct boards, budgets, bylaws, and responsibilities. New US regulations, however, require additional operational separation. As a result, COA is establishing an independent executive leadership structure as it prepares for its next chapter.

In her new role, Mutch will lead COA through this transition while ensuring the continued integrity, consistency, and quality of accreditation across member schools in the United States and Canada. The Board of Commissioners has also approved a new name for the organization. Upon completion of the separation on July 1, 2027, and membership approval, COA will become the Commission on Accrediting of Theological Schools (COATS). The new name reflects its status as a distinct and independent organization, while its longstanding mission of assuring and advancing the quality of theological education remains unchanged.

Mutch is uniquely suited to guide COA through this historic moment. Since joining ATS in 2015 and becoming senior director of accreditation in 2021, she has provided leadership for nearly every aspect of the Commission's work, including accreditation reviews, commissioner support, and peer-reviewer education.

Mutch also provided leadership for the comprehensive review and revision of the Standards of Accreditation and Policies and Procedures, a process that culminated with approval by the COA membership at the 2026 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting in Chicago. Building on four years of experience with the 2020 redeveloped Standards, the review engaged commissioners, peer reviewers, staff, and member schools across North America. They worked to address significant developments shaping theological education, including competency-based education, generative artificial intelligence, digital learning, and increasingly complex institutional partnerships. Under Mutch's leadership, the process strengthened the ability of the Standards to support educational quality and institutional improvement while remaining responsive to the diverse missions and contexts of member schools.

Throughout her tenure, Mutch has become known for her thoughtful and collegial approach to accreditation. Schools across the membership have benefited from her ability to recognize institutional strengths while also helping leaders identify opportunities for growth and improvement. Colleagues consistently describe her leadership as patient, organized, encouraging, decisive, and grounded in a deep commitment to supporting theological schools in fulfilling their missions.

"Barbara brings exactly the combination of experience, wisdom, and steady leadership that this moment requires," said Christopher Ciccarino, chair of the Board of Commissioners serve. “She understands how accreditation can support schools as they navigate change, pursue innovation, and strengthen their individual missions. We are deeply grateful for her willingness to serve and confident in her leadership."

"Barbara has devoted her career to strengthening theological education," said Frank M. Yamada, executive director of ATS. "I have had the privilege of working alongside her for more than a decade and have seen firsthand her integrity, and unwavering commitment to serving schools well. As COA becomes COATS and embarks on this next chapter, I am confident that the organization will thrive under her leadership. I look forward to continuing partnership as we lead two organizations serving theological education in distinct but complementary ways."

Before joining ATS, Mutch served nearly twenty years at Carey Theological College in British Columbia, including as chief academic officer. Her experience includes teaching in the areas of preaching, spiritual formation, supervised ministry, women's faith and development, and theological reflection in ministry. She has also served ATS as a commissioner, peer reviewer, faculty advisor, author, and contributor to accreditation scholarship.

Mutch holds a Bachelor of Religious Education and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Briercrest Bible College and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is an ordained minister in the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada and previously served as associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Regina, Saskatchewan.

"I am honored by the confidence the Board of Commissioners has placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve during this important season in the Commission's history," Mutch said. "Theological schools are carrying out vital work in communities across North America, and strong accreditation helps support their effectiveness and sustainability. I look forward to working with commissioners, peer reviewers, institutional leaders, and staff as we complete the structural separation process and continue advancing educational quality through accreditation."