Albuquerque, NM — August 5, 2025 — In a landmark achievement for global education, Dr. Roxanne Kemp, Ph.D., has officially founded the International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE). Based on comprehensive research into the history of educational accreditation, this establishment marks Dr. Kemp as the first Black woman on record to found an international accrediting body for educational institutions.
This milestone shatters a long-standing barrier in academic leadership and redefines quality assurance for the digital age, creating a more equitable and accessible framework for institutions worldwide.
Verifying a Historic First
The claim of a “first” is supported by the specific and verifiable criteria of the IACDE’s founding:
- Founder Profile: Dr. Roxanne Kemp is a Black woman.
- Entity Type: IACDE is an accrediting body, defined by its function of evaluating and assuring the quality of entire educational institutions, not just certifying individual courses or professionals.
- Scope: IACDE is international from its inception, with a governance and peer-review network spanning multiple continents, designed to serve a global constituency.
- Focus: IACDE is digital-first, architected specifically for the online learning ecosystem, unlike traditional accreditors that adapted physical campus standards.
“This isn’t a title we claim lightly,” says Dr. Kemp. “Our team conducted thorough research into accrediting bodies worldwide and found no prior instance of a Black woman achieving this specific feat. This isn’t just my accomplishment; it’s a door held open for every woman of color who follows, proving that our leadership in the highest levels of academic governance is not only possible but essential.”
IACDE: Setting the Gold Standard for 21st-Century Education
Unlike legacy accreditors tied to brick-and-mortar campuses, IACDE is designed for the realities of modern, digital-first learning.
Global Digital-First Framework
- Recognizes online universities, micro-credential providers, and faith-based institutions
- Validates innovative formats such as competency-based and hybrid learning
Mentorship-Driven Accreditation
- Replaces punitive reviews with growth-focused evaluations
- Partners with institutions through every stage of improvement
Virtual Validation Process
- Removes costly on-site visits that disadvantage international schools
- Uses secure digital tools for transparent credential verification
Faith-Affirming Standards
- Specialized review teams for Christian institutions
- Balances academic rigor with spiritual formation
Elite Peer Review Network
- Over 100 global experts, including former deans, instructional designers, and edtech innovators
- Multilingual reviewers representing institutions across multiple continents
Explore IACDE’s standards: iacde.org
From Scholar to Global Accreditation Leader
Dr. Kemp’s path to this historic moment is built on decades of dedication and innovation:
Extensive Academic Background
- Doctoral and graduate studies in Technology, Business, Psychology, Telehealth, and Educational Leadership
- 20+ years of experience across academia, corporate training, and ministry education
Innovator Against the Odds
- Founded Ebed-Melech University (EMU), a fully online Christian institution serving students in multiple countries
- Developed EMU’s programs to merge academic rigor with faith-based principles
Champion for the Underserved
- The Ebed-Melech Foundation has pledged over $1M in scholarships
- Created leadership pipeline programs for women of color in academic governance
“They told me digital ministry education couldn’t be excellent. Now we’re setting the standard,” Dr. Kemp says.
Learn about EMU’s mission: ebedmelech.ac
Why This Moment Matters
Dr. Kemp’s unprecedented accomplishment resonates far beyond accreditation:
Representation That Inspires
- Proves that Black women can and should lead in educational governance
- Encourages a new generation of diverse accreditors and academic leaders
2️⃣ Validation for the Digital Majority
- 60% of global learners now study online — IACDE recognizes and validates their programs
- Brings credibility to alternative credential providers and innovative learning models
3️⃣ A Blueprint for Systemic Change
- Shows how exclusionary systems can be redesigned for inclusivity
- Models faith-based innovation within the global higher education landscape
“This isn’t about me — it’s about every student who will never again hear, ‘your education doesn’t count,’” says Dr. Kemp.
About the International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE)
The International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE) is the first global accrediting body founded by a Black woman, dedicated exclusively to quality assurance for online and digital-first institutions. IACDE serves universities, academies, training providers, and micro-learning organizations worldwide through a mentorship-driven, accessible process. Its peer reviewers include former deans, academic executives, instructional designers, and educational leaders with decades of experience in higher education governance.
🌐 Website: www.iacde.org | 📧 Email: press@iacde.org
About Ebed-Melech University
Ebed-Melech University (EMU) is a faith-based, Christian university offering fully online undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Headquartered in Florida, EMU integrates biblical principles into every discipline, preparing students for both Kingdom service and professional success.
🌐 Website: www.ebedmelech.ac | 📧 Email: admissions@ebedmelech.ac