About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Accreditation Council for Space Education is to promote and ensure quality space education by providing expert and industry-based accreditation for college and university programs that meet the needs of the dynamic and burgeoning global space ecosystem.
Purpose
The Accreditation Council for Space Education (ACSE) was created to provide guidance for space-based education at the college and university levels, both domestically and internationally. The criteria, along with the accreditation policies and procedures, serve as the basis to evaluate the quality of educational programs offered and to promote and ensure quality space education. Our aim is to hold space-based academic programs accountable to the educational community, the dynamic and burgeoning global space ecosystem, and the public.
What We Do
Founded in 2022 from Space Foundation, the Accreditation Council for Space Education (ACSE) is the first organization to offer interdisciplinary space education accreditation standards. ACSE provides members with a direct connection to the growing body of space-based knowledge to inform space-based academic standards, drive innovation, and prepare the future workforce.
Vision
The global vision of ACSE is to set the standard for quality interdisciplinary space-based education programs and to encourage continuous improvement and innovation.
Our Core Values
- Quality
- Continuous Improvement
- Innovation
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Global Diversity
Our Leadership
Kathryn C. Thornton
Chair
Ph.D. Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; and former Chairwoman of the Space Foundation Board of Directors. She earned her B.S. in Physics from Auburn University, and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Virginia.
Selected by NASA in May 1984, Thornton is a veteran of four space flights between 1989 and 1995 including the first service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. She has logged over 975 hours in space, including more than 21 hours of extravehicular activity (EVA), and was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2010.
Thornton has served on several review committees and task groups, She also served for several years on the National Research Council Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board. Dr. Thornton is the recipient of numerous awards including NASA Space Flight Medals, the Explorer Club Lowell Thomas Award, the University of Virginia Distinguished Alumna Award, the Freedom Foundation Freedom Spirit Award, and the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement.
Dr. John West
Senior Vice President, Education and Accreditation
Dr. John West, Senior Vice President, Education and Accreditation is responsible for the development and execution of innovative K-12 and adult business programming that inspires and informs the next generation of space leaders. John has greatly expanded Space Foundation’s impact by consistently fostering local, national, and international strategic partnerships. John also provides leadership over the Space Foundation Discovery Center (SFDC) which is the region’s only dedicated space, science, and technology center and museum.
Prior to joining Space Foundation, John held high-level educational leadership positions including serving as a K-12 principal at the CSCS Woodland Park campus and later served on the CSCS board of directors. John also worked as a professor, program director, and dean in a university counseling program. He earned his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, Research, and Policy from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. John is also a published author and a licensed professional counselor.
Dr. Melissa Patton
Vice President, Education
Dr. Melissa Patton is a seasoned educator and product management expert with 15+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams and scaling organizations through product-led growth (PLG). Her accomplishments include enterprise experience which led to a lean start-up that thrived in implementing technology solutions and executing innovative products in a data and customer driven environment. Additionally, she is a higher education executive with 20+ years as a tenured professor and a C-suite academic administrator.
Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree from Drake University in English Writing, a master’s degree from Concordia University in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctorate in Education from Benedictine University in Higher Education and Organizational Change. Melissa is driven by a commitment to educational access, meeting students where they are. With a dedicated focus on equitable health, she actively works to drive change, combat racial disparities, and promote awareness.