A Journey of Dedication: DBU’s Path to CACREP Accreditation

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In the heart of Dallas, nestled on a hilltop, Dallas Baptist University had long pursued a mission rooted in excellence and integrity. For its counseling program, that mission took a bold and determined turn in 2012, when the idea of pursuing CACREP accreditation first came into view.

CACREP, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, sets the gold standard in counseling education. Since its founding in 1981, the organization has ensured that accredited programs uphold rigorous academic and professional standards. For DBU, earning this seal of excellence wasn't merely about prestige. It was about providing their students with assurance of quality, credibility, and opportunity. 

But like any journey of worth, the road was not easy. In 2012, an investigative committee was formed to assess whether DBU's existing counseling programs, such as the Master of Arts in Counseling (MACC), Master of Education in School Counseling (MEdSC), and Master of Science in Counseling (MSC), were ready to pursue accreditation. After extensive meetings and evaluations, consensus was not reached, and the initiative was set aside. However, seeds had been planted. 

When Texas announced in 2015 that LPC licensure would require a 60-hour master's degree by 2017, DBU sprang into action under the leadership of Dr. Mary Becerril, the program director at that time. Not only did they adjust their curriculum to meet the new standard, they renamed the program to Master of Arts in Professional Counseling (MAPC), signaling a new era. And with that transformation, serious consideration of CACREP accreditation resumed.

By 2019, DBU was running a CACREP-aligned program, under the CACREP liaison and leadership of Dr. Joe Cook. These early alumni would later become living proof of the program's effectiveness and alignment with CACREP's high expectations. By late 2022, DBU had a strong enough foundation to formally begin the application process.

Under the determined leadership of the current CACREP liaison, Dr. Kristi Tew, the university prepared a comprehensive Self-Study Report, a document that detailed how the program met every CACREP standard. Submitted in December 2023, the report was based on two years of hard data and heartfelt dedication.

In April 2024, the team received exciting news: CACREP had accepted their application for a site visit, the pivotal moment in the process. The long-awaited visit took place in February 2025, and it was a moment that showcased not only the strength of the program but the unity and commitment of the entire DBU community. In preparation, and over the course of the visit, the CACREP site team met with a wide range of individuals who are vital to the success of the counseling program. 

They met with all full-time and adjunct faculty in the program, who offered insight into the program's academic structure and mission. Conversations with Dr. Jack Goodyear, Dr. Blanton Feaster, and Trevor Head provided context on institutional leadership and program oversight.

The site team also engaged directly with those most impacted by the program: a group of current students shared their personal experiences, while a group of graduates reflected on how the program equipped them for real-world practice.

From the student support side, Molly Taylor, from Student Affairs, provided a broad perspective on the university's student services, program offerings, and student affairs structure, while Amy Standifer, Director of the DBU Counseling Center and a Site Supervisor, spoke about clinical training and supervision. The team also met with another site supervisor from a local counseling agency in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering an outside view on student preparedness and professional readiness. 

Finally, Provost Dr. Norma Hedin and President Dr. Adam C. Wright both contributed to the conversation, affirming DBU's commitment to excellence and the institutional support backing the counseling program's vision.

At the conclusion of the visit, the CACREP team gave a glowing assessment, identifying only a few minor corrections. These were quickly addressed and submitted within 30 days in a final Response to the Site Visit Report.

In July 2025, the CACREP Board granted DBU full accreditation for the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling program—an eight-year distinction lasting through October 2033—marking a historic milestone and paving the way for continued excellence.

The benefits will be profound. For students, a CACREP-accredited degree ensures confidence in their education and opens doors to work with the Veterans Administration, state agencies, and other organizations that prioritize or require CACREP degrees for licensure. For many states, and increasingly across the nation, CACREP is the benchmark for counseling licensure and portability.

Looking back, DBU's journey to CACREP accreditation tells a story of perseverance, visionary leadership, and a relentless commitment to student success. And for those like Dr. Mary Becerril, Dr. Joe Cook, Dr. Kristi Tew, and countless faculty and staff who poured their hearts into this mission, it is a legacy that will shape future counselors for years to come. 

Dr. Steve Hunter, current Program Director of MAPC, explains, "Our students are being equipped biblically from the truths of God's Word, trained professionally to meet state requirements for licensure, as well as national standards for CACREP, and being sent globally to serve a hurting world."


About Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University is a comprehensive Christ-centered university dedicated to producing servant leaders through the integration of faith and learning. With an enrollment of over 4,150 students, DBU's main campus is located in the foothills of southwest Dallas. DBU offers 79 undergraduate programs and 37 graduate degree programs in various fields, online college degree programs, and two doctoral programs. Get more information about Dallas Baptist University (www.dbu.edu) by browsing our website, emailing news@dbu.edu, or by calling (214) 333-5172.

Written by Dallas Baptist University