Former Colorado Mesa University music department head Calvin Hofer has been appointed Chair of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools in the United States, a body operated by the Council of Arts Accrediting Associations (CAAA). The CAAA oversees the evaluation of institutions and programs that provide arts education for children, youth and adults outside of postsecondary degree-granting environments. Its leadership is composed of the presidents of the National Associations of Schools of Music, Art & Design, Theater and Dance.
Hofer steps into the role with extensive experience in national arts accreditation. Before accepting the new appointment, he completed six years on the Commission on Accreditation for the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), where he continues to serve as a site-visit evaluator and consultant. He is also regularly invited to return to NASM’s fall commission meetings as a non-voting commissioner.
Although Hofer retired from his full-time CMU position in 2021 after 23 years of service, he has remained deeply involved in music education and performance. He continues to teach online courses and directs the Grand Junction Rockestra, an ensemble he founded in 2011. During his tenure as CMU’s director of bands, he conducted the CMU Wind Symphony and launched the Best of the West Music Festival — now in its 25th year and set to present three public concerts December 4–6 at the Asteria Theatre. As department head, Hofer guided the music program through two successful NASM accreditation cycles.
Hofer emphasizes that accreditation plays a vital role in supporting the arts within higher education and American society. Accreditation, he notes, signals that an institution meets the highest national standards shared by the country’s largest and most respected music schools.
“I have been on 20 site visits across the nation and in all instances, the faculty, students and staff at these institutions are all outstanding human beings, with the common focus of enriching their community and campus through music. I also see that Colorado Mesa University is a very special place, from the support of the administration and staff, the passion of the faculty, the dedication of the students, and how our community champions music and the arts,” said Hofer as he reflected on his extensive national accreditation work.
His leadership in accreditation has already left a significant mark on CMU. When Hofer first became department head, then–Mesa State College was the only institution in Colorado lacking NASM accreditation. Through three comprehensive self-studies, three site visits and years of engagement at national conferences, Hofer helped position CMU for lasting success. The music department has since benefited through a transition from liberal arts degrees to three professional degrees, with expanding emphases — including jazz studies and commercial music.
Hofer’s new national role continues his long-standing commitment to advancing arts education across the country — work that has already elevated CMU and promises to influence community and precollegiate arts programs nationwide.