Oakwood University Completes ISO 9001 Certification Registration

Slated to become first, only HBCU to achieve such recognition, capability

HUNTSVILLE, AL – Oakwood University had successfully completed the actions necessary to be registered as an ISO 9001 certified organization, making it the first and only historically black college or university (HBCU) to achieve such recognition.

According to OU Provost, Dr. R. Timothy McDonald, the benefits of ISO 9001 certification to Oakwood University and its customers are:

• Clarity in definition of authorities and responsibilities;
• Enhanced corporate image and market positioning;
• Better records and documentation;
• Reduction in the need for multiple second party assessments; and
• A proven program for continual improvement, corrective and preventive actions, for
  • Better traceability and corrective  elimination of quality problems’ root causes
  • Risk management and reduction of risk in performance
  • Rectification of errors at the earliest stage, and 
  • No repetition of errors.

Its scope of certification is “Oakwood University provides contract and grant support resources, processes, and business management to federal, state, foundation and commercial customers,” he continued.

 The completed steps included:

• System Documentation: Preparation of quality manuals and design of quality record formats.
• System Implementation: Implementation of quality system in accordance with the quality manuals.
• Organization wide training: Training on ISO 9001 clauses, and the Oakwood Quality Management System processes.
• Internal Quality Audits: Periodic assessment of quality system implementation and corrective actions.
• Management Review:  Approval of the Quality Management System and confirmation of its value and effectiveness.
• Final Assessment: Certification audit by the Certifying agency and recommendation for certification.

This effort was made possible with support from SAIC, under its Mentor-Protégé program, and program consultant Dr. Jay Billings.

“Oakwood University has plans to export its Quality Management System to its sister colleges and to other institutions,” McDonald concluded.

Pictured: (left to right) David Knight, VP of Student Services; Dr. Tim McDonald, Provost; Sabrina Cotton, VP of Finance; Valerie Carper, SAIC Representative; Gregory Hunt, Lead Auditor from Bureau Veritas; Marcia Burnette, Coordinator of Mentor-Protégé Program (of which the ISO certification is an objective); Dr. Leslie Pollard, President; Dr. Jay Billings, ISO Consultant for OU; Lucy Cort, Office of Sponsored Programs Audit Representative; Dr. Everett Roper, Chair of Internal Audit Committee; Dr. Howard Weems, Senior Chaplain; and Steve McWilliams, Information Technology Audit Representative. (Not pictured: Sylvia Germany, Human Resources Dept. Audit Representative.)