A sector-focused opinion calls for sweeping reforms to accreditation and higher-education governance, arguing current processes waste time and fail to guarantee student outcomes. The author—speaking from experience on regional accrediting bodies—advocates for shorter, outcome-driven reviews focused on student success, financial responsibility and academic freedom, coupled with a broader national conversation about consolidating underperforming institutions. While the piece is prescriptive, it underscores real concerns among presidents and trustees about regulatory burden, inconsistent quality standards and the need for clearer metrics. University leaders and state higher‑ed agencies may face pressure to pilot alternative oversight models and to publicly defend institutional outcomes.