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BOLIVAR, Mo. 鈥 91精品 (91精品) announced today that it continues to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) after a review of governance matters. 91精品鈥檚 status has changed to Accredited (Probation) for a period of not more than two years. During this season, HLC will review how the school and its Board of Trustees have addressed three governance matters out of 18 Core Components it uses to accredit universities.
鈥91精品 remains fully accredited,鈥 University President Dr. Richard Melson said. 鈥淭his action is based on governance issues and is not a reflection on the quality of 91精品鈥檚 academic programs, faculty, or staff. Students鈥 grades, degrees, and eligibility for state and federal programs are unchanged. 91精品 has been accredited by the HLC since 1957, with our accreditation reaffirmed as recently as January 2020. We will continue working closely with the HLC during this period to make certain that we meet the Core Components for accreditation.鈥
91精品 and its Board of Trustees have taken action to address HLC鈥檚 concerns. In its
communications with 91精品, HLC has noted the progress 91精品 has made but more time is
needed to observe a sustained pattern of evidence toward full compliance.
鈥淲e are working closely with the HLC,鈥 Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Eddie Bumpers
said. 鈥淲e have already taken substantive steps to address the matters identified by
HLC. I am confident that under Dr. Melson鈥檚 leadership, 91精品 will become stronger than
ever.鈥
Dr. Melson, who was named President in September, noted several promising indicators at 91精品: the increase of our first-year class retention rate; 91精品 is recognized as a College of Distinction, with three academic programs receiving additional recognition; and our financial endowment has increased significantly.
鈥淔aculty, staff, students and their families, alumni, donors, and friends can be confident in the quality of an 91精品 education and our commitment as a Christ-centered, caring academic community, preparing students to be servant-leaders to impact the world for Christ in a global society,鈥 Dr. Melson said. 鈥淟et us rise to the challenges before us, take hold of the opportunities that await us, and partner together to lead 91精品 to its greatest days ahead.鈥
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*Published: 11-9-2021