Tag: College Accreditation

Leadership & Policy

New Bennett President Suzanne Walsh Optimistic Amid Crisis

Bennett College, one of only two remaining historically Black colleges for women, has been here before. At the start of a new academic year, it’s a precarious place. For the tuition-driven college, fall enrollment numbers are in flux. And contingency plans are being put in place if a legal battle to stay accredited fails. These are among the challenges confronting the institution — and that now belong to Suzanne Elise Walsh, Bennett’s surprising and unconventional choice for its new president.

August 8, 2019

News Roundup

Dr. Belle Wheelan Reiterates Merits of Accreditation System During Senate Hearing

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) president Dr. Belle S. Wheelan recently testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions about the merits of the age-old regional accreditation system in advocating for institutional quality and improvement. During her testimony, Wheelan detailed the accreditation process and outlined standards […]

April 11, 2019

HBCUs

Fundraise or Die Trying: Bennett, Cheyney and the Future of HBCUs

In 2019, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are learning the hard way that fundraising over $8.2 million dollars in less than 60 days may not be enough to keep hope alive. The $8.2 million dollar figure refers to the amount raised by North Carolina’s Bennett College between December 2018 and February 2019 as a part of the #StandwithBennett campaign that garnered national attention after celebrities publicly endorsed the college’s effort to retain its accreditation. Yet, despite all of Bennett’s efforts, the college’s accreditation was pulled.

April 8, 2019

News Roundup

Southern Vermont College to Shut Down After Spring Semester

As a result of a decline in student enrollment and related budget issues, Southern Vermont College (SVC) officials have announced there is “no way forward” for the college and plans to close its doors at the end of the spring semester. The decision follows one day after a show-cause hearing before the New England Commission […]

March 4, 2019