The Augusta Chronicle reports on continuing efforts at Paine College to stabilize enrollment and to remain as a federally-recognized accredited institution.
School officials announced plans during a recent convocation to pursue accreditation through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).
The plan closely models an approach taken by Paul Quinn College, which in 2009 had its accreditation revoked by the Southern Association of Colleges Commission on Colleges, but was accepted into TRACS two years later.
From the Chronicle:
“We are optimistic that the recommendation will be that we get candidacy for full accreditation,” (Paine President Jerry) Hardee said. “It went very well.” There were several recommendations but they should be simple to answer and “we feel good about it,” he said.
Paine officials say that they expect total enrollment to approach 500 students this fall.
Wow, there are quite a few HBCUs recording record and/or increased enrollment this Fall. Good news for Paine College and all HBCUs. Definitely a reflection of the consciousness of our youth and opportunities that HBCUs still provides in todays day and times we live in.
Good for Paine College..and a smart move to get another accreditation agency.
SACS is difficult to convince while so quick to shut the doors to your school ( In with the HBCUs,I know the reason for it). When Dr. Stan Pritchett said that he was going to seek SACS to get gain accreditation for Morris Brown College..it was like the ship sank. My hope for the possible reopening just went South.
Though I’m hoping that they will open regardless of who legitimate accrediting agency they go with,SACS is like trying to live on Mars..it could happen but not in the near future.
With SACS reputation of being extreme, I’m not holding my breath on this one.