West Virginia State University Accreditation Reaffirmed for 10 Years

11/2/2015

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Contact: Kimberly Osborne
(304) 766-3363
kosborne@wvstateu.edu
   
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) has had its accreditation reaffirmed for another 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association. The HLC granted WVSU’s 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation, the maximum length of time granted by the educational accrediting body, with no findings or deficiencies.

WVSU was first accredited in 1927. Of all West Virginia’s higher education institutions, WVSU has the longest record of continuous accreditation.

“In April, West Virginia State University welcomed a visiting team of peer reviewers from the Higher Learning Commission as we were considered for reaffirmation of accreditation – a critical time during the life of every University,” said WVSU President Brian O. Hemphill. “During that time, we shared the amazing spirit and passion of West Virginia State University – a passion we exhibit daily through our commitment to excellence, accountability and student-centeredness. Time and time again, the HLC site reviewers remarked on the astounding hard work, dedication and unified spirit of our students, faculty, staff and community. I am proud the State family demonstrated their strength and heart to the HLC site reviewers, as they do each and every day in the communities in which we live and work.”

The University hosted a visit April 13-15, 2015, from peer reviewers with the HLC who evaluated the school’s ongoing adherence to the HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation, a set of standards that institutions must meet to receive and/or maintain accredited status.

The HLC is a regional accreditation agency that accredits degree granting institutions of higher education that are based in the 19-state North Central region of the United States.

HLC accreditation assures quality by verifying that an institution meets standards and is engaged in continuous improvement. In addition, all institutions are required to complete an annual institutional update, undergo annual monitoring of financial and non-financial indicators, and adhere to HLC policies and practices on institutional change.

For more information, go to www.hlccommission.org.

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West Virginia State University is a public, land grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi-generational institution, located in Institute, W.Va. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service, and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research.