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Southwest Baptist University was approved for continued accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, the University’s regional accrediting body, March 21.
“Continued accreditation is affirmation of our University’s commitment to providing a high-quality education and overall college experience for our students,” said SBU President Dr. C. Pat Taylor. “Our peer evaluators were impressed with our academic programs and our commitment to excellence. They especially noted the strong community support, for which we are very thankful. Our local community plays a vital role in helping to fulfill our mission of preparing students to be servant leaders in a global society.”
The reaccreditation process includes a self study of continuous improvement and development of an assurance argument based on five criteria that are reviewed by a peer review team that visited the Bolivar campus, as well as SBU campuses in Springfield, Mountain View and Salem, in November.
In order to achieve accreditation, an institution must meet strict guidelines and be committed to continuous improvement. This gives assurance that the institution offers quality academic programs. Accreditation also is a federal requirement for the University to administer federal financial aid.
“This is excellent news,” said Dr. Allison Langford, interim provost. “In addition to receiving continued accreditation, we received many accolades for our University’s accomplishments, along with some insightful suggestions on how to continue our success.”
Langford and Dr. Bob McGlasson, Vice President of Operations for the Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences of SBU and Associate Provost, were co-chairs of the reaccreditation committee that included representation from throughout the University.
SBU has been accredited by HLC since 1957.
