In a significant announcement for the historic institution, Wilberforce University has received formal notification from the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees confirming its compliance with accreditation criteria. This pivotal achievement marks a renewed commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity at one of the nation’s oldest historically Black universities.
Effective Oct. 31, 2024, The HLC has officially removed the university from its watch list. Wilberforce’s accreditation status has been upgraded from “Accredited – On Notice” to simply “Accredited.” This decision comes after a thorough review process that included a notice visit, comprehensive reports, and institutional responses, highlighting the university’s dedication to meeting and exceeding HLC’s rigorous standards.
According to President Vann R. Newkirk, the HLC’s acknowledgment of Wilberforce’s progress is a testament to the diligent efforts of the faculty, staff, and administration. “We are immensely proud of this achievement,” said President Newkirk.”This milestone reflects our collective efforts to provide high-quality education and support to our students. We remain committed to continuous improvement and look forward to building on this success.”
Wilberforce’s Dedicated Comeback
Underlining its commitment to academic enhancement, Wilberforce University has successfully strengthened its academic programs by hiring new faculty, ensuring that each program has at least one terminally credentialed instructor. Collaborating with other Ohio colleges and universities has further enriched research opportunities and educational offerings.
In addition to academic improvements, the university has made strides in enhancing student services. A system is now in place to monitor and improve student interactions with support staff, ensuring timely and effective assistance. Furthermore, the upgraded student information system, alongside a dedicated Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Assessment, and Research, has allowed for better data collection and analysis, leading to improved student retention and completion rates.
Financially, Wilberforce has established a sustainable model that includes generating new revenue streams and refining financial systems. Recent refinancing of existing debt has also led to a more solid financial foundation, ensuring the institution’s long-term viability.
President Newkirk noted the significance of this accreditation update, particularly as it positions Wilberforce University for future growth. “Wilberforce is the fastest growing university in Ohio with a 43% enrollment increase in the past two years,” he stated. “We have increased our enrollment without increasing the scholarship budget or the institutional discount rate which stands at 17%. Having the sanction removed means improved opportunities for funding and continued enrollment growth. This is a big milestone for Wilberforce.”