Freed-Hardeman University accreditation affirmed for next 10 years

The Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) announced the reaffirmation of Freed-Hardeman University’s accreditation for the next 10 years at its annual meeting on December 7.
FHU began the three-year reaffirmation process in May 2018 with a campus-wide self-study. The SACSCOC On-Site Reaffirmation Committee conducted a virtual campus visit March 8-11, 2021. Members of FHU’s student body, faculty and staff met with the committee regarding the 77 standards outlined in the organization’s Principles of Accreditation. All institutions accredited by SACSCOC must undergo a rigorous, comprehensive review every 10 years.
These standards include all aspects of the university, including its mission, governance, administration and organization, faculty, institutional planning and effectiveness, student achievement, educational programs and policies, library resources, academic and student support services, and financial and physical resources.
“I am thankful to Dr. Margaret Payne, chair, and A.B. White, assistant chair, for their strong leadership as well as Dr. Justin Rogers and Dr. Matt Vega for their work on the team. This reaffirmation involves every aspect of the university, so my genuine gratitude is expressed to the campus community. It is a long, difficult job,” FHU President David R. Shannon said. “Since we are an academic institution so much of the weight and responsibility of reaffirmation falls upon our provost and vice president of academics, Dr. C.J. Vires. His impeccable leadership throughout the past 10 years as well as during this process of reaffirmation leaves all of us who are a part of the Freed-Hardeman family owing him deep gratitude. Most of all, I am grateful to our ever-faithful God who continues to bless our efforts. May all the glory be His!”
In addition to reaffirming FHU’s accreditation, SACSCOC also approved the university’s Quality Enhancement Project, known as Passage. The career exploration program for first-year students helps them to answer three questions: What can I do? How do I grow? and Where can I go?
SACSCOC accredited Freed-Hardeman as a junior college in 1956 when it offered only associate degrees. Accreditation to award baccalaureate degrees came in 1976. FHU obtained accreditation to offer master’s degrees in 1990 and doctoral degrees in 2013.
Freed-Hardeman University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of FHU may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on the SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).