Central Methodist University’s accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission, has continued the institution’s accreditation for another 10 years – the maximum for any college or university.
Central President Roger Drake announced the good news last week in an email to faculty and staff, saying “Our team did a great job of gathering and presenting the evidence necessary to demonstrate that we are serving our mission well.”
Drake said Central hosted a group from the HLC for an on-site visit in Fayette in mid-April. The group evaluated how well CMU articulates its mission and serves the common good, whether the institution is committed to integrity in all areas of its operation, whether its program offerings are current and appropriately differentiated, whether CMU demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its programs, and whether the institution’s strategic planning and budget allocations are integrated to advance CMU’s mission.
While many colleges require special monitoring reports or follow-up visits based on their Higher Learning Commission visit, none were needed in CMU’s case.
Neither Drake nor CMU Provost Rita Gulstad, both of whom have served on various accrediting organization evaluation teams and compliance committees over the years, have ever participated on an evaluation team where all criteria were met and no follow-up or monitoring reports were needed.
“We’re so proud of our entire campus and our leadership group who not only welcomed the HLC visiting team to campus, but answered every single question in a thorough and professional manner,” said Gulstad, who with a broad group of community leaders has been preparing for this evaluation for years.
Central’s next accreditation visit will occur in 2027-2028.
