SBU garners 10-year accreditation
Earned from North Central Association
BOLIVAR – During his annual State of the University address to faculty and staff today, Southwest Baptist University (SBU) President C. Pat Taylor announced the following news to the university family:
“The most significant accomplishment for the University during 2005-2006 was the completion of our self-study and the successful visit of representatives from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). I am very pleased to announce today that we have received the final letter from the North Central Association indicating that SBU has been approved for 10 years accreditation and our next comprehensive visit is scheduled for 2016.”
Along with re-accreditation, SBU received approval for the post-professional doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. In addition, restrictions have been lifted on SBU’s ability to offer any major on the Bolivar campus at Mountain View or Salem. SBU President C. Pat Taylor said that the university also received three commendations from the visiting committee:
“The visiting committee was impressed that SBU students, faculty and administrators live out the SBU mission statement in their daily lives and activities. They further said and I quote, ‘SBU is truly a Christian institution.’ What a compliment! I am very proud of and pleased with this commendation.” The mission statement states: “Southwest Baptist University is a Christ-centered, caring academic community preparing students to be servant leaders in a global society.”
Taylor said, “The second commendation pointed out that we have an outstanding interactive television program, which connects the main campus in Bolivar with our satellite campuses in Mountain View and Salem. This is a great compliment to Bob McGlasson and his staff.
“The third commendation noted SBU’s significant improvement in facilities, especially the Jane and Ken Meyer Wellness and Sports Center. They commended us for having excellent facilities for our students and faculty.”
Taylor also acknowledged the faculty and staff who played a part in compiling the self-study used by the HLC in their evaluation process.
“The University owes Rosalyn Snellen a great debt of gratitude as well as all of the steering committee members, faculty and staff who were involved in the self-study and subsequent HLC visit.”
Other members of the steering committee were acknowledged by Taylor for their effort in the re-accreditation process: Sandra Brown, Allison Blamey, Barry Ellis, Mark Grabowski, Dwight Haun, Janet Juhlin, Ann Kitchin, Bob Kitchin, Paula Livingston, Bob McGlasson, Sarah Nichols, J.C. Walker, and Renee Waters.
“Any successful accreditation visit requires a team effort and this truly was a team effort for our University,” Taylor said.