Henderson State maintains accreditation from HLC

Henderson State University's commitment to academic excellence and student success was reinforced last week when its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) was continued by the organization's Institutional Actions Council.

The approval from HLC serves as the exclamation point on a year-long process to maintain the school's existing accreditation credentials. The preparation included a university-wide commitment to aligning with HLC's accreditation criteria, as well as a comprehensive on-campus evaluation with HLC leadership on March 9-10.

"There has never been a better time to be at Henderson State University, and our continued accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission reinforces what so many of us know to be true: that Henderson is fully equipped and stands ready to help change the lives of the students we serve," Chancellor Dr. Trey Berry said. "I want to give special thanks to Wrenette Tedder and Dr. Kenneth Taylor for their leadership of our campus through the HLC accreditation process. Their diligence, attention to detail, and care for our university and its students were evident throughout. This outcome is a direct result of their hard work and vision."

HLC's evaluation includes four major criteria in its review of campuses: Mission, Integrity and Governance, Teaching and Learning for Student Success, and Sustainability. Henderson State's last reaffirmation of accreditation with HLC came in November 2021. The university has maintained continuous accreditation since January 1, 1934.

Chancellor Berry said that the continued accreditation approval serves as a testament to the dedication of Henderson's faculty and staff.

"Our mission is to open the doors of access and opportunity to college for all students and build pathways to success," Berry said. "This is only possible through the hard work of our dedicated faculty and staff, who give so much of themselves to serve our students. The heart of Henderson has always been the people, and we have incredible, high-character people at HSU."

HLC is an independent, nonprofit institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC accreditation signifies that an institution has demonstrated it meets nationally recognized standards for academic quality, ethical practices, student success, governance, and financial sustainability through a comprehensive peer-review process.