7 day forecast
Mountain State University to try to stay in business
Share with others:
Mountain State University, which has a satellite program on the campus of Community College of Beaver County, today announced it will fight efforts to revoke its accreditation.
The Higher Learning Commission recently said it planned to withdraw accrditation from Mountain State, which is based in Beckley, W.Va., on Aug. 27 unless an appeal is filed. In that case, its accreditation would remain in effect until the appeal is resolved.
At its satellite campus in Beaver County, Mountain State offers bachelor's and master's programs in leadership. This past school year, 117 students were enrolled. Mountain State has about 6,200 students nationwide.
In a news release, Jerry Ice, chair of the Mountain State board of trustees, said, "The board is committed to continue to do what is in the best interests of the students, faculty and staff of Mountain State University and the community it has served since 1933. It is the board's intention to promptly appeal the decision in accordance with the procedures available to the university, and to forcefully pursue our appeal. We are also weighing all options to preserve and protect MSU."
In the news release, Interim President Richard E. Sours said, "We do not believe the action was warranted, particularly in the context of the far-reaching and comprehensive changes that have taken place at Mountain State University over the past 12 months."
The accrediting body said Mountain State failed to adequately address findings noted about a year ago.
The accrediting body contended that the university "lacks administrative structures that promote effective leadership"; has not planned realistically to address challenges; lacks "adequate human and financial resources to fulfill its mission"; and lacks "sufficient oversight of, and resources to support, its teaching and learning process."
The accrediting body's report can be found at http://www.ncahlc.org/Information-for-the-Public/public-disclosure-notices.html
First Published July 10, 2012 5:33 pm
