Morris Brown to Begin Process of Re-Accreditation

ATLANTA

Morris Brown College will begin the process of re-accreditation following the ruling of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) which denied its appeal for membership.

"We are clearly disappointed by the ruling," said Sixth District African Methodist Episcopal Bishop Frank C. Cummings, chairman of the Morris Brown College Board of Trustees in a statement. "But Morris Brown will survive." Cummings said the board will meet soon, and that the college has begun the process of communicating the SACS decision to stakeholders and supporters.

The closed-door appeal hearing before a panel of 9 college presidents was held earlier this month at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Atlanta. Former U.N. Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young made an impassioned appeal to the Review Committee on behalf of the college.

"Morris Brown offers a strong academic program, a holistic experience and opportunities for many students who are underserved by other institutions," said Young. "Morris Brown's admission policy considers test scores, character and individual potential. We all need Morris Brown College."

In December 2002, SACS voted to rescind Morris Brown's association membership, effectively ending accreditation — contingent upon the appeal — because of financial problems, its lack of compliance with federal regulations for student financial aid and a failure to maintain audits and other documents (see Black Issues, Feb. 13).

In response, Morris Brown has raised more than half of the $10 million short-term debt that it owes, has maintained current notes on the long-term debt, and has restructured the board to recruit business and corporate leaders including two bank presidents. Many internal protocols have been improved and systems of accountability are being reviewed and strengthened.

When the appeals committee met, the only issue before the board members was whether SACS officials acted unfairly or in a capricious manner in making its initial decision. New information, such as fund-raising updates and college progress reports could not be taken into consideration.