Bennett College—the small, private historically Black college for women headquartered in Greensboro, N.C.—has been granted candidate status by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and School (TRACS) an organization that accredits higher education institutions.
The achievement, announced by college officials last week, comes two years after Bennett’s accreditation was revoked by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) which noted declining enrollment and financial deficits as primary reasons.
Bennett launched an ambitious fundraising campaign that raised $9.5 million over a two month period, but SACSCOC rejected the school’s appeal. Bennett has since sued the commission and has remained accredited by SACSCOG, but continues to operate on a probationary status.
The new relationship between the college and TRACS is a step aimed at ensuring that the college—founded in 1873—remains accredited despite whatever ultimately happens with the SACSCOG lawsuit.
“This is a momentous day for the entire Bennett family and a major accomplishment for our institution,” said Suzanne Walsh, Bennett’s president, who added that after completing the rigorous application stage that included intensive self-study documentation, financial audits, and site evaluations this summer, the college was commended by TRACS’ evaluation team for “the institution’s strong leadership team” and for “offering programs and activities to students that have created a dynamic ‘Belle Community.’”
“It is significant to note that an accreditation body commended us in two distinct areas, and it affirms that we are on a clear, secure path forward as our students, staff, faculty, alumnae and supporters all work together to reimagine Bennett College,” said Walsh, who noted that the completion of the TRACS accreditation process must now take place within the next five years.
TRACS accreditation would ensure that Bennett continues to be eligible for Title III and Title IV funding, “and our students continue to be eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and federal work-study programs,” said Gladys Robinson, chair of the Board of Trustees of Bennett College. “We are also pleased that our TRACS accreditation ensures the college credits our students earn will remain recognized by other institutions and graduate programs.”
