FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2024
Fairmont, WV – Following the extensive review of a site team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in October 2023, Pierpont Community and Technical College’s accreditation has been reaffirmed and the institution has received the status of ‘Accredited – On Notice.’
The designation of Notice indicates that Pierpont is in compliance with all HLC accreditation standards, and meets Core Components 2.C, 3.C, 4.B, 4.C, 5.A, 5.B, and 5.C with concerns. While on Notice, the institution will be provided no more than two years to remedy the components identified for improvement. A status of ‘Accredited – On Notice’ has no impact on the institution’s ability to confer degrees, as it remains fully accredited.
The inaugural accreditation serves as a significant milestone in Pierpont’s development as West Virginia’s newest stand-alone community and technical college following its separation from Fairmont State University in 2021. In June 2023, Dr. Milan Hayward was appointed as the institution’s fourth permanent president, establishing an era of stability and new strategic direction.
“I am grateful for HLC’s reaffirmation of Pierpont’s accreditation and their endorsement of our progress in transition from an institution with shared resources and processes, to a uniquely valuable community and technical college,” said Hayward. “I have observed our team come together in commitment to the success of the College and in service to our students and region. The reaffirmation of our accreditation without concerns will remain a key focus in our work in the new academic year.”
As Pierpont remains committed to its mission to provide accessible, responsive, and comprehensive education that works, significant strides have been made to address concerns associated with the designation of Notice and proactively enhance the services provided to students across North Central West Virginia and beyond.
Guided by a new strategic alignment plan set to be unveiled during Pierpont’s fall convocation, the institution has already enacted a number of considerable changes to expand and strengthen its admissions, recruiting, and advising teams. That effort includes the appointment of an Interim Associate Vice President of Student Services to lead enrollment, onboarding, and retention strategies. The plan also includes the hiring of a Director of Institutional Effectiveness to lead the collection, interpretation, and use of institutional data for planning, assessment, and decision making.
Plans to expand existing co-curricular learning activities, strengthen assessment, and refine a number of financial processes are among the additional changes set to take place under the guidance of the new strategic alignment plan.
“A focus on students and student success are at the top of our key performance indicators in our strategic plan,” said Hayward. “Together, college stakeholders have developed a plan of action that I am confident will set in motion a bright future for Pierpont, our students, and the communities we serve.”
Pierpont will host community leaders, legislators, and other stakeholders during an upcoming ‘Experience Pierpont’ event on Thursday, September 12. Individuals will engage with immersive activities showcasing the institution’s exceptional career-focused programs, certificates, and skill sets. The event is part of an ongoing series supporting Pierpont’s dedication to reintroducing the college to North Central West Virginia.
To access more information on Pierpont’s accreditation, click here.
About the Higher Learning Commission:
The Higher Learning Commission is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of seven regional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States. HLC is as an institutional accreditor, and can be reached at info@hlcomission.org or (312) 263-0456.
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Media Inquires:
Dr. Michael Waide, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
academicaffairs@pierpont.edu