Grambling State University has accreditation restored

Jet, Jan 5, 2004

Grambling State University's accreditation was recently fully restored, causing the historically Black school to return to its prominent status.

"We can now say that Grambling State University is a member in good standing with no conditions," said David A. Carter, an executive with the accrediting agency.

Accreditation is a review process of universities and schools that ensure academic quality meets the commission's standards and qualifies a school for federal funds.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools had placed the north Louisiana university on probation in 2001, after financial records from the school dating back to 1997 were found to be inadequate.

However, an October audit by Louisiana's legislative auditor showed improvement and association officials who recently visited Grambling said in a report released in November that the school achieved a "remarkable transformation" in financial management. The accrediting agency had to either fully restore or revoke the century-old institution's accreditation.

Revocation could have been a disaster for Grambling. Students at an unaccredited university cannot qualify for federal financial aid, and about 90 percent of Grambling's students receive such aid. Also, graduate schools or professional boards often do not recognize students' degrees from an unaccredited school.

Acting Grambling president Neari Warner shared the good news via video with students on campus. "This has been a long road, but I honestly believe that Grambling is emerging a stronger, more vital university as a result," Warner said.