Two historically black schools in North Carolina have received different news regarding the future of the institutions.
The accreditation for Charlotte’s Johnson C. Smith University was reaffirmed Tuesday by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The commission put JCSU on probation a year ago over its financial stability. Schools that lose accreditation no longer qualify for federal aid.
In announcing the decision, the school said its endowment has grown to $68 million and that it increased its unrestricted operating assets last year by $2.5 million.
The university also said a recent fundraising campaign raised $160 million.
“Johnson C. Smith University has been a beacon in higher education for 151 years,” said JCSU President Clarence D. Armbrister in a statement Tuesday. “We are gratified the quality of our educational programs, faculty and leadership has again been recognized and that our accreditation has been reaffirmed.”
Armbrister took over leadership of JSCU in January. He replaced Ron Carter, who resigned following the 2016-2017 academic year.
JCSU’s enrollment this year is 1,565 students.
A historically black college in Greensboro is facing the loss of its accreditation, with the same agency that oversees JCSU deciding Tuesday to pull the accreditation for Bennett College.
The private women’s college has been on probation for the past two years amid financial and enrollment struggles. The Greensboro News and Record reports the school has appealed the decision and will make its case to stay accredited during a hearing in February.
The commission Tuesday removed St. Augustine's University in Raleigh from probationary status, which means it will keep its accreditation. The commission put the school on probation the past two years citing financial concerns.
St. Augustine's is also a historically black school.
