EMORY, Va. — Emory & Henry University has released a statement dated last week acknowledging that its probationary accreditation is continuing another year, its third.
It is because of financial issues cited by the association that accredits the private United Methodist Church-affiliated school. The statement is on the accrediting group’s website.
E&H STATEMENTS
“Emory & Henry University acknowledges the decision by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees to continue the institution’s accreditation on Probation for Good Cause,” President Louise Fincher wrote in a statement dated June 20 on the association’s website.
“Although this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are encouraged that SACSCOC has recognized our significant recent progress in addressing our financial position and our potential to remedy the deficiencies within the sanction period,” the letter continued.
“It’s important to keep in mind, with reference to Standard 13.3, the only item of non-compliance cited, that although this follows a comprehensive review and monitoring process, SACSCOC based this decision largely on financial records from 2022-2024.”
ASSOCIATION STATEMENTS
The association on its website explained that Emory & Henry had been monitored for two years, “the maximum consecutive time for a monitoring.” However, “instead of removing the institution’s accreditation, the SACSCOC Board of Trustees can act to extend accreditation for Good Cause if (1) the institution has demonstrated significant recent accomplishments in addressing non-compliance, and (2) the institution has provided evidence which makes it reasonable for the board to assume it will remedy all deficiencies within a 12–month period, and (3) the institution has provided assurance to the board that it is not aware of any other reasons, other than those identified by the board, why the institution cannot be continued for Good Cause.
“Probation for Good Cause is the most serious public sanction imposed by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees short of loss of accreditation.”
The association further indicated that E&H “was continued in accreditation, and placed on Probation for Good Cause, and requested to submit a Third Monitoring Report because the SACSCOC Board of Trustees determined that the institution failed to demonstrate compliance with Standard 13.3 (Financial responsibility) of the Principles of Accreditation.
“This standard expects an institution to manage its financial resources and operate in a fiscally responsible manner. A Special Committee was authorized to visit the institution.”
E&H RESPONSE
However, the letter from the school president pointed out that in the past 18 months, Emory & Henry has “taken steps to address our business model, providing appropriate control and discipline to business practices to ensure that the university operates in a responsible, cost-efficient manner and lives within its resources.
“We believe our next audited financial records will demonstrate we are now on solid ground.”
She also wrote that in fiscal year 2024-25, the school took proactive measures to address an operating financial deficit of $7.5 million “by implementing strategies to optimize revenue and reduce expenses, while also improving efficiency and streamlining operations.
“For FY 2024-2025, Emory & Henry is projected to finish the year with a balanced budget. We are confident in our ability to continue this momentum to secure Emory & Henry University’s financial strength and sustainability,” Finch wrote. “We are committed to working collaboratively with SACSCOC to address their concerns and look forward to submitting our next report in April 2026.”