University of Montevallo officials were notified this week that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges reaffirmed the accreditation of the institution with zero recommendations and no sanctions of any kind. This announcement is the culmination of a process of self-examination and peer review designed to ensure that institutions meet standards established by the higher-education community to address the needs of students and society, at large.

Dr. John W. Stewart III, president of the University of Montevallo, praised the hard work of the campus leadership teams involved in the reaffirmation process. Stewart noted that “the public is very aware of the incredible importance of accreditation as a mark of excellence and accountability. Our accreditation news is what every great college and university desires and works toward. I am extremely proud that our commitment to quality and service to students was recognized and lauded through this process.”

The SACS Commission on Colleges is the regional accrediting body for degree-granting higher-education institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Latin America, and other international sites approved to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

In addition to institutional accreditation by SACS, 29 Montevallo programs are recognized by 11 specialized accrediting agencies at the state and national levels. “We take accreditation and external reviews very seriously, and we believe that the process makes us stronger,” Stewart said. “Our trajectory as a national model for educational quality and value is drawing attention far and wide. We continue to ascend the U.S. News & World Report rankings.” Montevallo has been recognized as the No. 1 public, master’s-level institution in Alabama for 2012 based on academic reputation, retention and graduation rates and small class sizes. 

Posted: Dec. 8, 2011