Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU) announced today that it continues to be fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) after a review of financial matters. HLGU’s status has changed from financially distressed to Accredited (Probation) for a period of not more than two years. During this season, HLC will review how the school and its Board of Trustees have addressed three financial issues out of forty-seven Core Components and Assumed Practices used to accredit universities. This affords HLGU a reasonable period to demonstrate sustained fiscal and enrollment health.
HLGU has been accredited by the HLC since 1958, with accreditation reaffirmed as recently as March of 2019. We are grateful for the HLC’s partnership with HLGU and their commitment to coming alongside us to ensure that these financial challenges do not occur again.
HLC has noted in their report the progress HLGU has made, and that HLGU’s Board of Trustees has a plan to provide closer oversight of its financial situations.
“We are working closely with the HLC,” Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Mark Anderson said. “We have already taken substantive steps to address the matters identified by HLC.”
“Great days are ahead for HLGU. Faculty, staff, students and their families, alumni, donors, and friends can be confident in the quality of an HLGU education,” says HLGU President Dr. Robert Matz.
In order to create long term financial sustainability, HLGU is presently engaged in a strategic planning process. As a part of this process, community members and churches have partnered with the HLGU team to identify key strategic initiatives. Early results of these plans include HLGU’s full tuition partnership with Hannibal Regional Healthcare System (https://www.hlg.edu/academics/academic-departments/nursing/free-nursing/) and Pathways to Proficiency program (https://www.hlg.edu/academics/online/education-online/), allowing those working in the school systems to become licensed teachers without leaving their current classrooms.
Matz summarizes, “The Lord is doing a new work on our campus as we renew our commitment to transforming lives and communities through relevant education anchored in a Biblical worldview.”