Bevill State Community College (BSCC) President, Dr. Kim Ennis, received notification from Dr. Michael Hoefer, vice president of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), that the College’s accreditation standards had been reaffirmed for the next 10 years. 

SACSCOC is a regional accrediting body of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. Its mission is to assure the educational quality and improve the effectiveness of its member institutions. 

“This is great news and an outcome for which all colleges strive,” stated Dr. Ennis. “Upholding the standards set forth by SACSCOC and receiving reaffirmation of accreditation for 10 years demonstrates that the Bevill State faculty, staff, and administration are dedicated to providing our students with the highest-quality education possible. Our team, led by Dr. Leslie Hartley and Dr. Russell Howton, did an exceptional job throughout the entire process.” 

A representative from SACSCOC and nine reviewers from peer institutions visited all BSCC locations in October 2019 to meet with faculty, staff, and students and assessed the Institution’s compliance of 67 comprehensive standards, core requirements and federal requirements – along with a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) that addresses a critical area of student learning. During the exit interview, the visiting team expressed their appreciation to BSCC and its dedication to compliance of higher education standards.  

Dr. Leslie Hartley, BSCC Dean of Instruction, stated, “Earning reaffirmation was the result of years of hard work by many people on all of our campuses. It confirms that Bevill State provides a quality education to our students and that the College operates in an ethical and responsible manner. Reaffirmation also signifies that BSCC meets or exceeds national standards which enables us to receive federal funds, including scholarships and grants.” 

The SACSCOC Board of Trustees reviewed the report from the visiting team during their September 2020 meeting and upheld their recommendations. 

Bevill State Community College is a public, two-year, “open door” institution, committed to providing comprehensive education and educational support services for people in West Central Alabama and beyond. Bevill State is a member of the Alabama Community College System. Bevill State’s four main campuses, and one instructional site, offer university parallel and applied technology educational opportunities to over one-quarter million people in a seven-county area. This service area spans over 4,600 square miles, from the Birmingham city limits to the Mississippi state line.