B-State Emerges from Critical Higher Learning Commission Report

Bluefield, WV – Bluefield State University officials received confirmation that corrective steps they have taken, address the concerns from a critical report last year from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The confirmation came in a formal notification of action taken by the HLC Board of Trustees, and grants BSU Continued Accreditation with a follow-up Focus Visit to measure progress.

HLC is a regional accrediting body of degree-granting higher education institutions in an 18-state region. Its mission is to ensure the education and effectiveness of its member institutions.

University officials attended a meeting with HLC officials earlier this year in Chicago, to lay out steps taken to correct the concerns stemming from the findings of a report by a review team that visited the campus this past September.

Interim President Darrin Martin said the positive outcome from the HLC is a result of teamwork among the university faculty, students, staff, and board of governors.  “This could not have been accomplished without the dedication and commitment of the board, the leadership team, and faculty leaders, who came together to address the concerns, put policies in place, and ensure all stakeholders had a voice in university governance,” Martin added.

Charlie Cole, Chairman of BSU’s Board of Governors, said the university took immediate steps to address the concerns.  “Everybody from the board of governors to faculty to staff and administration are all extremely passionate about Bluefield State and committed to creating a collaborative culture.” According to the HLC findings, the university is “actively rebuilding structures and policies to ensure faculty and staff participation in policy development and decision-making.”

Among the steps taken, the university has reestablished the Faculty Assembly and University Council.  This governance structure will ensure faculty and staff engagement in academic activities, policy development, and decision-making.  

Darrel Malamisura is a Professor of Economics and Business Law at BSU and the new Faculty President was a member of the team assembled to address the report and implement the solutions. Malamisura believes the spirit of collaboration demonstrated in response to the HLC report is paramount to the success of BSU, saying, “It was important that faculty be involved in addressing these issues as well as having a voice in the future of Bluefield State.”

The HLC continued the accreditation of BSU and requires the university to host a Focused Visit by next April to review its progress. In an email to the university community, Martin said he, “recognize(s) that further improvements are essential, not just because the HLC is observing, but because it is necessary for Bluefield State University to thrive.”