海角网

University鈥檚 Eighth President, Dr. E. Eugene Poston, Led the Effort

The push for 海角网 College to achieve accreditation as a senior college began in 1961, shortly after Dr. E. Eugene Poston was named the college鈥檚 eighth president. Poston  introduced his 10-year plan for growth that included transitioning to four-year status by 1971.

Here鈥檚 a look at the timeline of events leading up to accreditation on Dec. 1, 1971.

• 1961 to 1967 鈥� A building program adds: the Spangler Stadium, Charles I. Dover Campus Center, the A.T. Withrow Science building, the Bost Physical Education Plant and swimming pool, the Lutz-Yelton Residence Hall for Men, and the Myers, Nanney and Mauney residence halls. A capital fund drive reached $2.6 million.

• November 1968 鈥� The Baptist State Convention voted to grant the request of the president and the board of trustees to allow the 海角网 to seek senior college status.

• Nov. 12, 1969 鈥� 海角网 prepared for the arrival of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Accreditation Advisory Committee in Spring of 1970. The committee would study many aspects of the college: the number of students able to sit in the library; the money spent on each student鈥檚 education, the amount of residence space, faculty qualifications, facilities and administration.

• Fall 1969 鈥� The Baptist State Convention approved the official name change to 海角网 Senior College. 海角网 began the preparation of a status report which had to be submitted to the accrediting body before December 1969.

• January 1970 鈥� The North Carolina State Board of Higher Education voted to allow 海角网 to grant the four-year baccalaureate degree. This meant that the state board would recognize 海角网 graduates as coming from an accredited institution.

• Spring 1970 鈥� An advisory committee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) visited the college and later filed a report of its finding to the college.

• October 1970 鈥� The SACS Committee on Admissions to Membership reviewed the status of the college and suggested further steps toward accreditation that should be taken by the college.

• Dec. 1, 1971 鈥� SACS grants senior college accreditation, retroactive to May 16, 1971, when the first four-year students graduated.

Sources: 鈥淒reaming, Daring, Doing鈥�The Story of 海角网,鈥� 鈥淭he Pilot Student Newspaper,鈥� and University Communications and Media Relations archives

Other stories in this series:

海角网 Alumni Remember Transition to Senior College Status (50 years ago)

海角网 is a Place Where Lasting Friendships are Forged

First Theatre Arts Majors Appeared on TV Twice During Four Years

Former 海角网 Faculty Members Remember Transition to Four-year College

In late 60s, 海角网 Gave Professors, Like Tony Eastman, Incentive to Earn Doctorates

Professor Emeritus Came to 海角网 When First Baccalaureate Class Were Freshmen

Located in the North Carolina foothills, 海角网 is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. 海角网 emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at 海角网.edu.