SACSCOC Board Reaffirms Jax State's Accreditation for 10 Years

by Josh Underwood

Jacksonville, AL (12/11/2024) — At its meeting on December 10, 2024, the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed Jacksonville State University's (Jax State) accreditation for a full 10 years with no additional reports required. This decision is the highest endorsement of the university's compliance with rigorous standards of academic quality, institutional integrity, and student success.

The reaffirmation ensures Jax State's continued accredited status through 2034 and highlights the university's excellence in governance, academic offerings, faculty credentials, student services, and financial stability.

"This reaffirmation by SACSCOC is a testament to the tireless dedication of our faculty, staff, and leadership team to uphold the highest academic and operational excellence standards," Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. said. "At Jax State, we prioritize student success and institutional integrity. This milestone reflects the hard work of our entire university community."

Accreditation by SACSCOC is critical for institutions of higher learning. It affirms educational quality and allows students access to federal financial aid. The reaffirmation process occurs every decade and evaluates compliance with stringent standards across all facets of institutional operations.

"Accreditation is a vital benchmark for any institution of higher education, and this 10-year reaffirmation demonstrates our commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and providing transformative opportunities for our students," said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Christie Shelton. "This achievement is a result of the collective efforts of our entire Jax State community to ensure that we exceed the standards required to deliver a world-class education to our students."

This reaffirmation caps a remarkable year for Jax State that has seen many milestones, including breaking its enrollment record for the fourth consecutive year and being recognized among the Top 25 Public Schools in the South by U.S. News & World Report. These achievements reflect the university's dedication to excellence and its steadfast commitment to student success, institutional growth, and community impact.