It has been an eventful year for Harris-Stowe State University.
Harris-Stowe State University has recently celebrated the opening of its Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE).
It received a historic $1 million posthumous endowment from alum Anne E. Price, a former assistant superintendent for elementary schools and Banneker Elementary School principal in the St. Louis Public Schools district.
In August, the school’s renovated AT&T Library and Technology Resource Center reopened as a “modern hub for academic and professional growth, providing state-of-the-art resources for students, faculty, and staff.”
In March, HSSU secured accreditation by the Missouri State Board of Education, based on a recommendation of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The accreditation authorized the College of Education to continue recommending candidates for educator certification, and the schools graduation rate and overall student GPA’s are rising.
This week, the school announced the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) removed the Sanction of Notice and notified HSSU of its “Accredited” status.
This decision follows HSSU’s “successful efforts to meet and exceed the standards required by the HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation, confirming the University is no longer at risk of being out of compliance.”
Following the Sanction of Notice, HSSU President Latonia Collins Smith said the university already had mechanisms in place to assure accreditation would not be lost.
“A series of strategic measures have been implemented since the last evaluation,” Collins Smith said.
“These encompass the establishment of robust policies and procedures, timely audit submissions, mandatory training and professional development, key administrative appointments, infrastructure enhancements, comprehensive program reviews, and dedicated resource allocation in alignment with the overarching strategic plan.”
She said this week the HBCU “has worked diligently to implement measures ensuring its continued commitment to academic excellence, transparency, and institutional integrity. HLC’s recent decision reflects the University’s progress and adherence to accreditation standards.
Notable Highlights: Culture of Student Achievement: HSSU has established specific, measurable goals to measure student success and has demonstrated ongoing review of the goals.
Culture of Academic Accomplishment: The University has demonstrated efforts to improve assessment of student learning with improved systematic data collection and analysis.
Culture of Service Excellence: Harris-Stowe’s resource base has been strengthened such that it supports the Institution’s education program and student needs.
Fiscal Responsibility: The institution filled several staff vacancies and has demonstrated the ability to develop a functioning, resourced budget and finance team.
“The Higher Learning Commission decision underscores the dedication and hard work of everyone at Harris-Stowe to build a culture of success by manifesting an environment of continuous improvement. To ensure our scholars receive the highest quality education,” said Smith
This milestone reflects our commitment to a culture of service excellence especially for the scholars whose lives are touched every day by this dynamic institution.
“This decision “A series of strategic measures have been implemented since the last evaluation,” Collins Smith said.
“These encompass the establishment of robust policies and procedures, timely audit submissions, mandatory training and professional development, key administrative appointments, infrastructure enhancements, comprehensive program reviews, and dedicated resource allocation in alignment with the overarching strategic plan.”
Dr. Dimetri Horner, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said the decision “reaffirms Harris-Stowe’s outstanding work,”
“Our campus community is working tirelessly to build robust structures that not only meet accreditation standards, but also advances our mission of supporting student success.”
Dr. Stacy Gee Hollins, HLC accreditation liaison, academic affairs interim associate provost and A-B School of Business dean, said HSSU “is proud to have met the standards of our accrediting body, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence and student success.”
“This achievement is an impactful step forward for HSSU, signaling a renewed chapter of growth, trust, and accountability in service to its students and the St. Louis community.”