Following a year of financial challenges, Hannibal-LaGrange University began 2023 with full accreditation after the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reviewed the school’s financial matters late last year.
Meanwhile, the school continues to advance its educational mission — most recently by announcing a new program in its School of Nursing.
At the end of November, HLGU announced that HLC changed the university’s status from financially distressed to accredited, with a period of probation lasting no more than two years.
During the probation period, HLC will review how the school and its board of trustees have addressed three financial issues out of 47 “Core Components and Assumed Practices” used to accredit universities. This will afford HLGU a reasonable time to demonstrate sustained fiscal and enrollment health, school officials said.
Taking needed steps
HLC noted in its report that HLGU has made progress and that HLGU trustees have a plan to provide closer oversight of its financial situations.
“We are working closely with HLC,” trustee chairman Mark Anderson said. “We have already taken substantive steps to address the matters identified by HLC.”
HLGU President Robert Matz noted, “Great days are ahead for HLGU. Faculty, staff, students and their families, alumni, donors and friends can be confident in the quality of a HLGU education.”
In order to create long-term financial sustainability, HLGU is presently engaged in a strategic planning process. As a part of this process, community members and churches have partnered with the HLGU team to identify key strategic initiatives.
Early results of these plans include: HLGU’s full tuition partnership with Hannibal Regional Healthcare System and Pathways to Proficiency program, allowing those working in the school systems to become licensed teachers without leaving their current classrooms.
Advancing the school’s mission
In December, HLGU announced the university’s Craigmiles School of Nursing now provides a 1 + 1 program as an option available to HLGU nursing students.
The 1 + 1 program gives nursing students flexibility in their nursing education path at HLGU. Following a student’s first year in the curriculum, they will be qualified to take the Practical Nursing Certification NCLEX exam. A student in HLGU’s 1 + 1 program may choose to take the PN exam or continue in the curriculum one more year to complete an associates of science in nursing degree.
The 1 + 1 program helps to consolidate the resources of the nursing faculty at HLGU to best serve students. The new curriculum offers a streamlined process of progressive tracks, allowing students to obtain a more robust degree from HLGU.
Hannibal-LaGrange University is affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Hannibal-LaGrange University and published by the Pathway.
