wfn.org | College Fighting for Accreditation

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (251
notes).

Note 251 by UMNS on July 31, 1997 at 16:19 Eastern (2637 characters).

Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of
the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New
York, and Washington.

CONTACT: Linda Green                              439(10-71B){251}
         Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470             July 31, 1997

Sue Bennett College trustees fight
to save school's accreditation

                 by United Methodist News Service

     The board of trustees of financially troubled Sue Bennett
College, established a $2 million campaign July 29 to help the
institution maintain its accreditation in the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools.
     The association on June 25, recommended that the institution
be removed from its list of approved members, citing ongoing
financial and administrative problems.
     Since then, the president resigned, an interim president was
named, the school entered an appeal process and the trustees, 
established a "Save The College Fund."
     The Rev. Jackson Brewer of Villa Hills, Ky., board chairman,
said during a recent meeting, the trustees "unanimously affirmed
commitment to the future of the college as a fully accredited
institution of higher education." 
     They are seeking additional sources of income to ensure the
college's financial stability and to undergird its short- and
long-term financial needs. 
     The campaign was "kickstarted" July 29 when board member Dale
Eads made a $25,000 contribution challenging others to do the
same.
     In a second effort to remain accredited, trustees are
requesting $500,000 in financial support or permission to use
school property as collateral for future financing from the United
Methodist Board of Global Ministries and its Women's Division. 
     The school is a project of the mission agency. The land and
buildings are owned by the Women's Division, which allows the
school to use the property at no cost. 
     If the board cannot give financial support, the trustees will
attempt to purchase the property.
     Obtaining legal counsel to alleviate tax problems is the
third step in the effort. The college has a tax debt and, through
counsel, is trying to work out acceptable payment arrangements
with the Internal Revenue Service.
     In spite of facing loss of accreditation and financial
health, the fourth initiative calls for the trustees to establish
a search committee for a permanent president. They also affirmed
the interim presidency of James Cheek. 
     Registration for the 1997-98 academic year will be Aug. 18-19
with classes to begin Aug. 20.
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