Paine College Remains Accredited -- Statement of Paine College regarding Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling

April 16, 2020 - Earlier today, the Paine College Board of Trustees was informed of the ruling by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in its litigation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).  The Eleventh Circuit's decision affirmed the trial court.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Attorney Barbara E. Bouknight commented, "Paine College Board Members and the Institution's attorneys are reviewing the ruling issued by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and will weigh all the College's appellate options."

President Cheryl Evans Jones, stated, "During this time Paine will continue to be a member of the accrediting commission Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) as a Candidate for accreditation with full rights to federal and financial aid such as Title IV and Title III."  President Jones further commented that under TRACS, Paine College is recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education.

Despite today's ruling, Paine College will remain a member of SACSCOC pursuant to the lower court's injunction while it considers its further appellate rights.

Paine College, voted one of Georgia's top Christian Colleges in 2019, is focused on its future and will exhaust every option to remain in good standing with SACSCOC and with TRACS.

For more information, please contact the Office of Communications and Marketing at (706) 821.8323, Hcarter@paine.edu.