Augusta, GA - The Paine College Board of Trustees and Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, President, are pleased to announce that the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) has advanced Paine from Candidate Status to Accreditation Status. The TRACS Commission took action to affirm Paine College's accreditation at its October 27, 2020 meeting after careful review and consideration of evidence presented, including Institutional Effectiveness, academic programs, student services, faculty credentials, and finances.

TRACS 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 (INQAAHE). As a member of TRACS, Paine College is authorized to award Baccalaureate Degrees.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education announced that there would no longer be a distinction between "regional" and "national" accrediting agencies. All accrediting agencies will be viewed as institutional accrediting agencies. The U.S. Department of Education holds all accrediting agencies to the same standards.

President Jones commended the dedication of the Paine College TRACS team, faculty and staff who worked faithfully to advance the College through the process. "We have a dedicated and dynamic team who met and exceeded TRACS' accreditation standards".

President Jones further commented, "TRACS' decision to grant accreditation to Paine College is a testament to what we know to be true: Paine College is an extraordinary and exceptional institution doing extraordinary and exceptional work, changing lives for students, preparing them for service and leadership".

"This is a great day for the Paine College Family, and this is a significant and historic accomplishment for the Institution," said Attorney Michael L. Thurmond, Chair of the Paine College Board of Trustees. TRACS' decision to affirm the College's accreditation speaks volumes. We are grateful to all of our friends and supporters who stood with Paine College on this journey to accreditation. Certainly, the love and devotion for this great institution is evident."

For more information, contact the Office of Communications and Marketing, at 706.821.8323, or via email: Hcarter@paine.edu.

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