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By: Stacey Walters | February 6, 2023
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is celebrating formal notification that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the accrediting body for degree-granting institutions of higher education in the southern states, has reaffirmed the university’s accreditation to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees.
All institutions accredited by SACSCOC are required to undergo a review for reaffirmation of accreditation every ten years, which signifies that the institution has a mission appropriate to higher education. Reaffirmation of accreditation is a rigorous, multi-year process involving an internal and external review conducted by administrators from peer institutions. It validates that a UPIKE education meets the quality standards set forth by the commission and is eligible to receive federal and state funding to support student financial aid.
“Reaffirmation of accreditation by SACSCOC is an important affirmation of the great work being accomplished every day by the faculty and staff of the university,” said UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “We are proud of our people and thankful for the opportunity to serve Central Appalachia.”
In addition, the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) has awarded the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) with full accreditation status.
COCA is the accrediting agency for colleges of osteopathic medicine, reporting to the U.S. Department of Education. In 2022, KYCOM underwent a rigorous evaluation to determine its compliance with COCA’s 12 accreditation standards related to KYCOM’s mission, resources, and curriculum. This consisted of a comprehensive written report to COCA, a site visit with a team of five COCA evaluators, and finally, a full review of KYCOM at the COCA board meeting.
“We are honored to receive COCA’s full level of accreditation,” said KYCOM Dean Joe Kingery, D.O., MBA, FACOFP, FAAFP. “KYCOM continues to receive high ranks from the U.S. News and World Report for the most graduates practicing in primary care and in rural areas, a large focus of the school. It is rewarding to know that COCA sees that we are delivering on our promises and meeting their stringent standards. Thanks to the students, faculty, staff and administration who made this possible. We look forward to seeing the positive impact KYCOM will have over the next seven years.”
In addition to the accreditation news from KYCOM and UPIKE, the College of Dental Medicine is in the process of applying for initial accreditation with the specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Commission on Dental Accreditation.