Bennett College has advanced to accreditation candidacy status with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)

Greensboro, N.C. — Bennett College has advanced to accreditation candidacy status with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). TRACS candidacy status grants Bennett accreditation privileges—including access to federal funding—as the college proceeds through the accreditation process’s final stages.

Bennett’s President Suzanne Walsh and the Board of Trustees were informed of the TRACS decision on October 26. TRACS publicly announced new candidates some weeks later.

“This is a momentous day for the entire Bennett family and a major accomplishment for our institution,” said President Walsh.

After completing the rigorous application stage that included intensive self-study documentation, financial audits, and site evaluations this summer, the college was commended by TRACS’ evaluation team for “the institution’s strong leadership team” and for “offering programs and activities to students that have created a dynamic ‘Belle Community.’”

“It is significant to note that an accreditation body commended us in two distinct areas, and it affirms that we are on a clear, secure path forward as our students, staff, faculty, alumnae and supporters all work together to reimagine Bennett College,” commented Walsh. The completion of the TRACS accreditation process must take place within the next five years.

“TRACS accreditation ensures Bennett continues to be eligible for Title III and Title IV funding, and our students continue to be eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and federal work-study programs,” said Gladys Robinson, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Bennett College. “We are also pleased that our TRACS accreditation ensures the college credits our students earn will remain recognized by other institutions and graduate programs.”

With this announcement, Bennett is set to become one of several HBCUs to join TRACS.

“As the first Historically Black College and University member of TRACS, Paul Quinn College is thrilled to welcome Bennett College to the TRACS family,” said Paul Quinn president,

Michael Sorrell. “We have steadfastly maintained for the last decade that TRACS represented a unique opportunity for smaller, faith-based colleges and universities, especially those with the historical missions of HBCUs. We trust that Bennett will discover what we have: that TRACS is a wonderful place, filled with supportive colleagues who will push your school to become the very best version of itself.”

Other historically Black colleges that are also affiliated with TRACS include Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, which was granted full accreditation in October, and Atlanta’s Morris Brown College, which earned approval on its TRACS accreditation application.

The U. S. Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) recognizes TRACS as an accrediting body. The college also remains accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Bennett has continued to offer baccalaureate degrees, federal financial aid, and scholarships.

For updates on Bennett College’s accreditation status, visit www.bennett.edu/bcau/.

For more information about the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) accrediting commission, visit www.tracs.org.