By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-856705.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Another setback for Paul Quinn College in South Dallas. KERA's BJ Austin says the college's "appeal" to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has been rejected.
In June, Paul Quinn got word that its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools was being revoked, and an August appeal has proven unsuccessful. Without accreditation, the small, historically Black college cannot award degrees, transfer credits, or offer federal financial aid. Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell plans to sue the Association in federal court, probably this week, claiming Paul Quinn's progress was not properly noted.
Sorrell: Our 2009 audit, which is just wrapping up, is going to show a half-a-million dollar surplus; in the worst economy since the Great Depression. And to be able to do that, having made the hard decisions that we've made, is very unique.
President Sorrell says the start-date for the new semester has been moved back to October 5th. The college expects to hear from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board about a "certificate of authority" in September - allowing the granting of degrees. And the school has applied to a different accrediting body.
In its original decision, the Association noted gains by Paul Quinn, but not enough during a prescribed two year period to keep accreditation.