MOTION by Regent Fields:
Move the Board to approve the agenda of the August 8, 2025, regular meeting of the Board of Regents.
Seconded by [voice vote; no objection noted] and passed without dissent.
This agenda item was presented by Dr. Nuria Cuevas, Vice President, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Dr. Cuevas:
Reviewed the history, purpose, and structure of SACSCOC and its role within the federal–state–accreditor “triad” of higher education oversight.
Explained that accreditation is non-governmental, peer-based, and mission-driven, focused on quality, continuous improvement, and integrity.
Summarized board-related accreditation standards, including:
Legal authority and fiduciary responsibility of the Board,
Management and disclosure of conflicts of interest,
Protection from undue external influence,
Clear distinction between the authority of the Board, the President/CEO, the administration, and the faculty,
Regular review of the University's mission,
Selection and periodic evaluation of the President/CEO, and
Ongoing Board self-evaluation of its collective effectiveness.
Dr. Cuevas provided an overview of Kentucky State University's current accreditation status:
Kentucky State University was first accredited in 1939 and has maintained continuous accreditation since.
The most recent comprehensive reaffirmation review occurred in 2019.
In 2023, financial information reported in the public domain led SACSCOC to open an inquiry into possible non-compliance with several financial and governance standards.
Following review, the SACSCOC Board placed Kentucky State University on Warning in December 2023. citing 16 standards. some of which were core requirements.
After significant corrective work by the institution, the December 2024 SACSCOC Board review reduced the number of remaining issues from 16 to five (5) standards, reflecting substantial progress.