Late last year, the Atlantic Union College (AUC) Board of Trustees (BOT) voted to submit an application to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) for the reestablishment of degree-granting authority at Atlantic Union College. This was done after its accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) was discontinued for financial reasons in July 2011.
After meeting with the DHE and a deadline was given to AUC of January 1, 2012, to submit the application, the BOT approved two programs: (1) Theology-to train students in theology and pastoral ministry to serve in local churches throughout the union territory, and (2) Health Science/Biology-because of AUC’s prior outstanding track record in health and biological science programs, including nursing.
Gina Brown, Ph.D., a Maryland educator, was hired as an administrative consultant to spearhead the application process, which was completed well before the January 1 deadline. The application process with the DHE is expected to take several months.
A part of the application process included the completion of the financial audit for the 2010-2011 school year. This too, was completed and submitted prior to the deadline. The external auditor reported an unqualified (the best type) status for the audit.
The continuation of studies for former regular students has been meticulously cared for through teach-out agreements with other Adventists colleges and universities. Nursing students are taught-out through Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, Massachusetts.
AUC’s Adult Degree Program (ADP) students are cared for through Southwestern Adventist University, reports Barbara Fuller, ADP director.
Arrangements have been made through the Atlantic Union Conference Office of Education for teachers in all six conferences of the Atlantic Union to receive their certifications through Andrews University. The arrangement will be assessed after one year. Prior to this arrangement, teachers in the Atlantic Union schools were certified at Atlantic Union College.
For updates on AUC, you may refer to its Web site: www.auc.edu.
Donald G. King, president, Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and chairman of the Atlantic Union College Inc., Board of Trustees.