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from the
president
Dear Alumni and Friends:
I have excellent news to share with you! We have heard
from our accreditor (SACSCOC) that the College has been
removed from probation. As I shared with you around
this time last year, we had been sanctioned as a result of
non-compliance in two standards related to institutional
effectiveness. The two areas of concern related to how
we assessed our (1) educational programs and student
outcomes and (2) academic and student support services.
The chairperson leading the Special Committee that visited
campus in April commended us on providing demonstrable
evidence of a “robust process” for ongoing assessments
and improvements.
I never doubted we could demonstrate our compliance. We
simply needed more time to collect additional data, assess
it, and modify programs as needed to guide us in achieving
our desired outcomes. Our faculty and staff worked
diligently over the past year to ensure demonstration of our
compliance with the two standards in question, and I am
grateful for their tireless commitment to our students and
the College’s mission of developing transformational servant
leaders.
Bluefield College continues to make great strides in
academic program quality and development, as well. We
are in the final stages of approval from SACSCOC to launch
a new master’s program in nursing. The MSN will be offered
with two concentrations: (1) family nurse practitioner and
(2) administration/education. The program will be offered
online with several intensive clinical weekends at Via College
of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg.
One of the significant projects completed this past year
was the renovation of Harman Chapel. In preparation of the
chapel’s 50th anniversary, the much-needed quarter million
dollar restoration included new flooring and seating, a fresh
coat of paint, high definition video, LED lighting and staging
software, and concert level audio. It is quite spectacular, and
if you haven’t already done so, I hope you will make plans to
visit campus and see the chapel upgrades firsthand.
In addition, we are in the final stages of securing resources
to construct the Wellness Center that will sit adjacent to the
Dome Gymnasium. If you haven’t made a gift or pledge yet,
you can be the one to help tip this important project from
concept to reality. Our students need it, and the College can
enhance its ability in offering a quality, comprehensive living
and learning experience to our students.
Remember, Homecoming is October 21-23. Mark your
calendar and make plans to see your college up close and
enjoy visiting with classmates and former faculty as you
cheer on the Rams to victory!
Most importantly, thank you for your continued prayers and
advocacy for Bluefield College!
Partnering with you in faithful service,
1
David W. Olive
President