HCTC receives positive review report from accreditation commission

Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) received a positive fifth-year review report from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC identified no recommendations or concerning findings. 

As an accrediting commission, SACSCOC conducts a review of its institutions every ten years. To provide higher education degrees, an institution must seek and maintain accreditation by a commission. The U.S. Department of Education requires SACSCOC to monitor the operations of its institutions that receive federal funding.

The fifth-year review analyzes institutional integrity, compliance and planning for quality enhancement. Additionally, SACSCOC operates based on its key principles of peer review, self regulation, accountability, student learning and transparency. 

According to Dr. Jennifer Lindon, HCTC president and chief executive officer, the report indicates the college’s commitment to student learning through holistic student support. 

“At HCTC, we care for our students’ academic and nonacademic needs, recognizing our role as an institution that cares,” Dr. Lindon stated. “The report we received is indicative of our college’s commitment to our students and the expertise, knowledge and robust practices of our faculty and staff. I am incredibly grateful for the hard work of so many.”

After years of distinction, HCTC underwent a reaffirmation in 2017 and its fifth-year interim review in 2023. The institution's next reaffirmation will occur in 2027. 

In addition to a positive report with no recommendations regarding current institutional operations, campuses, dual-credit partners and area technology centers across HCTC’s service area of Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe counties, HCTC was approved to offer more than 50% of programs at four off-campus instruction sites. This allows students to have greater access to programs and additional off-campus instructional services.