ACCREDITATION SURVIVAL TIPS byRev.Betty Whitted Holley, Ph.D. Payne Theological Seminary successfully went through its reaffirmation
accreditation process, conducted by a visiting team from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), September 29-October 2, 2025. The Board of Commissioners met in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February 2-3, 2026, and included on its agenda Payne Theological Seminary’s comprehensive visit and the resulting report by the evaluation committee. After reviewing the information in light of the pertinent Commission Standards and Policies and Procedures, the Board voted to reaffirm Payne’s accreditation for a period of ten (10) years, until 31 March 2036. As Interim President of Payne Theological Seminary, I had the opportunity to prepare faculty, staff, and board of trustees for this visit. Payne had three major distinctive strengths that were affirmed by the visiting team to include: a) The commitment as the oldest African American freestanding seminary to prepare ministry leaders for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and beyond, in the African American tradition of liberation, reconciliation, social justice, and the dignity of all humankind. b) A campus community of culture and care (Ubuntu)-students, alums, staff, faculty, administration, and board-jointly committed to holistic competence in fulfilling the seminary’s mission. c) An enthusiasm for learning that moves from the classroom into the contextual realities of learners.
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