This week Rockbridge Seminary received word from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) that our accreditation has been renewed for another five years! This wonderful outcome is the result of an extraordinarily thorough and detailed review of Rockbridge to ensure we meet 100% of DEAC standards for higher education. This process that began over a year ago, included a 180-page report to DEAC and a virtual site-visit citing extensive interviews of administration, student body representatives and our Board of Trustees. We are thrilled the Commission’s board voted to renew our accreditation.
The DEAC stated in their letter to Rockbridge,
I am pleased to report that, upon review of the November 2, 2020 Chair’s Report pertaining to the September 24, 2020 visit and the institution’s December 5, 2020 response, the Commission voted to renew RS’s accreditation…. Accreditation by DEAC is a reliable indicator of the value and quality of the distance education that an institution offers. In receiving this renewal of accreditation, Rockbridge Seminary has demonstrated its commitment to educational standards and ethical business practices that assure quality, accountability, and improvement in higher education.
Accreditation validates the standards of academic excellence befitting a higher education institution while ensuring ethical business practices, governance, and accountability. Accreditation raises the value and integrity of a degree by providing academic credibility and ensures the opportunity for future educational goals.
DEAC is recognized by The U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is an official member of CHEA, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. We are honored to continue to partner with DEAC as we endeavor to fulfill our mission to develop servant leaders for Christian ministry through quality distance educational experiences that allow individuals to study and practice without leaving their ministry field. We will continue to work diligently to remain a front-runner in online seminary training by staying innovative, informed, and relevant to the changing ministry landscape of today’s world. We are dedicated to providing the best practical and theological training to equip men and women for ministry.
Renewal of accreditation is a significant achievement for any educational institution and is a tremendous testimony of the academic excellence, faculty, administration, and standards that make Rockbridge a world class seminary.
