(BLACK PR WIRE) -- CHEYNEY, PA – Cheyney University Interim President Frank G. Pogue has announced that the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the body that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, has reaffirmed the University’s accreditation. In doing so, the MSCHE team closely examined the school and its programs, making sure that it lives up to its promises to students.

“This is outstanding news from one of the nation’s most respected accrediting bodies,” Dr. Pogue told the Cheyney campus community. “It sends a very clear message that Cheyney University, America’s first HBCU, continues its tradition of offering a quality education to its students. It also underscores the fine quality of our curriculum, students, faculty and staff.”

In giving its stamp of approval, the MSCHE team commended Cheyney University for the quality of its self study process and report.

“We are pleased to receive the news of our reaffirmation of accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education,” added Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, who oversaw Cheyney’s comprehensive analysis of how the institution addresses 14 key standards which measure effectiveness in mission fulfillment, goal-setting and metrics for achievement, performance as well as acquisition and utilization of resources. “The self-study process allowed us the opportunity to collaborate as a team to demonstrate the University’s commitment to continuous improvement.”

The reaffirmation of accreditation process is intended to strengthen and sustain the quality and integrity of higher education, and make it worthy of public confidence. In turn, universities are encouraged to take responsibility for their own improvement by following a comprehensive strategic plan, assessing what is working and what is not, and making changes when necessary.

“Every arm of the institution has contributed to the excellence here at Cheyney,” Pogue said. “It is very clear that Cheyney continues to function at the highest level, continuing a legacy of providing excellent education and opportunities to our students.”

A liberal arts university, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania hosts signature programs such as the Keystone Honors Academy, the Call Me Mister teaching program, the Aquaculture Research and Teaching Laboratory and the accredited Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management program. Recognized as the first institution of higher learning for African Americans, Cheyney University has been educating students since 1837. The University offers baccalaureate and graduate degree programs at two locations, Cheyney and Philadelphia, PA – Center City. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.cheyney.edu.

For more information on this and other events, please contact Gwen Owens, Public Relations Director, 610-399-2121 or via email at gowens@cheyney.edu.