Higher Learning Commission confirms turnaround, takes Hannibal-LaGrange University off probation

HANNIBAL, M0. — The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) announced on Oct. 31 that Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU) has been removed from probation.

Hannibal-LaGrange University’s accreditation with the HLC was placed in November 2022 on a two-year probation amid controversy about mismanagement and poor trustee governance.

After a recent site visit, the HLC’s assessment team noted HLGU’s work toward financial health, improved enrollment strategies and responsible endowment management.

“HLGU has implemented the difficult corrections to create a more balanced budget, to manage cash flow, to begin repaying endowment borrowing and to return HLGU enrollment to growth,” the HLC said in its report. “These efforts have resulted in a successful turnaround.”

A letter was sent Nov. 6 to HLGU President Robert Matz to inform the school of the lifting of sanctions.

The HLC Board said in its report that HLGU meets Criterion Two — defined as “the governing board of the institution is autonomous to make decisions in the best interest of the institution in compliance with board policies and to ensure the institution’s integrity” — for the following reasons:

• The HLGU Board of Trustees has transformed into an “engaged and committed board” in support of the Institution. Specifically, the HLGU Board accepts its role and responsibility with respect to both governance of the Institution and reporting to the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC). 
• The HLGU Board now engages in training and continuing education both through institution-directed board training and through the utilization of MBC resources.
• The HLGU Board recognizes its role in supporting the Institution and ensuring that its engagement and involvement governs the institution appropriately, including with respect to fiscal management and yielding the day-to-day management and operation of the Institution to the administration.

HLGU now meets Criterion Three — defined as “the institution has the faculty and staff needed for effective, high-quality programs and student services” — for the following reasons:

• The Institution has examined academic program viability, course sizes and course rotations and made significant changes that right-sized the academic unit based on enrollment and program/course demand.
• The changes implemented by the Institution, including the reduction in courses, resulted in positive progress in ensuring that it has sufficient faculty to support teaching, learning, and student advising responsibilities.

HLGU now meets, but with concerns, Criterion Five (5B) — defined as “the institution’s resource base supports its educational offerings and its plans for maintaining and strengthening their quality in the future” — for the following reasons:

• Although HLGU has made progress in addressing financial challenges, such as staffing changes that improve the management capacity to maintain that progress, including the hiring of a CFO with extensive financial management experience, the ongoing impact of the Institution’s historical financial challenges will continue.
• The institution has implemented strategies to improve its financial position, including reducing its debt to the endowment. These strategies will have an important impact on addressing the debt but also means that the endowment will have limited growth for several years.
• The HLGU Board and the Institution’s leadership have been diligent in strengthening the financial position of the institution, as evidenced by the HLGU Board Finance Committee meeting quarterly and a separate monthly discussion of finances among institutional leadership. However, as such efforts continue to be implemented, they will take time to put the Institution on a strong financial footing.

HLGU now meets, but with concerns, Criterion Five (5C) — defined as “the institution engages in systematic and integrated planning and improvement” — for the following reasons:

• Although short-term planning was helpful to the Institution in terms of crisis management, the institution’s planning processes need to engage stakeholders in a more systematic and integrated fashion. The Institution needs to plan strategically for the future and to establish clear metrics that can provide support for key performance indicators.
• The institution has made progress with respect to systematic and integrated planning and improvement, but much work remains for it to be sustainable financially.

The HLC Board required that HLGU be the host of a visit regarding Criterion Five (5B and 5C)  no later than January 2027. HLGU’s next comprehensive evaluation for reaffirmation of accreditation will be scheduled for the 2028-29 academic year.

“Hannibal-LaGrange University embarked on a rigorous improvement plan over the past two years, focusing on enhancing budget practices, bolstering cash flow and building enrollment numbers,” a press release from the university said. “This strategic approach has helped place HLGU on a solid path forward, fortifying its commitment to providing high-quality Christian higher education while ensuring sustainable operations.”

“This decision by the HLC is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our administration, faculty, and staff,” Matz said. “Our entire campus community has been deeply committed to putting HLGU on a stable financial foundation that supports our mission of academic excellence and faith-centered learning. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this successful turnaround and look forward to a future of growth and opportunity.”