SACSCOC Welcomes Three New Member Institutions
The Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) approved membership for three institutions during its June meeting, recognizing their commitment to educational quality, student success, and institutional effectiveness.
The newly approved member institutions are:
- Gammon Theological Seminary – Atlanta, GA
- Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College – Minden, LA
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences – Memphis, TN
“These institutions reflect the diversity of missions represented throughout our membership and the many ways higher education transforms lives,” said Dr. Stephen L. Pruitt, president of SACSCOC. “From advancing life-saving biomedical research to preparing skilled members of the workforce and educating faith-based leaders, each institution contributes in meaningful ways to students, communities, and society.”
Gammon Theological Seminary
Gammon Theological Seminary is a Historically Black theological institution of The United Methodist Church dedicated to educating and equipping leaders for Christian ministry and public leadership. Through its mission, the seminary prepares individuals who partner with God in advancing a just, transformative, and life-giving world.
For generations, Gammon has played a significant role in developing faith leaders committed to service, justice, and community transformation throughout the United States and beyond.
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College is an engaged institution empowering a diverse community of learners through accessible, high-quality technical education and workforce training. Serving students across northwest Louisiana, the college advances careers, meets workforce needs, and strengthens the region’s economic vitality.
The institution’s commitment to student success and workforce development helps prepare graduates for meaningful careers in high-demand industries while supporting the communities and employers it serves.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is an innovative institution that trains and inspires the next generation of scientists and health professionals. Through education and research, the graduate school prepares students to advance discoveries that transform the understanding and treatment of catastrophic childhood diseases and pediatric cancers.
Closely connected to the internationally recognized mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the institution equips future leaders in biomedical science to address some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
“The addition of these institutions strengthens our membership and reflects the remarkable breadth of educational missions represented within our accredited community,” Pruitt said. “We are pleased to welcome each institution and look forward to supporting their continued pursuit of excellence.”
Membership signifies that an institution has demonstrated compliance with the Principles of Accreditation and a commitment to continuous improvement and educational quality through peer review.
About SACSCOC
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is an institutional accreditor committed to advancing educational quality and strengthening the effectiveness of its member institutions. Through a process grounded in peer review, accountability, and continuous improvement, the Commission supports institutions in their efforts to serve students and communities while maintaining public confidence in higher education.
On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Inc., voted to conduct accreditation services under the name “The Commission on Colleges and Universities,” effective September 1, 2026, to more accurately reflect the global reach of its operations. While the corporation will do business as “The Commission on Colleges and Universities” or as “The Commission,” it will continue to accredit institutions under the name of the Department of Education-approved accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Inc., to prevent any disruption for its accredited institutions.
Media Contact:
Eric Mann
Director of Public Information
The Commission on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
emann@sacscoc.org | 404-994-6576