This is a developing story and may be updated.
A Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) vote has put Alderson Broaddus University one step closer to closing its doors.
During an emergency meeting Monday, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission voted unanimously to revoke the private university’s authorization to confer degrees in the state, effective Dec. 31, 2023.
The institution is not permitted to enroll new students beginning with the fall 2023 semester. However, seniors scheduled to graduate at the end of the fall term may return to complete their degrees on schedule.
The commission took this action after receiving and confirming information that Alderson Broaddus University’s financial condition renders the institution unable to create a stable, effective and safe learning environment for its students.
“While I truly wish there had been a viable path forward for Alderson Broaddus University to continue operating, our foremost priority is to help their students continue their education as seamlessly as possible,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education, in a press release. “We have been working with other colleges and universities in the state, and we are grateful to have institutions that are eager to help these students transfer and complete their degrees. The Commission takes its role in authorizing private institutions to operate within West Virginia very seriously. This is a role that the Legislature entrusted us with to safeguard students, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
The meeting was originally scheduled to take place last week but was postponed at the request of Gov. Jim Justice.