Edward Waters University and Virginia Union University, both HBCUs, have announced the reaffirmation of their accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) with zero recommendations. The reaffirmations were approved through 2035 at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN.

The HBCU campaign Fund (HCF) celebrates this significant milestone for both Universities, which underscores their commitment to academic excellence, operational integrity, and continuous improvement. The achievement is especially meaningful for Virginia Union University, which has regained full accreditation after two years on probation, reflecting its strengthened financial health and operational effectiveness.

Accreditation by SACSCOC is essential for maintaining eligibility for federal financial aid, ensuring the transferability of credits, securing national and international credibility, and sustaining access to key funding opportunities and graduate education pathways for students. As one of the nation’s most respected and influential accreditors, SACSCOC ensures that institutions meet rigorous standards of academic quality, financial stability, institutional effectiveness, governance, and federal compliance.

“This reaffirmation affirms Edward Waters University’s unwavering commitment to academic quality, institutional integrity, and transformative student success. This moment powerfully validates the bold vision guiding EWU and positions us for even greater notional prominence, expanded investment, and continued strategic growth. As Florida’s first HBCU — and one of its fastest-growing private institutions — we remain committed to providing a transformative educational experience for every student we serve. Our future has never been brighter, and we are just getting started.”

— said Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., President, Edward Waters University

“Reaffirmation is a powerful validation of the work we have done and the work we are committed to doing. This achievement reflects the strength of our governance, the innovation of our corporate strategy, and the transformational progress our university has made. VUU is rising, and our future is bright.”

— said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President & CEO, Virginia Union University

“HCF celebrates these distinguished institutions on this milestone and stands proudly in support of their ongoing work to advance higher education, uplift Black communities, and carry forward the legacy of excellence within the higher education space. These reaffirmations is not only a testament to the hard work of faculty, staff, leadership, and students, but also a recognition of reach university’s strong mission, strategic progress, and unwavering dedication to serving their communities. Both Edward Waters University and Virginia Union University embody the strength and resilience of HBCUs, and their continued accreditation ensures they remain positioned to provide transformative educational experiences for future generations.”

— said Demetrius Johnson, Jr., founder, President & CEO, HCF

SACSCOC commended VUU in three critical areas essential to long-tern institutional success: Governance Leadership, Corporate Strategy, and University Transformation. While Edward Waters University met all standards without the need for corrective action or further review, a testament to the unprecedented growth and momentum the institution has demonstrated since its previous SACSCOC review.

Edward Waters University was founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church and is Florida’s first private independent institution of higher learning and first Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Virginia Union University was founded in 1865, and is a premier liberal arts institutions committed to empowering students through education, leadership, service, and the pursuit of exellence.

###