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PHILIPPI -- Alderson Broaddus University has voluntarily resigned its accreditation, officials said, and many of the school's students are scrambling to find a new route to continue their education.
This week, the Higher Learning Commission announced that "Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, West Virginia, voluntarily resigned its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, effective December 31, 2023, due to its upcoming closure."
The announcement follows the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission voting Monday to revoke Alderson Broaddus' authorization to confer degrees in the state.
Addressing the need to help AB's students during this confusing time, Interim AB President Andrea Bucklew posted the following this week on the school's official website:
"With a heavy heart and a profound sense of responsibility, I am writing to address the recent decision by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to revoke Alderson Broaddus University's Authorization to Confer Degrees in West Virginia.
"Although we are working as quickly as possible to provide you with all of the necessary information, we do not yet have all of the answers. This is what we can tell you as of now:
"Alderson Broaddus has been working with Davis & Elkins College and West Virginia Wesleyan College to arrange transfer agreements for our students. These schools have been provided access to student transcripts, thus allowing you to contact these schools directly at the following numbers: WVWC - 800-722-9933; D&E - 304-637-1230.
"For students wanting to transfer to other institutions, transcripts may be obtained online at https://ab.edu/transcript/ at no cost.
"The Graduate Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for Aug. 18, will proceed but has been moved to campus. It will take place in Wilcox Chapel at 10 a.m.
"Those students completing summer courses for graduation eligibility in August 2023 will graduate and receive diplomas from Alderson Broaddus University.
"Those students who will be eligible to graduate in December 2023 will also be able to finish their degrees.
"Admissions counselors will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer student questions by calling 800-263-1549/
"We realize this is a very difficult time for everyone, and Alderson Broaddus University remains dedicated to helping students navigate their options during this difficult time."
AB head football coach Travis Everhart posted a message on social media regarding the school's difficult situation.
"The season had been canceled and now my focus is to help 130 players on our roster and my coaching staff to find a home for the fall of 2023," Everhart wrote in the post.
"I am heartbroken for this place. I am especially saddened for the young men and the coaching staff that had made a commitment to excellence not only to AB, but to my vision of 'Building Special' and building a championship caliber program that would produce the highest of character and great men of character…
"To my players, my staff, and everyone that has supported my vision, thank you and much love and respect to you. For those that have reached out via text, social media, and by phone calls, if I haven't gotten back to you yet please be patient with me as I am trying my best to help our team in this time of need. If you all want to pitch in, please pray for our program. If you are a coaching friend, give these guys a shot for the love of the game."
Everhart was named head football coach at Alderson Broaddus on Dec. 12, 2019.