Nation’s Oldest HBCU, Cheyney University In Philadelphia Is Reaccredited

By Rosaland Tyler
Associate Editor
New Journal and Guide

In a recent announcement, officials at Philadelphia’s Cheyney University, the nation’s oldest HBCU, said the school’s accreditation was restored on June 27 and Cheyney is no longer on probation.

This means the Middle States Commission on Higher Education has lifted Cheyney’s controversial 10-year probationary status, which was strenuously opposed by several prominent state leaders including Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Vincent Hughes, (who argued that Cheyney, which straddles Delaware and Chester Counties, had made progress and did not deserve the designation).

Hughes said after the announcement, “We feel very good about where we are at Cheyney University,”

“We have a long way to go but things are going in the right direction. [The Middle States decision] affirms that and should give confidence to folks who are prepared to make commitments.”

Commenting on Cheyney’s reaccreditation, the licensing agency said in a recent statement on its website, “The institution is now in compliance with Standard II (Ethics and Integrity); Standard III (Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience); Standard VI (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement); and former Requirements of Affiliation 5 and 11.”

Still, the 187-year-old HBCU may face new challenges.

According to recent news reports, the university isn’t out of the woods just yet. A report must be submitted March 1, 2025, proving it has managed the implemented corrections and is up-to-date with other state and federal regulations.

Cheyney said in a recent statement after its accreditation was restored, “While we agree with this decision, we remain disappointed by the process to arrive at this long-overdue outcome and will continue to advocate for equity and transparency.”

Officials at Cheyney added, “Middle States’ decision reflects the undeniable progress Cheyney University of Pennsylvania has achieved under the stewardship of our administration, the dedication of faculty and staff, and the relentless support of our countless advocates who have stood by Cheyney throughout this entire process so we can serve our students and continue to uphold the legacy of our institution.”

Licensing officials from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education are scheduled to visit the HBCU for an evaluation in 2030-2031. Cheyney was placed on probation in 2015 for the first time for compliance issues in technology and finances.

In a letter sent to Cheyney at the time, the MSCHE stated that the “institution’s accreditation is in jeopardy” because of insufficient evidence of meeting several required standards including ethics and integrity, design and delivery of the student learning experience and planning, resources and institutional improvement.”

Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist, established Cheyney in Philadelphia in 1764. Cheyney enrolled more than 700 students and saw a 15 percent freshman increase in 2023.