Vanderbilt University has been recognized with the inaugural Torch Award from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This award honors institutions that demonstrate leadership in affordability, student success, and post-college outcomes. Notably, Vanderbilt was the only Level VI institution to receive this accolade specifically in the student support and completion category.
The Torch Award underscores Vanderbilt’s dedication to enhancing student support and improving progression, ultimately promoting long-term success for its students. This recognition highlights the university’s ongoing efforts to foster academic, professional, and personal growth through collaborative partnerships and transformative learning experiences.
Commitment to Student Success
Duane Watson, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs at Vanderbilt, expressed pride in the university’s achievement. “This recognition affirms the intentional, student-centered work happening across Vanderbilt every day,” Watson stated. He emphasized the commitment of the faculty and staff to remove barriers, strengthen support structures, and ensure every student has the necessary resources and guidance to thrive from enrollment through graduation and beyond.
SACSCOC serves as the regional accrediting body for degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. The commission evaluates member institutions based on educational quality and effectiveness, ensuring compliance with its Principles of Accreditation. These principles apply to all applicant, candidate, and accredited colleges, irrespective of their type or mission.
Vanderbilt’s receipt of the Torch Award reflects not only its commitment to student success but also signals a broader trend among higher education institutions to prioritize affordability and outcomes. By focusing on holistic support systems, universities like Vanderbilt are aiming to create an environment where students can flourish academically and personally.
The award ceremony marks a significant milestone in Vanderbilt’s continuous journey towards excellence in education, emphasizing its role as a leader in fostering student achievement in the competitive landscape of higher education.
