Office of Institutional Advancement
225 Hiwassee College Drive • Madisonville, Tennessee 37354
(423) 420-1245 • Fax: (423) 420-1896

MADISONVILLE, Tenn. — The United States Department of Education has approved Hiwassee College’s application to receive federal funds for eligible students. The approval comes after the 161-year-old institution had to comply with a mandatory two-year non-participation period after losing accreditation in 2008. Hiwassee was reaccredited in November last year.

“We are very excited to receive this news,” says Interim President Jerry Russell. “This puts the final piece back in place for the college to move forward.” After receiving its accreditation, Hiwassee was declared eligible to resume receiving HOPE Scholarship funds in June. This latest approval removes the final impediment to students receiving the fullest financial aid packages available in terms of state and federal funds.

“We can now offer Hiwassee students the same benefits they can receive at any other institution in terms of financial aid,” states Ron Hemphill, Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid. “Clearing this last hurdle opens the door for our enrollment to grow back to previous levels.” New programs and four-year degrees are also attracting students and enrollment is expected to double this fall over last year. Hiwassee was a junior college until it resumed offering baccalaureate degrees in 2009.

The news set off small celebrations on the usually quiet Madisonville campus. After struggling to remain open under declining enrollment and financial strain the past two years, employees were relieved to hear the news. “Now maybe things can begin to get back to normal,” said a long-time employee on Friday. “A normal class, a normal year. It’s just a relief.” For more information about Hiwassee College and its programs call 423-442-2001 or visit online at www.hiwassee.edu.

####

Dedicated to Great Beginnings and celebrating its 161^st academic year, Hiwassee College, located on 400 pastoral acres in Madisonville, Tennessee, is a coeducational college affiliated with the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church and is a private, residential, four-year college with an emphasis on the first two years of college.

Hiwassee College is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) [PO Box 328, Forest, VA 24551; Telephone: 434.525.9539; e-mail: info@tracs.org] having been awarded Candidate status as a Category II institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission on November 3, 2009; this status is effective for a period of five years.