The University of St. Thomas-Houston (UST) proudly announces that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees has reaffirmed its accreditation for the next 10 years, following official action taken at the SACSCOC Annual Meeting held Dec. 6–9, 2025.
President of the University of St. Thomas-Houston Dr. Sinda Vanderpool celebrated the achievement calling the reaffirmation “a powerful validation of who we are and who we are called to be.”
“This reaffirmation represents the highest level of confidence in UST’s academic strength, institutional integrity and Catholic mission,” Dr. Vanderpool said. “The action included affirmation that UST’s case required no additional reporting. This validation confirms that UST meets and exceeds all SACSCOC standards for educational quality, effective leadership, student success and continuous improvement – all of which are hallmarks of a thriving and mission-driven university. We knew this was ingrained in the very fabric of our community and we’re pleased and proud that the SACSCOC Board of Trustees confirmed this wholeheartedly.”
Leading the multi-year reaffirmation process, Accreditation Liaison Dr. Beena George guided the University community through extensive reflection, documentation and evidence-building, showcasing how UST lives its mission every day.
“What makes UST stand out isn’t just where we are. It’s how we serve our students and live our mission every day,” Dr. George said. “Reaffirmation is not about merely meeting expectations; it’s about striving for continuous improvement. The process challenges us to be our best selves. It invites us to raise the bar, reflect deeply, and show how we are living our mission in real and lasting ways.”
The reaffirmation process highlighted UST’s commitment to continuous improvement. The journey culminated with the SACSCOC annual meeting Dec. 6-9, 2025, and the announcement of UST’s 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation.
Dr. George emphasized that reaffirmation is a milestone, not a finish line.
“This is not an endpoint in the process of continuous improvement and reporting on that improvement,” she said. “This is part of our ongoing work to become even better for our students and for our future. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and for everything you continue to do to make UST a place of purpose, progress and possibility.”
The University of St. Thomas-Houston celebrates with its faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners for their contributions to this remarkable achievement. UST will continue to build on this momentum, strategically advancing its mission of academic excellence and Catholic formation for the next decade and beyond.
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