Philadelphia, PA − November 25, 2019 − State Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) issues statement on Cheyney University keeping its accreditation:
“The decision by Middle States Commission on Higher Education to grant Cheyney University full accreditation is a testimony to the hard work of the Cheyney family, with special recognition needed for the leadership and commitment of President Aaron Walton.
President Walton was forced to make difficult decisions, but he also raised significant funding and regained the confidence of the broader community to invest in Cheyney. I said publicly several months ago that I was betting on Aaron Walton. I am happy to say my bet is paying off. Thank you, President Walton, for a job well done.
I also want to thank Gov. Tom Wolf for his unprecedented commitment and support of Cheyney University. His financial support, along with commitment from a number of his high-level staff, was clearly the right decision to secure this success. Policy Secretary Meg Snead’s commitment to “move mountains” for Cheyney cannot be overlooked as well. Thank you, Gov. Wolf, for making the commitment and staying true to your word.
There is a bright future ahead for Cheyney University as it embraces this moment. Cheyney will need to seize the momentum of this success and use it to propel itself into the difficult and highly competitive waters of higher education in the 21st century. We cannot take our foot off the gas. We must all continue our support of Cheyney with the same drive and determination that got us to this point. It’s up to all of us to help Cheyney become the thriving university that its founders envisioned. I believe we can, and I know we must.”