pb_state_college_web.jpgLAKE WORTH — Palm Beach State College has been reaffirmed for accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The 79-year-old former Palm Beach Community College received official word from the accrediting body following an extensive two-year process that included a site visit last October by a SACS Commission on Colleges team of higher education experts and leaders. The reaffirmation is valid through 2022.

“This is another confirmation of what we have worked so hard to accomplish as a quality academic institution,” said Dennis Gallon, PBSC president.

In making the decision, the SACS Commission on Colleges reviewed factors as varied as the integrity of the institution, curriculum and facilities to faculty, student services, budgets and financial aid, seeing how it all stacked up to SACS Commission on Colleges’ standards.

“It’s a very thorough review of all of the college’s policies and procedures to demonstrate we are in compliance,’’ said Sharon Sass, vice president of academic affairs.

Palm Beach State cleared the process with no recommendations.  “There are very few colleges that get no recommendations, so this is a very good moment for the college,’’ Sass said. “It demonstrates that we are an excellent college and that we do what we say we’re doing. We’re constantly improving processes and procedures to ensure student success.”

Serving more than 51,000 students annually, Palm Beach State College is the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County, providing bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning.

Established in 1933 as Florida's first public community college, PBSC offers more than 100 programs of study at locations in Lake Worth, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens and Belle Glade.