Accrediting Commission International

Accrediting Commission International
Formation 1989
Type Unrecognized higher education accreditor
Location
President
 John F. Scheel[1]
Website www.accreditnow.com

Accrediting Commission International (ACI), also known as Accrediting Commission International for Schools, Colleges, and Theological Seminaries, possibly associated with International Accrediting Commission (IAC), also known as International Accrediting Commission for Schools, Colleges and Theological Seminaries,[2][3] is an unrecognized educational accreditation corporation in the United States.[4] It primarily accredits religious schools, including seminaries and Bible colleges, and also offers accreditation to non-U.S. schools that offer business education programs.[4] John F. Scheel is president.[1]

History

ACI was established in 1989 and originally located in Beebe, Arkansas.[2][5] In 2011 it announced its relocation to Sarasota, Florida.[6]

In 2007, the St. Petersburg Times quoted Alan Contreras, the leader of Oregon's Office of Degree Authorization (an organization that follows questionable accrediting agencies) as saying, "Anything accredited by ACI in Beebe, Ark., is either fake or substandard, as far as I know."[7]

Recognition

ACI is not recognized by either Council for Higher Education Accreditation or United States Department of Education, the two institutions responsible for recognizing educational accrediting institutions in the United States.[2][8] According to its website, ACI had not applied for USDE affiliation as of 2007 because most of its members' views regarding separation of church and state.[4]

The Oregon Office of Degree Authorization includes ACI in its list of unrecognized accreditation agencies stating that, "any so-called 'accreditation' by these bodies is meaningless in Oregon and in some other states."[9]

IAC was caught in a sting operation by Missouri assistant attorney general Eric Vieth. They accredited an obvious diploma mill and were subsequently charged with fraud.[2] IAC was ordered to cease operation in the state of Missouri but reappeared in Beebe, accrediting the same institutions as previously.[2][3] Degree.net says that "International Accrediting Commission for Schools, Colleges and Theological Seminaries" (IAC) was an organization directed by Dr. George Reuter, who retired immediately before ACI arose in Arkansas.[8]

Schools accredited by ACI

In 2009 ACI reported having accredited 310 schools.[1]

Some organizations accredited by ACI include Berean Bible College,[10] Cornerstone University (Louisiana),[11] International Miracle Institute,[12] International Seminary (Plymouth, Florida),[13] Washington International University,[14] Wisconsin International University,[15] Central Bible College International, Patriot Bible University,[16] and Trinity Valley Baptist Seminary and College in Kennedale, Texas.[17]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Home; About Us". Accrediting Commission International. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 John Bear, Great Moments in Accreditation: The Case of IAC, ACI, and The Three Stooges, Quackwatch.com, accessed January 8, 2012
  3. 1 2 Roach, David (2006-10-24). "Pastor's resignation sparks discussion of accreditation". Baptist Press. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
  4. 1 2 3 "Other Benefits and Steps Toward ACI Certification". Accrediting Commission International. 2007-09-28. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
  5. ↑ Accrediting Commission International Answers to Critics, Accrediting Commission International website, accessed January 8, 2012
  6. ↑ Accrediting Commission International website home page, accessed January 8, 2012
  7. ↑ "Degree inspires little faith". St. Petersburg Times. 2007-10-27. Archived from the original on 2007-12-25. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
  8. 1 2 "Accrediting Agencies Not Recognized Under GAAP". Degree.net. 2008. Archived from the original on 8 March 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
  9. ↑ “Accrediting” entities not recognized by the State of Oregon, Oregon Office of Degree Authorization, Oregon state government
  10. ↑ Berean Bible College's Accreditation, Berean Bible College, accessed April 12, 2012
  11. ↑ About Cornerstone, Cornerstone University website, accessed January 8, 2012
  12. ↑ Degrees and Accreditation, International Miracle Institute, accessed January 8, 2012
  13. ↑ http://www.internationalseminary.com/Accreditation.html
  14. ↑ "Welcome to WIU". Washington International University. 1999. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
  15. ↑ Lee, Jeff (2006-10-09). "College Linked to 'Worthless' American Degrees". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
  16. ↑ "Who Accredits Patriot Bible University". Patriot Bible University. October 2008. Retrieved 2015-04-02.
  17. ↑ "Trinity Valley Baptist Seminary, and College accreditation". tvsbc.org. Retrieved July 21, 2009.

External links

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