HANNIBAL, Mo. (BP) — An independent agency that accredits degree-granting institutions in the United States has removed Hannibal-LaGrange University from probation.

An assessment team with the Higher Learning Commission noted the efforts of the Missouri Baptist Convention-affiliated school, HGLU reported. Those steps included “diligent work toward financial health, improved enrollment strategies and responsible endowment management.”

“HLGU has implemented the difficult corrections to create a more balanced budget, to manage cash flow, to begin repaying endowment borrowing, and to return HLGU enrollment to growth,” the assessment team said in a statement shared by HGLU. “These efforts have resulted in a successful turnaround.”

The school’s board of trustees took steps in March 2022 to address $690,000 in debt and keep the university operational through the end of that year. In its recent statement, HGLU leadership pointed to the “rigorous improvement plan over the past two years” that focused on budget and building student enrollment.

“This decision by the HLC is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our administration, faculty, and staff,” said Robert Matz, president of Hannibal-LaGrange University. “Our entire campus community has been deeply committed to putting HLGU on a stable financial foundation that supports our mission of academic excellence and faith-centered learning. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this successful turnaround and look forward to a future of growth and opportunity.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Scott Barkley is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press.)