GODDARD OFF ACCREDITATION PROBATION LIST
PLAINFIELD -- Goddard College ended a two-year accreditation probation Thursday,
and school officials said it proves the once-ailing liberal arts institution
is well on the road to recovery.
"This is an announcement that this college has indeed turned itself around,
instead of being on its way to the grave, which was the perception couple of
years ago," said Goddard president Jack Lindquist.
Officials of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges said Goddard
was taken off the probation list because it had made significant progress in
solving its money troubles.
The school petered on the brink of bankruptcy for several years, but has been
reorganizing since 1980. Programs and property were sold, the staff was pared
down and other operations were cut back.
The association made checks on the school's efforts and in its most recent
report, noted "a clear improvement in Goddard's financial situation." It added
that "economies undertaken by the president have in no way reduced the quality
of the learning environment."
The group plans to continue watching Goddard's recovery.
Goddard has 153 students enrolled. The school still has outstanding debts,
including a mortgage, and owes about $200,000 in salaries and operating debts.
Lindquist said the lesser debts will be paid off within two years,
while the mortgage will take longer.
