An Important Message from Jerry D. Campbell

November 28, 2006

Dear Friends,

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) has reversed its decision to terminate the accreditation of Claremont School of Theology. After a presentation made by the School's leadership, the commission placed the school on "Show Cause" status, which gives CST until February 2008 to demonstrate that it can operate within the parameters of the newly revised budget and business plan. As before, CST remains accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

In the official letter from WASC, the commission explained that a number of significant uncertainties regarding financial planning and management offset the positive steps taken by CST's administration. Nonetheless, the commission found sufficient basis to modify its previous decision to revoke accreditation to "allow the new leadership team of the School to demonstrate that it can, and will, act decisively and immediately to respond to the significant crisis before it."

While this is still a serious situation, I am pleased that the school continues to be regionally accredited for the next year and that we have the opportunity to continue our financial progress and our vital educational programs.

The School's Executive Cabinet has worked long and hard to get us to this point, and I am thankful for their efforts. I also thank the entire CST community, both internal and external, for its tremendous loyalty and spirit as we have faced this challenge.

If you know the nearly 50-year history of this fine institution in Claremont, you know well that the School has overcome many obstacles over the years to become a premier theological school. Indeed, we have come far in a relatively short period of time.

Today, looking forward, we have the opportunity to take bold and innovative steps to improve on our strengths, overcome our deficiencies, and meet the emerging needs of our communities. As we begin our 50th year in Claremont next year, we have much to celebrate and even more to achieve.

With your continued and faithful support, we can move forward together.

Sincerely,

Jerry D. Campbell
President