HLC’s 125th Anniversary
Advancing Together / 1895–2020
HLC was formed in 1895 as the North Central Association, a voluntary association of diverse institutions with a common purpose: the continuing improvement of higher education. Throughout 2020, HLC will commemorate this 125th anniversary in many ways, sharing interesting historical facts, photos and features.
Features
Colleges Adapt to Advance
Since the spring, colleges and universities have been forced to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic – many immediately enacting distance learning for all students. Yet this is not the first time in the past century that campuses had to adapt to continue serving students in the face of crisis issues.
Work at HLC During the Past 15, 20 and 25-Plus Years
A key part of HLC’s history of innovation, quality assurance and value to members can also be traced to its staff members’ daily work. As part of the 125th Anniversary celebration, HLC asked long-time staffers to discuss their memories of HLC.
The Intrinsic Peer Corps: An Integral Part of HLC’s History and Growth
The HLC Peer Corps is such an integral part of ensuring quality assurance it is difficult to imagine accreditation without it.
Innovating Since 1895
During its 125-year history, HLC has seen many things change. However, there are a few eternal elements, including innovation, quality assurance and mission.
HLC Profile: President Barbara Gellman-Danley
Each issue of Leaflet in 2020 will include a feature tied to the 125th anniversary, spotlighting a significant event, activity or person in HLC's history. The series starts with a profile of HLC President Barbara Gellman-Danley, a lifelong learner and born leader heading the organization as it celebrates the past and looks toward the future.
Advancing Together: HLC Begins Yearlong Celebration of 125th Anniversary
Throughout the year, HLC will be commemorating this anniversary in many ways and invites its members to participate!
Timeline
Photo Gallery
In 125 years of advancing together, a number of people, institutions and events have contributed to HLC's growth. Here are some notables from the first 25 years of the agency.
Henry Wade Rogers, president of Northwestern University, hosted the organizational meeting in 1895 with attendees from eight states.
In March 1895, Avenue House Hotel near the Northwestern University campus in Evanston housed attendees for the first organizational meeting of the agency with representatives from 10 states.
Horace Hollister, Illinois State Director-NCA,1902–-1928, was instrumental in developing initial standards of accreditation.
University of Illinois President Andrew S. Draper was a founding member and became NCA president in 1904.
Dean of Men at University of Illinois Tomas Arkle Clark was secretary of the association from 1906–-1915 and president in 1916.
Edna Flagg Young, superintendent of Chicago Schools, was first woman president of the National Education Association and an individual member of NCA, 1910–1916.
UChicago President Harry Pratt Judson chaired the first commission on accredited schools in 1901, which led the agency to become an accrediting association.
University of Michigan President James B. Angel was the first president of the NCA is noted for saying that educational institutions have the finest buildings.