Accreditation

Joint Statement

January, 22, 2025

New England Commission of Higher Education and Montserrat College of Art

At its meeting on January 17, 2025, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) issued
Montserrat College of Art a Notation because the Commission found that the College is in danger of not
meeting its Standard on Institutional Resources due to the decline in enrollment that has led to a plan to
reduce the institution’s physical footprint and staffing so that it can meet its liquidity needs and return
to balanced budgets. The Commission will monitor the institution’s progress through a Spring 2025
Financial Screening Response report, a Fall 2025 progress report, and a Fall 2026 interim report with
focused visit.

Montserrat College of Art President, Brian Pellinen, said in response: For more than 50 years,
Montserrat has been a nimble, responsive hub for creativity on Boston’s North Shore, with a dynamic
presence in, and multimillion dollar impact on, downtown Beverly, MA. We appreciate the Commission’s
guidance regarding its Standard on Institutional Resources. We look forward to ongoing partnership, as
we tailor our institution to best serve, now and in the future, the engaged young artists who choose
Montserrat for its individualized approach to interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial arts education.

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education as a reliable authority as to the quality of education. The Commission accredits over 200
degree-granting institutions in the United States, one system with seven universities, and twelve
American-style institutions in other countries. Montserrat College of Art was first accredited by the
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (now NECHE) in 1995. It is a private college in Beverly,
Massachusetts offering a BFA degree program that provides a well-rounded, interdisciplinary approach
to art education by infusing art making with research and critical thinking.

Further information may be found at: New England Commission of Higher Education.