To Whom It May Concern,

In October 2023 the Mid-America College of Funeral Service received a notice of Probation from the Committee on Accreditation of the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Since that time false statements and gossip have been made regarding the state of the College.

An accrediting body can take many actions in order to address real or apparent deficiencies in an instructional institution. While a probation status is serious, it is meant to impress upon the institution the need for immediate action. The institution is then inspected more frequently to ensure that corrective action is being taken.

Since that time, the Mid-America College has worked with the Committee on Accreditation to address all their concerns. Mid-America College leadership met and offered a report to the Committee to update them on the progress made on their findings. A final report is due to the Committee in October 2024 at which time the Committee will vote on whether the College will continue under a period of observation or if it will be taken off of probation status.

There are two key factors that I wish to express to stop the flow of misinformation:

1) Mid-America College is still accredited. Mid-America College is still accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Accreditation has not been withdrawn and students of the accredited programs are eligible to use their degree towards licensure in any jurisdiction that requires completion of an ABFSE accredited program.

2) Mid-America College is open for new enrollments. Mid-America College is taking students for the October 2024 (Fall) Quarter. This includes all of their degree offerings and both on-campus and distance education programs. The school is not closing.  

I am happy to discuss this matter with any student, graduate, licensee, regulator, or other stakeholder. I am also happy to present to any regulatory, state, or national body or organization to dispel any doubts anyone may have.

Mid-America College and her sister colleges remain committed to providing the best funeral service education possible and we welcome the opportunity to present the truth of the situation.

Sincerely,

Joseph R. Finocchiaro, EJD, CFSP
President & Chief Executive Officer
Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc.