Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
Finally, some good news to report about beleaguered St. Augustine’s University (SAU), which has been facing severe financial and academic setbacks of late.
Yes, the historically Black Episcopalian university in Raleigh will conduct classes for the 2025 fall semester starting Sept. 2nd, although virtually online, thanks to a federal district court ruling Friday granting SAU a preliminary injunction that was filed Thursday against the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to keep its academic accreditation, thus allowing SAU to operate while it continues its legal battle against SACSCOC.
“The injunction ensures that SAU’s accreditation is safeguarded during this process, meaning students can enroll, receive financial aid, and continue their studies with complete confidence that their degrees will be accredited while the case is underway,” the school’s press release Friday stated.
SAU sued SACSCOC after the accrediting commission voted to strip the small, private university in arbitration of its accreditation and membership over alleged fiscal mismanagement a month ago.
In recent years, SAU has seen its normal 1,500 student enrollment drop dramatically to just 200 students, with just 25 graduating last May.
On Friday, Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, interim president of SAU, issued a grateful statement.
“This is a tremendous win for Saint Augustine’s University and, most importantly, for our students. Thanks to our supporters, we will open our (virtual) doors on Sept. 2 as an accredited institution, just as we promised. We have said all along that we will stop at nothing to maintain our accreditation and continue serving our scholars — and we meant it.”
Dr. Burgess continued in the press release, “Students can enroll, receive financial aid, and continue their studies with complete confidence that their degrees will be accredited while the case is underway.”
“We are deeply thankful to every alum, donor and friend who stepped up to make this possible. Your support has been a beacon of hope for SAU during this challenging time.”
Accreditation is important to colleges and universities because it allows students to receive federal financial assistance. In SAU’s case, holding on to its accreditation while it fights SACSCOC in court means it has time to build its legal case, while exploring other accrediting options in case it ultimately loses.
But winning the federal preliminary court injunction wasn’t the only good news SAU shared last Friday.
Its board of trustees has now elected a new board chairman - Sophie L. Gibson from Atlanta. The first woman to lead the SAU board will now establish policy at the school, replacing the controversial former chair, Brian Boulware.
“It has been a privilege to serve as chair of this historic institution during a time of great challenge and transformation,” Boulware said in a statement “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and confident in the leadership of Chair Gibson and the board to guide SAU into a bright future.”
Boulware had been the target of a previous lawsuit against the SAU Board by alumni.
Chairwoman Gibson, who is joined in board leadership by new Vice Chairwoman V. Lynette Mitchell, Class of ’89 from Williamstown, New Jersey, joined Interim Pres. Burgess in lauding the federal court decision.
“This injunction is not just a legal reprieve; it is a testament to the power of the Falcon community,” Gibson said. “It allows us to continue educating our students without interruption as we vigorously defend SAU’s future in court, and it shows that we soar higher when we soar together.”
Gibson also thanked SAU alumni for their contributions to the school’s legal fund, notably the SAU National Alumni Association, which thus far donated $100,000 to the cause.
“Their commitment ensured we had the resources to take this crucial legal step to protect our students and our mission.”
Reportedly, SAU expects to spend at least $1 million in legal fees, which include a $350,000 legal retainer.
