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Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
HBCU assures students, alumni it isn't closing
RALEIGH, N.C. - Saint Augustine's University (SAU), a Raleigh-based HBCU, is hoping to turn a big corner. The university is looking to move on following an unfavorable arbitration ruling concerning its accreditation status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).An arbitration panel recently upheld SACSCOC's decision to remove SAU from membership, a decision the university had hoped would be reversed. However, SAU remains accredited and operational as legal proceedings continue, and Fall 2025 classes will begin virtually for both new and returning students. The HBCU emphasized its commitment to ensuring students graduate with accredited degrees while maintaining uninterrupted access to education. "We will stop at nothing to ensure that SAU maintains its accreditation and continues serving our students," said Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware. "SAU's mission is bigger than any one setback." Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess reassured students and the broader community that the university is not closing. "This decision does not define us - our resilience does," Burgess said. "We have a clear plan to make sure our students finish with accredited degrees." To sustain accreditation during the ongoing litigation, SAU's legal team plans to file for an injunction. This move, university leaders say, is vital to preserving the integrity of degrees awarded during the transition. Provost Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples added, "Maintaining accreditation is a critical step in our plan to safeguard our students' futures." Despite the arbitration outcome, SAU has continued to push for substantial progress in strengthening its financial and administrative operations. Over the past year, the HBCU launched a comprehensive five-year plan called "SAU Reset," restructured its debt through a $7 million loan, and entered a pending redevelopment agreement to generate long-term revenue from underutilized campus property. Additionally, the university has completed four consecutive financial audits, enacted major budget reductions to achieve a balanced budget, and reinforced board oversight to meet accreditation standards. SAU is also calling on its alumni and supporters to rally behind the Falcon Pride Initiative, which aims to raise $1 million to cover litigation costs. "The Falcon community's spirit is unbroken," said Trustee Sophie Gibson. "SAU will continue to soar to greater heights." As one of the nation's oldest HBCUs, Saint Augustine's University remains committed to its mission of academic excellence, even in the face of adversity. Last month the CIAA announced that the university had not been restored to conference membership due to its on-going concerns. The post HBCU assures students, alumni it isn't closing appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
In another blow for Saint Augustine's University, accreditation board denies appeal
Raleigh's Saint Augustine's University will pursue a 90-day arbitration process to ensure that all students graduating through May 2025 will earn degrees from an accredited university. (Photo: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has denied an appeal by Raleigh's Saint Augustine's University (SAU) to restore its accreditation. The historic HBCU was stripped of its accreditation by SACSCOC last December following a series of financial challenges. As NC Newsline previously reported, the college failed on multiple occasions to meet payroll, leaving faculty unpaid as they cancelled classes. In late November, the university announced a strategic partnership with Florida-based 50 Plus 1 Sports with the hope that the land-lease deal could generate $70 million in revenue to benefit students, faculty, and a fast-growing section of Raleigh. But the state Attorney General's office raised concerns that under the controversial partnership, the university could lose control of its land if it defaulted on the arrangement. 'We have requested information on how this transaction will preserve and revive SAU's educational mission and finances, including site plans showing which property 50+ intends to develop and which it will preserve for educational purposes,' wrote senior deputy attorney general Kunal Choksi in a January letter. A separate $7 million loan by Gothic Ventures was called 'predatory.' Raleigh's News & Observer reported in February that SAU restructured the deal with 50 Plus 1 Sports to alleviate concerns. On Thursday as news of the university's lost accreditation made headlines, school leadership vowed to find a way forward. 'We have made substantial progress and are confident that our strengthened financial position and governance will ensure a positive outcome,' said Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware. 'SAU is resilient, and we are resolute in our commitment to academic excellence.' SAU plans to pursue binding arbitration to contest the accreditation decision. University officials say the 90-day arbitration will allow SAU to demonstrate its financial stability and commitment to compliance with accreditation standards. SAU also insists the bridge loan of up to $70 million will provide the financial resources to eliminate past debt and make campus improvements. 'This funding is a game-changer,' said Vice Chairman Hadley Evans in a release on the school's website. 'We now have the financial leverage to protect SAU's legacy, enhance academic offerings, and create sustainable revenue streams through strategic campus development.' For students graduating this May, they will receive their degrees from an accredited institution. But if SAU is not able to restore its accreditation, it would be barred from participating in federal aid programs in the future. Interim President Dr. Marcus Burgess said Thursday's decision would not define Saint Augustine's, which was established in 1867. 'We urge our alumni and supporters to stand with SAU as we strengthen our foundation and ensure our mission continues for generations.'
