Embattled HBCU says it remains committed to keep its doors open

RALEIGH, N.C. — Saint Augustine’s College (SAU) has reaffirmed its dedication to maintain its doorways open regardless of current setbacks.

A current arbitration resolution upheld the Southern Affiliation of Schools and Faculties Fee on Schools’ (SACSCOC) transfer to take away the college from membership.  Nevertheless, faculty officers have assured college students and the group that the college will stay accredited and operational throughout ongoing authorized challenges.

SAU officers introduced that, in response to the arbitration consequence, the college’s attorneys will file an injunction in court docket to stop any disruption to its accreditation standing. This authorized motion is anticipated to increase SAU’s accredited standing all through the transition, guaranteeing that each one present and future graduates will obtain levels from an accredited establishment.

“We’ll cease at nothing to make sure that SAU maintains its accreditation and continues serving our college students,” stated Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware. “Our resolve to coach and empower our college students is unshakeable, and the whole SAU group stands collectively to assist the trail forward.”

Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess emphasised that SAU is just not closing, and courses will proceed as deliberate. The college is ready to start Fall 2025 courses nearly for each new and returning college students.

College has outlined a restoration plan

Regardless of the accreditation setback, SAU has made notable strides in monetary restoration and institutional reform over the previous 12 months:

Debt Restructuring & New Funding: SAU secured a $7 million mortgage from Gothic Ventures and is finalizing a significant partnership leveraging campus actual property for redevelopment, aiming to clear current money owed and fund future investments.

Enhanced Monetary Controls: The college accomplished 4 consecutive annual monetary audits (FY21–FY24), guaranteeing transparency and accountability.

Price Restructuring: Operations had been streamlined in late 2024, decreasing expenditures by roughly 50% and attaining $17 million in annual financial savings, leading to a balanced funds for the present fiscal 12 months.

Strengthened Governance: The Board of Trustees and administration have applied new oversight processes and a sustainability plan to assist long-term fiscal well being.

SAU’s management stays targeted on offering a high-quality, uninterrupted academic expertise. The college’s “SAU Reset” five-year strategic plan goals to propel the establishment ahead, with a continued emphasis on educational excellence and pupil success.

“Sustaining accreditation is a essential step in our plan to safeguard our college students’ futures,” stated Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples, Interim Provost & Vice President of Educational Affairs. “We’re assured that we are able to proceed offering federal monetary help and an accredited diploma pathway for our college students.”

To assist ongoing litigation and institutional initiatives, SAU has launched the Falcon Pleasure Initiative, searching for to lift $1 million to cowl authorized prices, together with a $350,000 retainer price. The college calls on alumni, donors, and the broader Raleigh group to stay steadfast throughout this era of transition.

SAU staying the course

SAU’s management is actively partaking with state and federal training officers, alumni, and companions to make sure a easy transition and to maintain the group knowledgeable. The college’s doorways stay open, and its mission to offer a nurturing, high-quality training endures.

“The Falcon group’s spirit is unbroken. SAU will proceed to soar to better heights, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can overcome any problem on the trail to institutional renewal,” stated Trustee Sophie Gibson.