A Historic First for SAU Management
Saint Augustine’s College (SAU) has made historical past by appointing Sophie L. Gibson of Atlanta as chair of its Board of Trustees — the primary lady ever to carry the place within the faculty’s 157-year historical past. The announcement comes at a pivotal second because the college continues its battle to take care of accreditation.
Gibson takes the gavel from Brian A. Boulware, an SAU alumnus who has served as board chair since 2019. Whereas Boulware is stepping down from the management function resulting from increasing skilled obligations, he’ll stay on the board as a trustee.
Boulware’s Tenure and Accomplishments
Throughout his six years as chair, Boulware oversaw a number of key achievements. Underneath his management, the college accomplished 4 years of backlogged audits, stabilized payroll and advantages, and established stronger accountability measures. He additionally helped safe crucial funding and help throughout one of the vital difficult durations in SAU’s historical past.
In a press release, Gibson praised Boulware’s regular steering by way of turbulent instances: “His management helped hold the college shifting ahead when it was wanted most. We’re grateful for his service and sit up for constructing on the muse he set.”
Girls on the Helm
Gibson’s appointment is not only a milestone for her personally, however a breakthrough second for illustration on the prime of SAU management. For the primary time, each the board chair and vice chair are girls. Becoming a member of Gibson is Vice Chair V. Lynette Mitchell, a 1989 SAU graduate from Williamstown, New Jersey, who brings many years {of professional} and group management to the function.
This marks a turning level for the college because it leans into inclusive management throughout a interval that may outline its future.
Accreditation Combat Continues
The management transition comes at a crucial second for Saint Augustine’s. In July 2025, the Southern Affiliation of Faculties and Colleges Fee on Faculties (SACSCOC) moved to strip the college of its accreditation, citing monetary and governance issues.
Shedding accreditation would have main penalties, together with college students dropping entry to federal monetary support and the college’s levels carrying much less weight. Nevertheless, SAU just lately gained a authorized injunction that enables it to retain accreditation whereas the case proceeds.
The end result of this battle will form the college’s path ahead — and Gibson is moving into management at a time when regular, strategic steering is required most.
Wanting Forward
In her first remarks as chair, Gibson emphasised optimism and unity: “This second is about renewal. Our focus as a board is to be strategic, inclusive, and forward-thinking in order that Saint Augustine’s continues to be a significant a part of the HBCU legacy for generations to return.”
College students, alumni, and supporters are carefully watching how SAU navigates the months forward. With historic management in place and accreditation on the road, the college’s resilience will as soon as once more be examined.
