Can St. Augustine’s Survive?

Given the troubling news and events over the past six months, students, faculty, staff, administrators, and supporters of St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh are all asking the same question: Can it survive its mounting challenges?

No stranger to negative headlines in recent stories, St. Aug’s, as it’s affectionately known by its alumni and supporters, is fighting for its very existence amid reports of its accreditation being revoked by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission; creditors (including the federal government) banging on its doors for millions in outstanding debts; and a growing pile of lawsuits and complaints by former employees.

Amid its struggles, SAU’s interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, assured the school community recently that “SAU will keep its doors open, and we have a clear plan to navigate the challenges ahead.”

Dr. Burgess also assured that “Our seniors will still graduate with a degree from an accredited institution, and our students will still receive college credit for their courses. Additionally, financial aid will continue to be honored, and we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that it remains unaffected by recent developments.”

With graduations traditionally scheduled just nine weeks away, Dr. Burgess’s declaration that there will be a 2024 senior graduating class is a hopeful sign, although many students have said they have no choice but to leave SAU early, given reported problems with their financial aid and the school’s struggles to maintain its accreditation and fiscal solvency.

Burgess is able to assure that SAU will maintain some semblance of accreditation over the near future because it is entitled to that by SACSCOC while it legally fights to maintain its status.

“Importantly, SAU will remain accredited throughout the arbitration and litigation processes,” the interim leader said in a statement.

SACSCOC formally removed SAU from its accreditation membership last December, informing the school in January. SAU then appealed that decision, only to lose subsequently. SACSCOC had placed SAU on probation since 2022, citing the school’s failure to meet fiscal responsibility requirements.

“We are committed to completing the arbitration proceedings within 90 calendar days,” Dr. Burgess continued. “If necessary, we will move quickly upon the completion of arbitration to file a lawsuit against SACSCOC seeking an injunction that, if granted, will allow SAU to remain accredited with SACSCOC on Probation for Good Cause until the conclusion of litigation.”

“We are committed to following the due process. We are prepared to engage in the arbitration and, if necessary, litigation proceedings with confidence and determination.”

If arbitration fails, attorneys for SAU would petition the court for an injunction to stop the loss of accreditation.

“We will move quickly to file a lawsuit against SACSCOC seeking an injunction that, if granted, will allow Saint Augustine’s University to remain accredited with SACSCOC on Probation for Good Cause until the conclusion of litigation,” said Dr. Burgess in a statement.