2024 brings another development involving one of North Carolina’s historically black colleges/universities (HBCUs). Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) celebrates a triumph as the arbitration committee appointed by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) decided to reverse the controversial decision to strip SAU of its membership. This reversal not only reinstates SAU’s membership but also validates the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
“The SACSCOC arbitration committee’s decision serves as a pivotal moment for SAU’s redemption and renewal,” said Brian Boulware, Chairman of the SAU Board of Trustees. “The unanimous reversal by the arbitration committee rightfully corrects the injustice inflicted upon SAU by SACSCOC’s initial ruling and underscores the university’s steadfast commitment to excellence and growth.”
In a favorable turn of events, the arbitration committee announced its decision to overturn the ruling of the February Appeals Committee and the decision made in December 2023 by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees to remove SAU from membership. This week’s ruling to reverse those earlier decisions allows SAU to maintain its esteemed membership with SACSCOC, although still under the sanction of Probation for Cause. This pivotal outcome provides a renewed opportunity for SAU to resolve issues of non-compliance related to financial resources and oversight.
“This reinstatement acknowledges SAU’s relentless dedication to upholding academic standards and ensuring a thriving educational environment for our students,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “We are resolute in our mission to overcome challenges and emerge stronger than ever.”
The arbitration committee’s decision not only rectifies an unjust ruling by SACSCOC but also paves the way for SAU to showcase compliance with Core Requirement 4.1, Core Requirement 13.1, Core Requirement 13.2, Standard 13.3, Standard 13.4, and Standard 13.6 of the Principles of Accreditation. This opportunity fills the university community with optimism and hope for SAU’s future. SAU is poised to seize this opportunity and provide new, verifiable financial information to solidify its standing within the SACSCOC C & R Committee.
“The commitment and resilience shown by our community throughout this ordeal exemplify the spirit and determination that define Saint Augustine’s University,” said Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Our faculty and staff’s tireless efforts to preserve SAU’s legacy of educational distinction help strengthen us in this accreditation journey.”
Dispelling any rumors or misinformation surrounding SAU’s future, the university certainly reaffirms its intent to welcome students back for the Fall semester. SAU remains steadfast in its mission to rejuvenate its reputation and dispel doubts about its longevity.
As SAU embarks on a path toward recovery, it extends gratitude to all supporters who stood by the university during this challenging period. SAU remains resolute in its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and uncompromising dedication to the transformative power of education. This commitment should reassure and instill confidence in its students, faculty, staff, board of trustees, alumni, and supporters.
