Stories tracking St. Aug’s accreditation fight and financial woes since 2023
The articles collectively reveal that St. Augustine’s University faces a complex struggle with accreditation due to financial and governance issues. This reflects broader challenges experienced by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Across the articles, a recurring theme is the critical role of accreditation in determining a university’s viability.
Several articles highlight specific elements of this ongoing situation. For instance, the decision by Wake County to replace St. Augustine’s with Shaw University as a partner for its leadership academies underscores the impact of accreditation on external collaborations. The meeting on the continued partnership while awaiting the accreditation appeal indicates the uncertainty facing the institution. Additionally, St. Augustine’s efforts to resolve financial difficulties, such as the legal appeal against the accreditation loss, illustrate the institution’s determination to navigate its crisis. Alongside, scrutiny over financial strategies, like the proposed lease deal with a Florida developer, highlights both innovative approaches and concerns from stakeholders about the long-term implications for the university’s campus and operations. This situation poses significant questions about the path forward for St. Augustine’s and similar institutions facing accreditation challenges.
NO. 1: ST. AUG’S PRESIDENT SAYS SHE WAS FIRED, AS UNIVERSITY FACES LOSS OF ACCREDITATION
Christine McPhail’s attorney said the firing is tied to a discrimination complaint she filed. | Published December 5, 2023 | Read Full Story by Dan Kane
NO. 2: WAKE’S SCHOOL ACADEMIES TO STAY AT ST. AUG’S FOR NOW, DESPITE ACCREDITATION FEARS
Some high school parents said they lack confidence “that this will be resolved in a way to help the students.” | Published January 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by T. Keung Hui
NO. 3: ‘WORKING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW’: ST. AUG’S PRESIDENT OUTLINES PATH OUT OF FINANCIAL WOES
The interim president of St. Augustine’s University said any decision to close the university is “years away,” but acknowledged the university is facing a serious crisis. | Published February 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean
NO. 4: DID ST. AUG’S LOSE ITS ACCREDITATION? A LOOK AT THE NC HBCU’S OPTIONS TO STAY OPEN
The university in Raleigh has indicated it will participate in two more efforts to keep its accreditation. | Published March 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean
NO. 5: ‘SAVE SAU!’ RALLY SUPPORTS ST. AUG’S UNIVERSITY AMID FINANCIAL AND ACCREDITING WOES
The rally to save St. Aug’s comes as students will graduate on Saturday after ending the school year in online classes. | Published April 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by T. Keung Hui
NO. 6: WAKE PICKS NEW COLLEGE PARTNER TO REPLACE ST. AUG’S AS HOST OF LEADERSHIP ACADEMIES
The school system had looked at five options, ultimately picking the one that “gave parents almost all of the things that they wanted.” | Published July 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Emmy Martin
NO. 7: ST. AUG’S PARTNERS WITH FLORIDA SPORTS VENUE DEVELOPER TO LEASE LAND IN RALEIGH
The cash-strapped Raleigh HBCU is entering a 99-year deal with the developer, 50 Plus 1 Sport, a report says. | Published November 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brian Gordon
NO. 8: ST. AUGUSTINE’S HAS A RICH HISTORY IN RALEIGH. HERE ARE PHOTOS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
As the university looks ahead to its next appeal to its accrediting agency, here are photos and some key moments from St. Augustine’s past. | Published January 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean
NO. 9: WHAT HAPPENS IF ST. AUGUSTINE’S LOSES ACCREDITATION? THREE OTHER HBCUS COULD OFFER CLUES
If St. Augustine’s is not able to retain its accreditation with SACSCOC, there are other avenues the university could pursue in its fight to stay open. | Published January 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean
NO. 10: LEASE COULD PUT ST. AUGUSTINE’S AT RISK OF LOSING ACCESS TO ITS OWN CAMPUS, DOCUMENTS SHOW
The state Attorney General’s Office has expressed “serious concerns” about the proposal. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean…