Saint Paul’s College, the historically Black educational institution in Lawrenceville, Virginia, has been informed that it will lose its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. A formal announcement of the decision will be made next week. The college was founded in 1888 and is affiliated with the Episcopal Church. The latest Department of Education data shows total enrollments at the college of 566 students.
The loss of accreditation would be a devastating blow to the college’s chances of survival. If accreditation is revoked students would no longer be eligible for federal financial aid programs. Saint Paul’s College has vowed to appeal the ruling. Under the rules of appeal, the college would retain accreditation until the process is completed.
Eddie N. Moore Jr., president of Saint Paul’s College issued a statement, which read in part, “To say we are disappointed is a terrible under-statement. To have raised nearly $5 million in six months despite the challenges before us, and effected a managerial and strategic turn-around putting the College on a trajectory for a solid future was a team effort which resulted in a monumental achievement. If we can do this in half a year – imagine what we could do if allowed to continue reaffirmed.”
Dr. Moore added, “We came such a long way. While this is most certainly a bitter pill to swallow for our entire family, our friends, alumni, faculty, staff, students and our local community, I am not done yet. I look forward to learning the details of the Commission’s decision, rolling up my sleeves and focusing on our appeal. It’s just not over ‘til the angels sing.”
This is a tragedy to allow St. Paul’s to lose its accrediation and close its doors. The forefathers who founded this institution had little compared to what we possess today, and yet we cannot keep the school opened.
I am hurt deeply to think St. Paul’s College cannot make it through this difficult time with the millions of African Americans alive today.