St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, has agreed to assume management of Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia. Both HBCUs are affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Saint Paul’s College lost its accreditation earlier this year. The college retains its accreditation as it appeals the decision, but there are only slightly more than 100 students on campus this fall.
Under the plan, St. Augustine’s University will manage Saint Paul’s College operations while it explores the feasibility of acquiring the Saint Paul’s campus as a branch of St. Augustine’s.
Dianne Boardley Suber, president of St. Augustine’s University, stated, “There continues to be a number of unknowns; however, we are excited about the possibilities as we move forward in a cautious and responsible manner. Our main responsibility continues to be the on-going health, and viability of Saint Augustine’s University. We have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us – a chance to create a model for other institutions with challenging circumstances. And, a chance for both of these fine institutions to leave their footprints on the future.”
Dr. Suber has led St. Augustine’s since 1999. She is the university’s 10th president and is the first woman to hold the position. Before coming to St. Augustine’s she was vice president for administrative services at Hampton University in Virginia. Dr. Suber is a graduate of Hampton University. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum development and supervision from the University of Illinois and a doctorate of education degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia.
It is great to see an HBCU step up and help out another HBCU to keep it alive. I hope and pray they get this done without affecting the financial stability of St. Aug.