Following nearly two-years of unsuccessful appeal and arbitration processes against the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)’s decision to revoke Saint Augustine’s University’s accreditation, the HBCU has maintained its accreditation by court order while litigation proceeds.
Earlier this summer, the Raleigh, North Carolina-based university announced its plans to file an injunction in court to prevent any disruption to the institution’s accreditation status, effectively extending its status through the litigation process. This injunction was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on August 14 and granted soon afterwards. The filing of the preliminary injunction was made possible by support of the SAU community. In particular, the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine’s University raised $100,000 in funds to cover the initial legal fees.
This recent development will allow the HBCU to begin classes as scheduled on September 2 as an SACSCOC-accredited institution. As the legal proceedings continue, students can enroll and receive financial aid. The litigation will also allow SAU to pursue alternative accreditation avenues, while ensuring students’ education continues uninterrupted.
“This is a tremendous win for Saint Augustine’s University and, most importantly, for our students,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “Thanks to our supporters, we will open our (virtual) doors on September 2 as an accredited institution, just as we promised. We have said all along that we will stop at nothing to maintain our accreditation and continue serving our scholars – and we meant it. Our faculty and staff are fully prepared to begin the semester, and our commitment to providing an uninterrupted, high-quality education remains stronger than ever. We are deeply thankful to every alum, donor, and friend who stepped up to make this possible. Your support has been a beacon of hope for SAU during this challenging time.”
In addition to this historic step in maintaining its institutional accreditation, Saint Augustine’s University has appointed Sophie L. Gibson as the new chair of the board of trustees, making her the first woman to hold the position in the HBCU’s history. She has an extensive background in advertising, being the first woman to ever launch a digital marketing agency, VIVO360, Inc., in 2001.
“We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from our alumni and friends. Their commitment ensured we had the resources to take this crucial legal step to protect our students and our mission,” said Gibson. “This injunction is not just a legal reprieve; it is a testament to the power of the Falcon community. It allows us to continue educating our students without interruption as we vigorously defend SAU’s future in court, and it shows that we soar higher when we soar together. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide education grounded in integrity, faith, and excellence – now with renewed optimism that SAU’s accreditation and legacy will endure.”
