Less than a month after Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina secured temporary accreditation ahead of the fall 2025 semester, the HBCU announced Marcus H. Burgess has resigned from his post as interim president for “personal reasons,” effective August 31.
Dr. Burgess was appointed SAU’s interim president in 2023, following the firing of his predecessor, Christine McPhail. He previously served in various administrative roles at several other HBCUs, including Claflin University in South Carolina, Florida Memorial University, and Voorhees University in South Carolina. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Claflin University in South Carolina, a master’s degree from The Citadel in South Carolina, and a doctorate from Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Verjanis A. Peoples, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, will assume SAU’s administrative responsibilities until further notice. She previously served as an academic administrator and dean of the College of Education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University.
“The board of trustees remains steadfast in its commitment to the mission of Saint Augustine’s University and to the success of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” reads a statement from the board. “Together, we look forward to advancing the work of strengthening and securing the future of our beloved institution.”
