Tagged: Saint Augustine's University

Amidst Accreditation Turmoil, Marcus Burgess Resigns as Interim President of Saint Augustine’s University

According to a statement from the SAU board of trustees, Dr. Burgess resigned for personal reasons, effective August 31. Verjanis A. Peoples, interim provost, has been selected to lead the HBCU's administrative responsibilities until further notice.

Saint Augustine’s University Maintains Accreditation Ahead of the Fall 2025 Semester

“Thanks to our supporters, we will open our (virtual) doors on September 2 as an accredited institution, just as we promised,” said SAU Interim President Marcus Burgess. “We have said all along that we will stop at nothing to maintain our accreditation and continue serving our scholars – and we meant it.”

Saint Augustine’s University Takes Legal Action to Maintain Accreditation

“SAU is not closing – our doors remain open, and classes will continue,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. "Our priority now is to ensure every student can complete their education at SAU with an accredited degree in hand, and we have a clear plan to make that happen.”

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

Saint Augustine’s University Loses Appeal to Maintain Accreditation

“This decision does not define us—our resilience does,” said Interim President Marcus H. Burgess. “We urge our alumni and supporters to stand with SAU as we strengthen our foundation and ensure our mission continues for generations.”

Saint Augustine’s University Will Appeal Accreditation Decision

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has recently voted to remove Saint Augustine's University's accreditation. The university will maintain its accreditation during the appeals process. To remain accredited, the HBCU has until February 2025 to provide evidence of its financial stability.

Duke University Partners With Two HBCUs to Advance Diversity in Otolaryngology

Beginning in January, undergraduate HBCU students from Bennett College and Saint Augustine's University will have the opportunity to participate in otolaryngology and communication sciences research with Duke University faculty.

Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon Named Seventeenth President of Arkansas Baptist College

Prior to her new role, Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon was the vice president of community relations and governmental affairs at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh. She has a robust background in higher education, including service as the first African American president of Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota.

Saint Augustine’s University Secures Financial Assistance to Alleviate Short-Term Concerns

A new agreement with Gothic Ventures will provide Saint Augustine's University with up to $30 million in credit. Initially, the HBCU will leverage $7 million in funding to address short-term cash flow requirements and any outstanding financial balances.

Saint Augustine’s University Maintains Its Accreditation

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has reversed a December 2023 decision to strip Saint Augustine's University of its accreditation. Now the SACSCOC has the affirmed the HBCU's accreditation through December 2024.

Saint Augustine University Transitioning to Exclusively Online-Learning in April

In the midst of a financial and accreditation crisis, historically Black Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina has decided to transition to fully-remote learning and asked all students on campus to move out by April 3.

Marcus H. Burgess Is the New Leader of Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh

Dr. Burgess most recently served as vice president for institutional advancement at Claflin University In South Carolina. Before his return to Claflin in 2019, Dr. Burgess served several institutions in a leadership capacity, including York Technical College in Rockhill, South Carolina, Florida Memorial University, and Voorhees University in South Carolina.

Amid Accreditation Crisis, a Change in Leadership at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina

Two days after the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges voted to strip historically Black St. Augustine's University of its accreditation, president Christine McPhail was fired.

Three African American Men Who Have Been Appointed to Provost Positions at Universities

Stevie Lawrence II has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. Farrell J. Webb is the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, and Ricardo Phipps is the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

New Administrative Posts in Higher Education for Five African Americans

Taking on new administrative duties are Omar O. Bell at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, Dana McPherson at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Michael Newby at North Carolina Central University, Carol Ash at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, and Shareese Williams at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Saint Augustine’s University Awards Tenure to Three Black Faculty Members

Sheria D. Rowe is the assistant dean and professor in the School of Business. Patrick Webb is an associate professor of criminal justice and Shirlkeymu L. Winston is an assistant professor of African American history.

New Administrative Roles in Higher Education for Five African Americans

Taking on new administrative roles are Marvin Lewis at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, Yvonne Harris at Northern Illinois University, Earl Warren at Talladega College in Alabama, Marcia Pecot at Xavier University in New Orleans, and Stephen Latson at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

New Administrative Duties at Universities for Four African Americans

Taking on new administrative roles are Runell J. King at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina, Jade Packer at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, Clinton Fluker at Emory University in Atlanta, and Richelle D. Payne at Hampton University in Virginia.

Colorado Community College Systems Partners With Two Historically Black Universities

The system's signature Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program guarantees new, first-time students admission to participating four-year institutions upon completion of an associate degree at a Colorado community college. Saint Augustine's University and Texas Southern University will become the system’s first out-of-state transfer options.

Saint Augustine’s University Enhances Its Partnership With Wake Tech Community College

Since 2012, the two institutions have offered transfer options for Wake graduates in business administration and criminal justice technology. According to the new agreement, graduates of any associate degree program at Wake Tech can now transfer up to 64 credits toward a four-year degree in an applicable degree program at the private historically Black university.
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Lora Bailey Appointed Provost of the University of the Virgin Islands

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With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bailey most recently served as director for research development at historically Black Virginia State University. A scholar of early childhood education, she has held academic and leadership roles with numerous universities across the United States.

Dennis Mitchell Named Dean of the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

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Dr. Mitchell has taught at the Ivy League dental school for over three decades. He has made significant research contributions regarding the oral manifestations of HIV, particularly among patients from underserved populations. He also has served in senior university administrative roles since 2014, focusing on faculty advancement and development.

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