SAU Appoints Acting President, Continues Its Work to Keep Accreditation with SACSCOC 

RALEIGH, NC – Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) is making a significant transition to continue its momentum of progress. The university’s Board of Trustees announces the appointment of Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon to Acting President effective immediately.  

As Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs for the university, Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon has proven to be a transformational leader, establishing relationships with local elected officials, business leaders, and state and federal legislators. Before serving as the Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs, Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon served the university as the Senior Vice President for Student Experience and Operations. 

Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon has more than twenty-five years of experience in higher education, where she has provided leadership for two and four-year urban, suburban, and rural public institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Service Institutions, Predominantly White Institutions, and a non-profit business school. 

Appeal SACSCOC’s Decision In Order To Be Placed In Good Standing

After a year of demonstrating significant strides, Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) continues its efforts toward maintaining its accreditation. During the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL, the SACSCOC Board of Trustees voted to remove SAU’s membership from their accrediting body. SAU will receive an official letter of SACSCOC’s decision on January 11th, and the university will respond with a request to appeal the decision by January 21st. According to the SACSCOC policy, the university will remain an accredited institution on probation during the appeal process. 

“The work has already begun to appeal SACSCOC’s decision, and we will remain steadfast during this process,” said SAU Acting President Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon. “While we are disappointed by SACSCOC’s decision, we are confident and unified in our commitment to fulfill and complete our mission.” 

Since last year, SAU has taken unprecedented actions to protect and advance the university’s fiscal health. These efforts reflect significant progress in increased retention and graduation rates, alumni giving, improved graduates’ social mobility, grant activity, endowments, reduced student debt, and year-end balanced budgets. 

“We will stop at nothing to ensure that SAU maintains its accreditation,” said The Honorable Justice James E.C. Perry, Chairman of the SAU Board of Trustees. “We are experiencing one of the most important moments in the institution’s history. Our charge to everyone associated with the university is to comply with all policies and procedures, advance the institution’s mission and division, and work collectively to place SAU back in good standing with SACSCOC.” 

SAU’s appeal of SACSCOC’s decision will allow the university to continue operating as a fully accredited institution and still offer financial aid to students during this process. 

Click here to learn more about SAU’s accreditation status.