SAU to Appeal Accreditation Decision, Reaffirming Its Commitment to Excellence

RALEIGH, NC — The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board has voted to remove Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) from membership following its annual meeting in Austin, Texas. SACSCOC found that SAU resolved all issues except those related to finances. However, this decision is not final. SAU plans to appeal, ensuring its accreditation remains intact while the appeals process unfolds. Graduates in December 2024 and May 2025 will continue to receive degrees from an accredited institution.

What This Decision Means

The removal from membership will only take effect if SAU chooses not to appeal. SAU maintains its accreditation by pursuing an appeal until the appeals committee and potentially an arbitration panel make their final rulings. The appeals process allows SAU to present additional financial evidence in February 2025 to address remaining concerns.

“SACSCOC could only consider information SAU presented as of November 18, 2024. Saint Augustine’s University has made significant progress even since that date, including finalizing the $70 Million deal with 50 plus 1 Sports. The SACSCOC Board could not consider that information on Saturday during our hearing. Still, we look forward to providing that evidence during our February appeals hearing, along with other information that will definitively resolve all the remaining areas of concern,” said Dr. Marcus Burgess, President of Saint Augustine’s University. “While this may seem like a disappointing decision, we view this as an encouraging outcome that acknowledges our progress, and we are excited about the opportunity the Appeal affords us. This opportunity to prove that SAU is now a stronger and more financially healthy institution will bring confidence to our stakeholders and partners, ensuring them that SAU remains a cornerstone of opportunity and innovation for our students and the Raleigh community.”

Key Focus Areas of the Appeal

SAU will present evidence of transformative measures implemented since November 2024, including:

• Financial Resources: Secured financial resources through partnerships with public and private agencies
• Governance Reforms: Enhanced oversight, transparent processes, and strategic financial management to ensure sustainability.
• Financial Reforms: Implementation of corrective actions for audit findings and plans for repayment of outstanding obligations

The appeal represents a pivotal moment for SAU to reinforce its commitment to continuous improvement while engaging alumni, faculty, students, and community partners in shaping the university’s future.

Progress and Partnerships

While navigating this process, SAU remains committed to growth and innovation. The university’s partnership with 50 Plus 1 Sports, expected to generate $70 million in funding, highlights its proactive efforts to secure a brighter future for its students and the Raleigh community.

“This partnership reflects our determination to not only address challenges but also secure a brighter future for SAU and the communities we serve,” said Brian Boulware, Chairman of the SAU Board of Trustees. “We will continue to foster innovation, resilience, and excellence as we move forward.”

A Call to Action

During this pivotal time, SAU urges its alumni, supporters, and the Raleigh community to rally behind the institution. Contributions of time, expertise, and resources are crucial to the university’s continued success.

“We are stronger together,” said Hadley Evans, Jr. “As we navigate this appeal, we are inspired by the support of our community and remain steadfast in our pursuit of progress and excellence.”

For updates on SAU’s SACSCOC accreditation status and appeal, visit SAU’s SACSCOC Updates.

Feature photo: Saint Augustine’s University