St. Augustine’s University reported steep faculty and staff cuts Saturday as it tries to rescue itself from a deep fiscal hole and keep its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
A news release from the HBCU in Raleigh said it has reduced expenses by $17 million this fiscal year by cutting half of the university’s employees, including 67 staff positions, 37 full-time faculty positions and 32 part-time faculty positions. It has also ended several under-enrolled programs, and has been “settling outstanding balances with vendors,” the release said.
The cuts are part of a “comprehensive strategy to ensure compliance with SACSCOC and secure its accreditation,” the news release said. Universities without accreditation risk losing federal financial aid for students.
“As stewards of this institution, our focus is on its long-term sustainability through shared governance,” said Hadley Evans Jr., vice chairman of the Board of Trustees and chair of the finance committee. “While we recognize the seriousness of these financial adjustments, these decisions are essential for safeguarding the future of Saint Augustine’s University and the students we serve.”
The university, which was founded in 1867, has been struggling financially for years. Last December, the university fired President Christine McPhail, the same day that SACSCOC said it was pulling the HBCU’s accreditation. SACSCOC later relented, but the university meets with the agency again next month to determine its status.
“The momentum we are building is promising. While difficult, we acknowledge the seriousness of our financial challenges, and these measures are crucial for our long-term sustainability,” said interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “We are committed to transforming SAU into a financially stable institution that prioritizes the success of our students and stakeholders.”
In the news release, the university listed several achieved milestones toward financial stability and compliance with accreditation standards. They include completing four financial audits for 2021 through 2024, winning financial support from Durham-based Gothic Ventures to keep the university running through the academic year, restoring employee payroll and health insurance benefits, and winning dismissal of a lawsuit filed against the Board of Trustees by the SAVE SAU Coalition.
“The steps we take today symbolize our dedication to a financially secure future,” said Mark Yates, vice president for business and administration and chief operating officer, in the news release.