Saint Augustine’s University will start on time for the fall 2025 semester, the Raleigh-based university announced Friday.
Classes at the Raleigh-based university are set to begin on Sept. 2.
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Saint Augustine’s University also announced Friday the appointment of Sophie Gibson as the university’s Board of Trustees, effective immediately. She takes over the chair position from Brian Boulware, who will remain on the board.
“It has been a privilege to serve as chair of this historic institution during a time of great challenge and transformation,” Boulware said in a university-issued news release. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and confident in the leadership of Chair Gibson and the board to guide SAU into a bright future.”
Friday's announcement comes as the university secured a preliminary injunction to maintain the university’s accreditation for the upcoming fall semester. It means the university will remain operational through the fall. Saint Augustine’s University leadership will continue to undergo legal proceedings to maintain its accreditation.
The injunction filed on Thursday and granted this week prevents any disruption to the university’s accreditation status for the fall, according to SAU.
“This injunction is not just a legal reprieve; it is a testament to the power of the Falcon community,” Gibson said in the release. “It allows us to continue educating our students without interruption as we vigorously defend SAU’s future in court, and it shows that we soar higher when we soar together.”
SAU Interim President Marcus Burgess called the injunction "a tremendous win" for the university and its students.
“We have said all along that we will stop at nothing to maintain our accreditation and continue serving our scholars – and we meant it,” Burgess said in the release. “Our faculty and staff are fully prepared to begin the semester, and our commitment to providing an uninterrupted, high-quality education remains stronger than ever.
“We are deeply thankful to every alum, donor and friend who stepped up to make this possible. Your support has been a beacon of hope for SAU during this challenging time.”
SAU has gone back and forth with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to try to maintain its accreditation as it struggles to recover from financial difficulties.
In July, an arbitration panel affirmed the appeals committee’s decision upholding the SACSCOC’s move to remove SAU from membership. SAU vowed to file an injunction in court to keep its accreditation status and work toward maintaining that standing.
In the last two years, SAU has seen its enrollment dipping to as low as 200 students and moved to all virtual classes in spring 2024.
People have filed multiple lawsuits against the school involving unpaid bills. In the spring, a Wake County judge ordered SAU to pay more than $20 million to a wireless company. In March, the SACSCOC denied SAU's appeal to fully regain its accreditation.
May 2025 graduates received accredited degrees. The month before, Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, gave a $132,000 donation to pay the debt of 11 graduating seniors at SAU.
In late 2024, the university enacted budget cuts that reduced expenses by approximately 50% that created $17 million in annual savings.
A Save SAU alumni group formed in response to the turmoil. The group and several other former students and staff, including former track coach George Williams, said they were concerned about a $7 million loan from Gothic Ventures the school took out to repay some of its debts.
Gibson is from Atlanta. It marks the first time a woman has held the role of chair in SAU's history.
“We are deeply grateful for the steady leadership of Trustee Boulware during challenging times,” Gibson said in the release. “His leadership as chairman played a pivotal role in protecting the legacy and future of SAU.
“As we move into this new chapter, we honor their contributions while embracing a bold, strategic path forward that will strengthen our impact for generations to come.”
Lynette Mitchell, graduating class of 1989, from Williamstown, New Jersey, will serve as the board's vice chair. It marks the first time that women have both top board positions at SAU.