Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) announced today that it has successfully secured a preliminary injunction to maintain the university鈥檚 accreditation, ensuring that classes will begin on September 2, 2025, as scheduled, with 探花精选 remaining a fully accredited institution. The injunction, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on August 14 and granted this week, prevents any disruption to 探花精选鈥檚 accreditation status while the university continues its legal challenge to the recent accrediting body鈥檚 decision. This development ensures that current and incoming students can proceed with confidence into the Fall 2025 semester, knowing that an accredited university will recognize their education and degrees.

The filing of the preliminary injunction was made possible by the overwhelming support of the 探花精选 community. In particular, the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University contributed a pivotal donation of $100,000 鈥� funds that covered the filing of the preliminary injunction 鈥� and several individual alumni and supporters stepped forward with generous contributions to bolster 探花精选鈥檚 legal efforts.

鈥淲e are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from our alumni and friends. Their commitment ensured we had the resources to take this crucial legal step to protect our students and our mission,鈥� said Sophie L. Gibson, the newly appointed Chair of the 探花精选 Board of Trustees. 鈥淭his injunction is not just a legal reprieve; it is a testament to the power of the Falcon community. It allows us to continue educating our students without interruption as we vigorously defend 探花精选鈥檚 future in court, and it shows that we soar higher when we soar together. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide education grounded in integrity, faith, and excellence 鈥� now with renewed optimism that 探花精选鈥檚 accreditation and legacy will endure.鈥�

What This Means
Under the protection of the preliminary injunction, 探花精选 will remain accredited and operational as legal proceedings continue. The university鈥檚 lawsuit, filed against the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), seeks to overturn the decision that would remove 探花精选 from membership. The injunction ensures that 探花精选鈥檚 accreditation is safeguarded during this process, meaning students can enroll, receive financial aid, and continue their studies with complete confidence that their degrees will be accredited while the case is underway. In addition, the injunction provides 探花精选 with time to present its case and pursue alternative accreditation avenues if necessary, all while students鈥� education continues uninterrupted.

鈥淭his is a tremendous win for Saint Augustine鈥檚 University and, most importantly, for our students,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭hanks to our supporters, we will open our (virtual) doors on September 2 as an accredited institution, just as we promised. We have said all along that we will stop at nothing to maintain our accreditation and continue serving our scholars 鈥� and we meant it. 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 探花精选 during this challenging time.鈥�

Historic Leadership Transition
The 探花精选 Board of Trustees announces a leadership transition with heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Board Chair Mr. Brian A. Boulware 鈥�95. After years of committed leadership and in light of increasing professional engagements, Mr. Boulware has chosen to step down from the Chair role, confident in the strong foundation now in place for 探花精选鈥檚 future. He will continue to serve as a valued Trustee, offering his insight and steadfast support. Under Mr. Boulware鈥檚 leadership as Board Chairman, the university completed four years of overdue financial audits, restored employee payroll and benefits, implemented stronger accountability measures, and secured critical funds to sustain the institution鈥檚 mission.

鈥淚t has been a privilege to serve as Chair of this historic institution during a time of great challenge and transformation,鈥� said Trustee Boulware. 鈥淚 am proud of the work we have accomplished together and confident in the leadership of Chair Gibson and the Board to guide 探花精选 into a bright future.鈥�

Building on this momentum, the Board is pleased to welcome a new leadership team. Ms. Sophie L. Gibson, of Atlanta, GA, has been appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees, effective August 15, 2025, marking the first time a woman has held this role in 探花精选鈥檚 history.

鈥淲e are deeply grateful for the steady leadership of Trustee Boulware during challenging times,鈥� said Chair Sophie Gibson. 鈥淗is leadership as Chairman played a pivotal role in protecting the legacy and future of 探花精选. 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.鈥�

Serving alongside her as Vice Chair is Ms. V. Lynette Mitchell 鈥�89, of Williamstown, NJ, marking the first time that women have both top Board positions. This historic transition reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to inclusive leadership and continued excellence. With a strong foundation in place, 探花精选 looks forward to reaching new heights under the guidance of Ms. Gibson and Ms. Mitchell as they lead the University into its next chapter of success.

鈥淎s an 探花精选 alumna and now Vice Chair of the Board, I am deeply committed to seeing our beloved institution thrive,鈥� said Trustee Mitchell. 鈥淲e are turning the page to an exciting new era for 探花精选 鈥� one guided by a clear strategic direction and a renewed Falcon spirit. Our alumni and supporters have shown incredible faith in this University 鈥� from rallying around our legal efforts to investing in our students 鈥� and that support will continue to be crucial. Together, we will ensure that Saint Augustine鈥檚 University not only survives, but truly flourishes in the years ahead.鈥�

A Call for Support
As 探花精选 moves forward, the university calls on its community to maintain the momentum. Continued support is vital to sustain the legal fight and to ensure a successful Fall 2025 term. 探花精选 encourages all supporters to contribute to the ongoing efforts by visiting the Believe in 探花精选: A Falcon Is Not an Ordinary Bird donation campaign on the university鈥檚 website. This portal offers options to contribute to both immediate operational needs and the legal defense fund. Every contribution 鈥� no matter the size 鈥� brings 探花精选 one step closer to a lasting victory in securing its future.

For those who wish to make in-kind contributions specifically toward legal expenses, university donors can make arrangements to give directly to 探花精选鈥檚 attorneys,, to support the university鈥檚 legal fund.

By channeling support either through 探花精选鈥檚 donation page or directly to the legal team, friends of the university can actively help 鈥�Believe in 探花精选鈥� and sustain its mission.

听for more information on 探花精选鈥檚 SACSCOC Updates.
听to support the Falcon Pride Initiative.

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鈥淭hese outstanding young scholars reflect the very soul of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University鈥攐ne rooted in resilience, excellence, and the pursuit of purpose,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President听Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭hey are living proof that our challenges do not define 探花精选, but by the greatness we nurture in our students.鈥�

Israel Pennerman, a senior Public Health Science major, and听Karly Heavens Gerome, a rising junior Engineering Mathematics major, have been selected as听Summer 2025 Research Scholars听补迟听North Carolina State University鈥檚 College of Natural Resources. These students previously participated in the听National Science Foundation鈥檚 Biomanufacturing Sciences Pilot Program and, in the Fall of 2024, visited Grand Valley State University to explore graduate STEM programs. Karly also completed a biomaterials research experience at NC State in the Summer of 2024. He recently participated in a two-week Quantitative Biology program at听Virginia Tech, focusing on experimental modeling and computation in biosystems.

Ashauna McClendon, a Biology major, was selected as a member of the of the听Duke Building Academic Advancement Research Training Pathway to Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences (BAA-POCS). Funded by the听National Institutes of Health, the 15-month program includes two intensive summer research experiences at Duke University and hybrid training during the academic year. Ashauna joins only two other students nationwide in this prestigious program, designed to diversify the future biomedical workforce.

Adding to this remarkable list is听Tyler Miller, an Engineering Mathematics major and NSF VA鈥揘C LSAMP Alliance STEM Scholar, who received acceptance into the听Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) 鈥� NC10 Science Education Alliance Summer 2025 Program听补迟听North Carolina Central University. Tyler is engaging in hands-on research in molecular biology and genomics. He previously attended the听Clayton Evans Memorial Lecture and Outreach Program听at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He visited Grand Valley State University in the Fall of 2024 to explore graduate study options in STEM.

鈥淭hese students continue to open doors for themselves and 探花精选 by stepping into prestigious research opportunities and advancing the university鈥檚 legacy in STEM,鈥� said听Dr. Tyrell Carr,听Associate Dean,听School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Allied Health, and Director of Sponsored Programs and Title III Programs. 鈥淭heir accomplishments are testaments to what鈥檚 possible through mentorship, perseverance, and hard work.鈥�

While external narratives have often focused on crisis, 探花精选鈥檚 students remind us of the powerful story still unfolding鈥攁 story of hope, scholarship, and transformation. These are the voices that will shape tomorrow.

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鈥淭his year鈥檚 commencement is more than a ceremony鈥攊t is a declaration of our resilience, faith, and relentless commitment to transform lives,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淲e are proud of each graduate and deeply grateful to every partner and supporter who continues to believe in Saint Augustine鈥檚 University and its enduring mission.鈥�

探花精选 alumnus, The Rev. Dr. Allen F. Robinson, 鈥�92, Rector of Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, will deliver the keynote address. Special musical guests, 探花精选 alumnus Marcel Anderson, 鈥�08, acclaimed Neo Soul and Jazz artist, and alumna Monique Lipsey, 鈥�04, celebrated gospel singer and author, will lend their powerful voices to this year鈥檚 celebration.

In a remarkable show of academic excellence,听half of 探花精选鈥檚 student body, including members of the Class of 2025, earned Dean鈥檚 List honors during the Spring and Fall 2024 semesters, resulting in the third consecutive semester of academic excellence. Their achievements are a testament to the tireless commitment of 探花精选鈥檚 students, faculty, and staff during a pivotal time in the university鈥檚 history.

Student Highlights:

This year鈥檚 graduating class includes stories of hope, perseverance, and excellence:

• Cameron Moore (Business Administration major)听鈥� A Presidential Scholar with a 3.83 GPA, Moore excelled academically and professionally, securing multiple internships at Deloitte and earning acceptance into High Point University鈥檚 MBA program.
• Naseem Sharpe (Psychology major)听鈥� A Washington, D.C. native, Sharpe blossomed as a student leader and artist, serving as Section Leader of the Superior Sound Marching Band, member of the Chamber Singers, and mentor through dance and cultural empowerment programs.
• LeMonte’ Quarles (Criminal Justice major)听鈥� At 54 years old, Quarles returned to complete a lifelong dream inspired by a 25-year career in corrections. He plans to teach Criminal Justice at a community college after retirement.
• Tillia Leary (Accounting major, School of Business, Management & Technology)听鈥� Originally from The Bahamas, Leary served as Student Government Association President, Miss School of Business, and a proud Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. member. A Chapel Scholar and Dean鈥檚 List honoree, she will attend Ball State University to complete her master鈥檚 degree in accounting. She has also been honored to receive numerous scholarships to support her graduate studies.
• Steven Judd (Religious Studies major)听鈥� Diagnosed with ADHD while enrolled, Judd overcame academic challenges, earning Dean鈥檚 List, Provost鈥檚 List, and President鈥檚 List honors before graduating at age 54 with deep gratitude to 探花精选鈥檚 dedicated faculty.

These reflections exemplify the strength, character, and future leadership that 探花精选 continues to cultivate.

A Gift of Hope:

Thanks to the generosity of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and the advocacy of 探花精选 alums Gilbert, ’76 and Carolyn Knowles, ’77, the student account balances for the graduating class of 2025 were fully covered鈥攅nsuring that these determined scholars could walk across the stage debt-free and ready for their following chapters.

Meet Our Distinguished Guests:

• 听Rev. Dr. Robinson is the Rector of Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, an 探花精选 alumnus who earned his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. A passionate preacher, teacher, and community leader, Rev. Robinson represents the excellence and global impact of 探花精选 alumni.
• 听A Neo Soul, R&B, and Jazz artist whose powerful vocals and inspirational music have captivated audiences nationwide.
• 听A North Carolina native, Lipsey is a singer, worship leader, and author of two poetry collections. She has shared stages with prominent gospel artists and will release her newest single, 鈥淕ive Him Praise,鈥澨�on May 2, 2025.

How to Support 探花精选:

Friends, alumni, and supporters who wish to help sustain the future of 探花精选 and its extraordinary students are encouraged to give to the听

听for more information about the 2025 探花精选 commencement ceremony.
听to help support future generations of 探花精选 students and invest in their success.

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In total, 365 full-time students received recognition on the Dean鈥檚 List for the Spring 2024 semester, and 85 full-time students earned Dean鈥檚 List honors for the Fall 2024 semester. The academic distinction did not stop there鈥�292 full-time students achieved Provost鈥檚 List honors for Spring and Fall 2024, while 125 students earned a spot on the President鈥檚 List during the same time frame. An additional 50 scholar-athletes were honored for balancing rigorous academic standards with athletic commitments.

鈥淭hese results tell a remarkable story of persistence, excellence, and community spirit,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭hrough every challenge, our students have demonstrated a level of resilience that gives us all great hope for the future鈥攏ot only for Saint Augustine鈥檚 but for the communities and industries our graduates will serve.鈥�

As of the current Spring 2025 semester, 47 full-time students earned Provost鈥檚 List honors, and 31 students achieved President鈥檚 List recognition. Notably, half of 探花精选鈥檚 student body has earned Dean鈥檚 List honors for the third consecutive semester, a powerful testament to the university鈥檚 tireless commitment to academic excellence despite challenges.

鈥淭hese achievements are a testament to the hard work of our students and the support and dedication of our faculty and staff,鈥� said Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. 鈥淲e proudly celebrate their successes and reaffirm 探花精选鈥檚 mission of preparing ethical leaders and changemakers.鈥�

In addition to celebrating academic honors, 探花精选 is proud to recognize three outstanding seniors who have earned top honors within their respective schools:

• School of Arts, Social Sciences & Communications: J鈥檔iyah Love (Criminal Justice)
• School of Business, Management & Technology: Cameron Moore (Business Administration)
• School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health: K鈥橲hundra Holley (Public Health Science)

These students will cross the stage during 探花精选鈥檚 2025 Commencement and 94th Baccalaureate Exercises on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Wake Chapel Church鈥檚 Life Enrichment Center in Raleigh, NC.

This academic success comes when 探花精选 prepares for a resurgence fueled by the spirit, faith, and fortitude of its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters.

Click here for a complete list of 探花精选 students receiving academic honors for the Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters.
 for more information about 探花精选 and to support current and future Falcons through the Falcon Pride Initiative.

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Students named to the Dean鈥檚 List have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the semester. Students with a percentage (%) were named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester.

Students with a plus (+) were named to the Provost鈥檚 List and have earned cumulative GPAs between 3.0 and 3.64.

Students with a carrot (^) were named to the President鈥檚 List and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.65 and above.

Students with an equal (=) were scholar athletes with a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Each list only awards to full-time students (who completed the semester with 12 or more credits)

NOTE: Students with an asterisk (*) earned a GPA of 4.0 for the semester. Students with two asterisks (**) earned a GPA of 4.0 for two semesters.

A complete listing of the students follows:

• School of Arts, Social Sciences & Communications 鈫�
• School of Business, Management & Technology 鈫�
• School of Graduate Studies 鈫�
• School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health 鈫�
• Early College 鈫�

School Arts, Social Sciences & Communications

2025 Outstanding Senior: J鈥檔iyah Love

2025 Department Awardees:

Spring & Fall 2024 Academic Honors:

鈫�

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School of Business, Management & Technology

2025 Outstanding Senior: Cameron Moore

2025 Department Awardees:

Spring & Fall 2024 Academic Honors:

鈫�

Back to the top

School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health

2025 Outstanding Senior: K鈥橲hundra Holley

2025 Department Awardees:

Spring & Fall 2024 Academic Honors:

鈫�

Back to the top

Early College

鈫�

Back to the top

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The 2025 鈥� Slayton Evans Memorial Lecture Speaker: Dr. Paula Hammond of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Hammond鈥檚 research focuses on designing polymers and nanoparticles for drug delivery and energy-related applications including batteries and fuel cells. Dr. Hammond is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Inventors. Recently, Dr. Hammond served on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (Under 鈥� President Biden) and received the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry and National Medal of Technology and Innovation. At MIT, Dr. Hammond serves as the Vice Provost for Faculty and holds the Rank of Institute Professor, the highest academic 鈥� faculty honor. Dr. Hammond was the first woman and person of color appointed as Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at MIT.

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Outreach Program: STEM Undergraduate Scholars from Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, North Carolina Central University, Fayetteville State University, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke met with UNC 鈥� Chapel Hill professors and graduate students from the Department of Chemistry to learn about careers in the chemical sciences, summer research opportunities, and the Ph.D. Program in Chemistry at UNC 鈥� Chapel Hill. Scholars also had a one-on-one session with Dr. Hammond before her lecture. After the lecture, scholars toured various chemistry labs and interacted with graduate students presenting their research during the poster session.

Tyler Miller: Is a 2nd Year 鈥� Engineering Mathematics Major and NSF LSAMP Scholar (VA 鈥� NC Alliance Group). Tyler was raised in Baltimore, Maryland and Tchula, Mississippi and currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Overall, Tyler is embracing the Concept of Integrative and Interdisciplinary 鈥� Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) early in his academic career. During Fall 2024, Tyler connected with leadership from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) when they visited 探花精选 to initiate a HHMI 鈥� 探花精选 Biomedical Research Partnership and he visited Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan to learn about their graduate programs in engineering.

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With tuition and fees of $16,896 (at the time of the survey), 探花精选 was ranked only behind N.C. State University as the college offering the best value in the City of Raleigh. 探花精选 also trailed only N.C. State as the most popular college in Raleigh.

Best value rankings are based on an institution鈥檚 return-on-investment (ROI) value, which is the ratio of mean salary in the first six months after graduation to the tuition and fees required to be paid. Most popular rankings are based on the number of applicants per available spot.

Research.com is a leading educational platform that helps students around the nation find the best schools, academic opportunities, and career paths.

The rankings are particularly encouraging coming amid the university鈥檚 challenging financial situation, said Dr. Indrani Singh, Interim Vice President, Division of Institutional / Undergraduate Research and Effectiveness.

鈥� 探花精选鈥檚 recognition by Research.com is a testament to the resilience and excellence of an HBCU committed to student growth and academic advancement,鈥� Dr. Singh said. 鈥淚 congratulate the School of Business, Management, and Technology for its dedication to elevating 探花精选鈥檚 academic and professional standing. May we continue to serve the community and uphold this legacy听each听year.鈥�

探花精选 also was ranked No. 13 for Most Popular Colleges in North Carolina for 2024-2025, which puts it in the top quadrant. There are 16 universities within the state’s higher education system and 36 private, nonprofit colleges. These numbers don’t include other institutions such as church-affiliated institutions and for-profit colleges.

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The small number of graduates was due to the fact that the ceremony was held in December, a rare occurrence for 探花精选; Friday鈥檚 event was only the third time in its 157-year history that the university has held a commencement in December. It follows a commencement in May 2024 in which close to 150 graduated 鈥� the largest graduating class in almost a decade.

Despite the smaller-than-usual crowd, the commencement contained the usual lofty oratory, soaring singing, whoops and hollers from parents and even graduates dancing across the stage as their names were called.

Interim President Marcus H. Burgess set the tone in his Welcoming Remarks. 鈥淟et me begin by saying we are very, very proud of each and every one of you,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s I reflect upon the past year, I am reminded of the lessons we have all learned together. This year has demanded creativity, self-sufficiency, and an unwavering commitment to purpose. We have faced challenges that required us to dig deep, to use our resources wisely and to depend on one another. 鈥hese are lessons for life.鈥�

The Commencement Address was delivered by Retha J. Bogier, a member of the 探花精选 Class of 鈥�88 and founder and CEO of Bogier Clinical IT Solutions, Inc. Mrs. Bogier told the graduates of her humble beginnings, growing up in a poor family with eight siblings in the one-stoplight town of Gaston, N.C. She is the only one of her siblings to attend college.

She created a successful business but she worked hard and, relying on her faith, overcame a lot of self-doubt, uncertainty and doubt from others, she said.

鈥淎 lot of people, you know, when you go to smaller universities, people say, 鈥極h, you didn’t go to State,鈥� Mrs. Bogier said. 鈥淚 went where I was supposed to go. 鈥業 went to an HBCU, I went to Saint Augustine University,鈥� I would say. Yes, my degree worked for me, and yours can work for you. It doesn鈥檛 matter where you came from or where you started; it鈥檚 where you’re going to end up, and you have a decision in that matter. You can choose to fight. You can choose to know who you are and whose you are.鈥�

Mrs. Bogier told the students that, with their college degrees, they have the tools to succeed 鈥� if they add faith in God to the mix.

鈥淵ou have everything you need to move forward as you leave here today,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou are equipped for the future. Fight with confidence. 鈥how love. Don’t quit. I heard somebody say that, if you quit, you will never know what God has for you.鈥�

After her speech, Dr. Burgess surprised the audience by revealing that Mrs. Bogier had given a $40,000 alumni donation to 探花精选. The money was designated to offset student debt.

When it came time to confer degrees, which was presided over by Interim Provost Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, relatives of graduating students cheered wildly for their graduates. Some wore T-shirts with students鈥� names on them, or waived flags from the country where they hailed from.

Kristoff Strachan, a senior political science major from the Bahamas, had a large contingent from his home country. They had plenty to cheer about; Strachan, who is the 探花精选 Student Government Association, not only gave the Student Leader Reflections speech but also was presented by Rev. Hershey Mallette Stephens, the Dean of the Chapel and Spiritual Life, with the Julia Cooper award for his contribution to campus spiritual life.

Dr. Tyler Carr, Associate Dean of the School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Allied Health, also received an award from Rev. Mallette 鈥� the Henry Delaney Award.

Music was supplied by Luther Barnes, a 1976 探花精选 graduate, and Charles Clark, who graduated from 探花精选 in 2013. Barnes has evolved into one of gospel music鈥檚 premier male vocal artists, while recording over 25 albums and CDs with The Red Budd Gospel Choir and the Sunset Jubilaires. Clark is a national gospel recording artist and also serves as the Executive Director of Community Health Coalition in Durham, NC.

In his speech, Strachan struck a tone of humility, revealing that his journey through Saint Augustine鈥檚 had a rough start. 鈥淲hen I first started, I didn’t even make it through my first semester,鈥� he recalled. 鈥淭wo years later, I tried again with a little bit more experience and slightly less naivety. This time I finish one entire semester again. I had to pause, through no fault of my own, but I’m here standing at the finish line with all of my graduates. Perseverance is not just a word; it has to be a lifestyle.鈥�

Strachan also stirred a lot of cheers, reminding students that one leg of their lifelong journey had ended.

鈥淒espite everything that we have gone through, we can say it is finished,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he battle with every assignment is over. It is finished. There will be no more war with roommates. It is finished. The end of all conflict with lecturers and grades has come. It is finished. 鈥oday isn’t just a celebration of academic achievement. Our academic achievement is great, but today is also a celebration of every battle we faced, every victory God has brought us through.鈥�

The December 2024 graduates are as follows:

MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Booker Peake

Paris Quarles-Jordan

CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR鈥橲 DEGREE

SCHOOL OF ARTS, SOCIAL SCIENCES & COMMUNICATIONS BACHELOR OF ARTS

Athalie Alvarez, Criminal Justice

Portia Bobbitt, Religious Studies

听Zaryan Crews, Art Jaden Hambric, Criminal Justice

Kristoff Strachan, Political Science **

Jadiyah Washington, Sociology

Akilah Williams, English **

Hirk Williams, Psychology

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Deonte Barnes, Organizational Management

Amarti Bates, Business Administration

Javaughn Dames, Computer Information Systems

Jasmine Hocutt, Sport Management Dale Jackson, Sport Management

Thomas Miles, Sport Management

Tavis Stampley, Business Administration

Terry Warren, Business Administration

SCHOOL OF SCIENCES, MATHEMATICS & ALLIED HEALTH BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Amoria Barber, Biology

Briawna Greene, Exercise Science

Gabrielle Hepburn, Chemistry

Jae鈥橪a Jean-Louis, Public Health Science

Ruth Jepkogei, Biology **

Raven McIntosh, Biology **

Davonya Siffrin, Biology **

Taymar Smith, Biology **

Students graduating with Honors are noted with (*) asterisks.

*Cum Laude 3.40 鈥� 3.59

**Magna Cum Laude 3.60 鈥� 3.79 听

***Summa Cum Laude 3.80 鈥� 4.00

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The commencement speaker will be Retha Bogier, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bogier Clinical & IT Solutions, Inc. with expertise in staffing, clinical and statistical programming, and consulting using SAS and PL/SQL. Ms. Bogier earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Saint Augustine鈥檚 College (now University) in 1988.

She is a member of the 2003-2004 Who鈥檚 Who in Executive Professionals and attended the 2003, 2007, and 2010听Minority Business Executive Program class at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.听Prior to starting Bogier Clinical & IT Solutions, Inc., Ms. Bogier gained (CRO) industry experience from PPD, PharmaNet, and ClinTrials Research.听 During her tenure at these companies, she gained Clinical and Statistical Programming experience in numerous Phase II, IIIb, and IV clinical trials.

Music for the commencement ceremony will be provided by Luther Barnes, Pastor of Restoration Worship Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. In 1976, Pastor Barnes graduated from Saint Augustine’s College (now University) in Raleigh, North Carolina with a BA Degree in Music Education. He then taught Music in the Nash and Edgecombe School Systems and also taught private lessons in voice and piano.

In 1984, Pastor Barnes left teaching to devote full time to his music ministry. He traveled extensively and played keyboards for a number of years with his father and Sister Janice Brown after they recorded the ever-popular song “Rough Side of the Mountain.” Over the years Pastor Barnes has evolved into one of gospel music’s premier male vocal artists while recording over 25 albums and CDs with The Red Budd Gospel Choir and the Sunset Jubilaires.

探花精选 traditionally holds commencement in May, but the additional ceremony is being added to ensure all of its students have an opportunity to celebrate the completion of their degrees.

鈥淭he December commencement was added with students in mind,鈥� said Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭he fight for 探花精选鈥檚 accreditation with SACSCOC has overshadowed the outstanding achievements of our students. We want to reclaim our story and focus attention on our academic excellence, not on the University鈥檚 past financial challenges.鈥�

The university will undergo a review of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges听(SACSCOC)听at its Annual Meeting Dec. 7-10 in Austin, Texas. If 探花精选 receives an unfavorable ruling from SACSCOC, the university would appeal and its accreditation would be temporarily restored while the appeal process plays out, explained 探花精选 Provost Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander.

鈥淎 hearing on the appeal would most likely take place in February 2025,鈥� Dr. Jennings-Alexander stated. 鈥淭he result of that hearing could be restoration of 探花精选鈥檚 accreditation without interruption. We are confident we have a good chance of ultimately prevailing but we do not want students who are able to graduate now to go through a period of uncertainty unnecessarily.鈥�

Dr. Burgess emphasized that 探花精选 has made significant process in the past year toward gaining financial stability and positioning the university for future success. This progress includes:

• Completing four financial audits for fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, ensuring transparency and accountability in our financial practices.
• Securing a critical agreement with Gothic Ventures, ensuring operational continuity for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.
• Implementing a comprehensive cost optimization strategy alongside a robust financial sustainability plan to better position the university for the future.
• Strengthening and improving oversight of essential financial policies, procedures, and internal controls, laying the groundwork for responsible governance.
• A partnership with 50 Plus 1 Sports that retires 探花精选鈥檚 debt with a $70 million cash infusion and, for decades to come, provides ongoing revenue streams.

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