For more than 158 years, Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) has stood on the quiet strength of faith and the persistent belief that education changes everything. Founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, our mission was clear from the beginning: to transform lives through learning, leadership, and service.

That mission has never changed, but today, our survival depends on whether others still share our belief in it as well.

Like many historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country, 探花精选 has faced moments of hardship. We have made mistakes, and we have learned from them. We have faced financial challenges, leadership transitions, and the heartbreak of skepticism 鈥� not only from critics, but sometimes from our own community.

And yet, we are still here. We are still teaching. We are still believing. We are still transforming lives 鈥� one student, one degree, one dream at a time.

When you step onto the grounds of 探花精选, you feel something more profound than struggle 鈥� you feel purpose. You feel the presence of those who built this place brick by brick with faith stronger than circumstance. That鈥檚 why I write to you today 鈥� not to ask for a bailout, but to invite your belief.

Our story is not one of defeat, but of redemption. We are rebuilding our foundation with integrity, transparency, and renewed commitment to the students and community we serve. We have a plan. We have the people. And we have one final chance to ensure that this institution 鈥� a cornerstone of Raleigh鈥檚 history and a national symbol of perseverance 鈥� continues to shine for generations to come.

探花精选 is more than an HBCU. It is a living testament to what happens when faith meets opportunity. It is proof that something once broken can rise again with grace, courage, and the support of a community.

To every philanthropist, leader, and believer who has ever wondered whether your support could genuinely change the world 鈥� I assure you, this is your moment.

Because saving 探花精选 is not about saving a single school, it鈥檚 about saving hope. It鈥檚 about saving opportunity. It鈥檚 about ensuring that a legacy built by faith can continue to build futures.

To those who have stood with us, we extend our gratitude. To those who have doubted us, we understand. And to those who are listening with open hearts 鈥� we invite you to believe again. Faith built us. Belief will sustain us. And together, we can make history once more.

With Falcon Pride,

Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples, Interim President
Saint Augustine’s University

Click here to support the Falcon Pride Initiative

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Effective immediately, Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples, Interim Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, has assumed administrative responsibilities and will serve in this capacity until further notice. Dr. Peoples brings extensive academic and administrative experience and will provide steady leadership and continuity during this transition.

The Board of Trustees remains steadfast in its commitment to the mission of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University and to the success of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Together, we look forward to advancing the work of strengthening and securing the future of our beloved institution.

Saint Augustine鈥檚 University Board of Trustees

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• 探花精选 has not authorized the use of its campus on November 7鈥�9, 2025, for any such event. No University official or department has approved this gathering, and our campus facilities are not scheduled or prepared to host events on those dates.
• The press release and promotional materials currently circulating are not sanctioned by Saint Augustine鈥檚 University. Any announcements suggesting otherwise are unauthorized and do not reflect the University鈥檚 approval or endorsement.

We share in our community鈥檚 desire to reunite and celebrate our beloved institution. 探花精选 is encouraged by the recent positive momentum in our journey forward, and we remain grateful to our alumni, students, faculty, staff, and supporters who are eager to rally around the University. Our commitment to rebuilding 探花精选 is as strong as ever.

That said, the unauthorized use of the University鈥檚 name and campus for a purported event is a serious matter. Such misrepresentation can confuse and unfairly raise false expectations among our loyal alumni and supporters. For the safety of our community and the integrity of our institution, we must be clear: at this time, our campus is not in a position to host large-scale events. Factors including ongoing facilities maintenance, the absence of current liability insurance for events, and limited security resources mean that any significant gathering must be carefully planned and officially approved well in advance. Unfortunately, none of these critical steps occurred for the advertised 鈥淎ll Falcons Come Home鈥� weekend.

探花精选 will not tolerate unauthorized use of its name or property. We are taking appropriate action to address this matter. (Our legal counsel will issue a cease-and-desist to the parties involved.) Our priority is to protect the University鈥檚 interests and prevent any further confusion or harm. We ask that those organizing or promoting this unsanctioned event immediately cease using 探花精选鈥檚 name or campus in their materials.

To our cherished alumni and donors: we want to reassure you that all official University events, fundraising efforts, and announcements are communicated through 探花精选鈥檚 verified channels 鈥� such as our official website, university email (@st-aug.edu), and our verified social media accounts. If you encounter any event or fundraiser that is not announced through these official channels, we urge you to exercise caution and contact the University to verify its legitimacy. Your generosity and school pride should always be channeled through secure, official avenues to truly benefit Saint Augustine’s University.

We sincerely regret any confusion or inconvenience this situation may have caused. 探花精选 remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of our community. We value every member of our Falcon family and share your enthusiasm for coming together to support our beloved alma mater. When the time is right and all proper arrangements are in place, we look forward to officially welcoming you home to campus for celebrations we can all participate in safely and proudly.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support. Together, as one Falcon community, we will overcome challenges, protect the legacy of Saint Augustine’s University, and soar to new heights.

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The Saint Augustine鈥檚 University Board of Trustees has intentionally maintained聽silence in recent months, not out of avoidance, but out of a sense of responsibility. By choosing restraint over rhetoric, our silence was not indifference鈥攊t was strategy. We have focused on repairing broken systems, restoring operational integrity, and navigating sensitive financial and legal matters that required聽discretion rather than debate. Our priority has been to secure funding, stabilize operations, and ensure the long-term survival of this historic institution.

We have refrained from engaging in public disputes to protect the university鈥檚 ability to negotiate with partners, respond to accrediting bodies, and operate聽with integrity in accordance with聽its legal obligations. However, as the university approaches a critical milestone in the accreditation process, and the nature and volume of false narratives circulated, it is time to clarify the facts. We must speak the truth plainly and directly.

The current challenges facing Saint Augustine鈥檚 University did not arise overnight. They are the cumulative result of a decade of administrative negligence, financial mismanagement, and a lack of accountability. The facts are as follows:

• In 2012, university聽leadership took a $6 million loan against the university鈥檚 $13 million endowment. No payments were made on that loan for鈥�seven years, causing the total to balloon with interest and fees. 滨苍鈥�November 2024, the loan was called by its creditor, resulting in the loss of $11 million from the endowment.
• 滨苍鈥�2016, the university received several federal grants.鈥�Approximately 90% of聽those funds were鈥�misused or drawn down with fraudulent documentation, severely jeopardizing our credibility with government partners.
• 滨苍鈥�2018, administrative staff coordinated with a vendor to manipulate financial records to falsify financial statements presented to the accrediting body, SACSCOC.
• 顿耻谤颈苍驳鈥�the COVID-19 pandemic, the university received millions of dollars in federal relief funds. However, university staff wired a significant portion tounknown sources, and we referred the matter to the鈥�North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, where we await further action.
• No audits were completed from鈥�2020 to 2024. The administration relied on pandemic-related waivers as an excuse, which masked the continued submission of鈥�inaccurate financial data.
• 叠别迟飞别别苍鈥�2021 and 2023, the administration permitted聽students to enroll and graduate without Board approval, despite鈥�76% of student accounts carrying balances exceeding $30,000. This practice undermined the university鈥檚 financial stability and compliance with federal aid regulations.
• 贵谤辞尘鈥�2020 to 2023,鈥�the administration did not pay any payroll taxes to the IRS. Despite meeting in person with the IRS during this time, the administration failed to聽notify the Board of this critical liability information we discovered upon the termination of the previous聽president.
• 贵谤辞尘鈥�2021 to December 2023, the administration鈥�willingly mislead聽the Board聽产测鈥�intentionally withholding information and submitting聽false financial reports, resulting the in the noncompliance with several federal agencies and ultimately crippling聽the university鈥檚 ability to operate聽efficiently. A legally binding document, such as an official affidavit, supports this information, resulting in the immediate termination of the principals involved.

These issues are not allegations鈥攖hey are documented realities. They represent聽a betrayal of public trust and a failure in leadership that has left the current Board and administration to do the hard work聽of repair. There is plenty of blame, and many individuals who now attempt聽to shift blame to the current Board were either silent or complicit in the past. At the same time, they held positions of power as their administration made those decisions.

It is critical to note that I did not join the Board of Trustees until鈥�2019 and was elected鈥�Chairman聽in 2024 after most of these failures had already occurred. Furthermore,鈥�over 70% of the current Board members have only served within the last 18 months. We were not present when the damage was done, but we have accepted the responsibility of leading the recovery.

Nevertheless, our focus is not on finger-pointing鈥攊t is on rebuilding.

In that spirit, this Board and our Interim President have taken unprecedented steps to reverse years of decline, in less than 18 months:

• Completed four years of previously overdue audits.
• Restored payroll and employee benefits.
• Implemented cost containment measures and accountability frameworks.
• Secured temporary operating funds to maintain聽instruction and graduation.
• The Court dismissed a baseless lawsuit filed against the university鈥檚 leadership.
• Engaged openly with students, alumni, and the broader community while pursuing a bold campus master plan and accreditation recovery strategy.

Yet, our progress has been consistently undermined by false narratives fueled by individuals more interested in spectacle than solutions. Social media posts, public rants, and unfounded accusations have created confusion, harmed donor confidence, and jeopardized funding opportunities. Let us be clear: defamation is not advocacy. Our legal team has thoroughly documented every defamatory claim and is prepared to respond appropriately and in the proper venue.

We understand the anger, fear, and frustration many in our alumni community feel. We also know that social media commentary is not a substitute for verified evidence or legal due process. Saint Augustine鈥檚 University now needs unity, not division; hope, not hysteria; solutions, not slander. We are fighting for this university鈥檚 future, not just its reputation. That work continues, and we welcome everyone ready to contribute constructively to that mission.

We will not allow disinformation to define us. The work before us is far too important.

The Board of Trustees remains聽fully committed to the future of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University鈥攊ts students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We invite everyone who still believes in the value of this institution to walk with us in truth, unity, and faith. Our goal is not to look backward in blame but to move forward with bold, transparent leadership that honors the legacy of this university and secures its rightful place for generations to come. Let this be a turning point鈥攏ot in rhetoric, but in results. We remain聽committed to the students, faculty, alumni, and partners who believe in Saint Augustine鈥檚 University鈥攁nd to ensuring its legacy survives and thrives.鈥�#BelieveIn 探花精选

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As we approach the SACSCOC Annual Meeting this weekend in Austin, Texas, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the journey we have shared as a community and to call for unity among all members of the Saint Augustine鈥檚 University family. We recognize that the challenges we have faced this year have tested our resilience, but we are progressing together toward a brighter future.

This year has presented us with significant financial and accreditation challenges. However, thanks to the tireless commitment of our board, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community, we have achieved meaningful milestones:

• We completed four financial audits for fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, ensuring transparency and accountability in our financial practices.
• We secured a critical agreement with Gothic Ventures, ensuring operational continuity for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.
• After a challenging period, we are proud to announce the restoration of employee payroll and health insurance benefits, reaffirming our commitment to the well-being of our staff.
• We implemented a comprehensive cost optimization strategy alongside a robust financial sustainability plan to better position our university for the future.
• We strengthened and improved oversight of essential financial policies, procedures, and internal controls, laying the groundwork for responsible governance.
• We successfully dismissed the lawsuit filed against the board of trustees by the SAVE 探花精选 Coalition, allowing us to focus on constructive dialogue and shared goals.
• 探花精选’s partnership with 50 Plus 1 Sports retires our debt with a $70 million cash infusion and, for decades to come, provides ongoing revenue streams for our stakeholders, including the campus, students, and community partners.

While we understand that not everyone may agree on the methods used to navigate these challenges, we must remember that our ultimate goal is the same: the success and sustainability of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University. We must come together, respect one another鈥檚 perspectives, and support each other as we pursue our collective mission.

As we participate in the SACSCOC Annual Meeting, we carry the spirit of cooperation and determination. Let us stand united, demonstrating our commitment to excellence, integrity, and transparency. Together, we are more robust, and we can forge a path toward a thriving future for our beloved university.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Falcon community.聽

With Falcon Pride and unity,

Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, Interim President, Saint Augustine’s University
Brian A. Boulware, 鈥�95, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Saint Augustine’s University

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The Board remains in constant communication with Gothic Ventures to ensure the terms of the agreement are in the best interest of our university. We are fully committed to exploring all avenues that will secure a sustainable financial future for 探花精选.

In this pivotal moment, we call on all alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters to stand together as we work toward a stronger future for Saint Augustine鈥檚 University. With unity and collaboration, we can overcome challenges and continue to advance the mission of our institution.

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The Board of Trustees of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) appreciates the court鈥檚 decision to dismiss the baseless lawsuit filed by the Save 探花精选 Coalition. We respect and value the judicial process, and we are grateful that the court has recognized our commitment to operating within the bounds of the law and prioritizing the best interests of our institution and its stakeholders.

This decision reaffirms our dedication to transparency, accountability, and governance that serve the greater good of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, our students, and our broader community. While legal actions such as this can bring challenges, we view this as an opportunity to strengthen our focus on advancing the university鈥檚 mission.

As we look forward, the Board is committed to building on 探花精选鈥檚 legacy of academic excellence, community engagement, and inclusivity. We are actively working on strategic initiatives to enhance the educational experience for our students, strengthen relationships with alumni and community partners, and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the university. The support of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community is invaluable as we move 探花精选 forward with resilience, integrity, and a vision for growth.

Together, we are committed to forging a path of innovation, opportunity, and excellence for Saint Augustine鈥檚 University. The Board will continue to work diligently, fostering an environment where our students and faculty thrive and where the university鈥檚 values are upheld with the highest standards.”

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• We will be working to make some maintenance upgrades to dorms and classrooms.
• We will be finalizing major funding that will allow us to pay overdue student refunds and staff salaries from last semester.
• We will be restoring power and water to the buildings affected by Tropical Storm Debbie.

• We need you to complete your application for聽聽and your聽.
• We need you to complete your聽聽and pay your聽if you plan to live on campus, if you have not done so already.
• We need you to be on the lookout for information related to your new learning management system, Brightspace, and complete the activities to help you get oriented to the system.

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Dear Saint Augustine鈥檚 University Community,

It is with a sense of unity and shared purpose that I bring you this message of triumph and resilience. In a unanimous decision, the arbitration committee has overturned the unjust ruling of The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), reinstating 探花精选鈥檚 membership with the sanction of Probation for Cause until December 2024.

This monumental decision allows 探花精选 to address its challenges and continue to carry out its mission and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. This decision is a testament to the shared belief in the value of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University and the importance of allowing us to continue this legacy.

The arbitration committee鈥檚 decision not only corrects the injustice inflicted upon us but also provides a path forward for 探花精选 to demonstrate compliance with the Principles of Accreditation by December 2024. Armed with renewed purpose and determination, we stand ready to meet this challenge head-on.

Let us dispel any lingering doubts or misinformation about our university鈥檚 future. 探花精选 will open its doors for the Fall semester as planned, reaffirming our tireless commitment to our students and the community we serve. We refuse to be defined by our challenges but rather by how we rise above them.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our board of trustees, faculty and staff, students, alumni, and all who stood by us during these trying times. Your relentless support has been a beacon of hope in our darkest hours. We will rebuild, thrive, and emerge more vital than ever.

As we look to the future with renewed confidence, let us remain united in our mission to uphold the legacy of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University. Our journey continues, and we are optimistic about the bright future.

With Falcon Pride,

Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, Interim President

Saint Augustine鈥檚 University

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Dear Falcons and Supporters,

On this occasion of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University鈥檚 Founders Day, as we embark on our 157th year of legacy and excellence, I am honored to address you with a message of gratitude, resilience, and hope.

As we reflect on our shared history, we honor the legacy of our founders from the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, who established 探花精选 as a beacon of hope for future generations. On this day, July 19, 1867, 探花精选 was chartered as a 鈥淣ormal School and Collegiate Institute鈥� with the vision 鈥渢o afford young men and women superior advantages for obtaining a thorough academic education, to train and equip teachers for efficient service, and to prepare young men for the Holy Ministry.鈥� One hundred fifty-seven years later, we acknowledge the many achievements of our students, faculty, staff, and over 11,000 living alumni. We remain dedicated to sustaining a learning community where students can prepare academically, socially, and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing world.

Today, 探花精选 stands at a critical juncture, facing financial and accreditation hurdles that demand our collective strength and dedication. Despite these challenges, I assure you that 探花精选 will continue to thrive and open its doors for the Fall semester. We are guided by our commitment to academic excellence and student success, drawing strength from our storied past and the resilience that defines our university.

Our fight for accreditation is ongoing, and your steadfast support remains pivotal in securing 探花精选鈥檚 future. We must stand united in adversity, dispel rumors, and affirm that 探花精选 is accredited and here to stay. Together, we will triumph in our mission to preserve 探花精选 for generations.

As we celebrate Founders Day and embrace the challenges ahead, I invite you to join me in shaping a better 探花精选 that exemplifies excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Your collective energy, passion, and commitment to supporting the have sustained us during trying times, fueled our momentum toward more significant achievements, and are appreciated and crucial in ensuring a future where 探花精选 survives and thrives. Your support is invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for it.

Let us forge ahead together on a path of resilience and renewal, ensuring our legacy endures for centuries. Thank you for being an integral part of 探花精选.

With Falcon Pride,

Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, Interim President

Saint Augustine鈥檚 University

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