Breaking News: Man Arrested for Copper Theft at Saint Augustine’s University Amid Ongoing Arson Investigation

On Friday, Raleigh police arrested Ronald Hyman for stealing copper from air-conditioning units at a university campus. The police responded to reports of theft around 8:26 a.m. at 1315 Oakwood Ave. They didn’t specify which building was targeted or whether others might be involved.

Sandy Chapman, a track coach at the university, witnessed the scene. He saw men dismantling air-conditioning units and loading parts onto a cart. “I told them to leave and that I was calling the police,” Chapman shared. The suspects quickly fled by climbing over a fence.

This incident follows a recent troubling event on campus: an abandoned building was set on fire last month. Raleigh Fire Department investigated, but it’s unclear if Hyman had any connection to that incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the fire.

These thefts happen as Saint Augustine’s University faces serious financial challenges. Chapman described the situation as “quite depressing,” noting that many staff members have resigned or been laid off due to internal conflicts. “I’m here until the ship goes down,” he added, reflecting the uncertainty around the university’s future.

In July, an arbitration panel upheld a decision that could remove the university’s accreditation. However, the institution plans to fight this in court, asserting it remains accredited as it navigates these challenges.

In recent years, many historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) like Saint Augustine’s have struggled with funding and enrollment. A report from the United Negro College Fund indicates that many HBCUs have seen significant declines in student numbers. Saint Augustine’s enrollment dropped to as low as 200 students, prompting a shift to virtual classes by spring 2024.

This situation is a wakeup call for universities everywhere. Ensuring financial stability and student engagement is crucial for survival. As the landscape of higher education changes, schools must adapt to succeed.



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