Call for Accountability: Saint Augustine’s University Chair Urges SBI to Probe COVID Relief Fund Mismanagement

Saint Augustine’s University Board Chairman, Brian Boulware, has reached out to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to examine possible mismanagement of Covid-19 relief funds.

His statement came after a recent town hall event, where he emphasized the university’s commitment to transparency and responsibility. Boulware stated, “We chose silence not as avoidance, but as strategy, focusing instead on repairing our systems and stabilizing operations.”

Boulware acknowledged the challenges the university faces, including financial issues that he believes are complicated by public speculation. He mentioned that a significant portion of the federal relief funds intended for students might have been misallocated. “Our focus has been on securing funding and ensuring the long-term survival of this historic institution,” he explained.

In 2022, Dr. Everett Ward, a former president at the university, highlighted the critical role of Covid relief funds in supporting students during the pandemic. “These funds provided much-needed support to keep students enrolled amid disruptions caused by Covid-19,” he noted.

Recent reports indicate that millions meant for relief have not reached their intended destinations. The university has requested the SBI’s help in this investigation, but the agency advised Boulware to connect with the federal body that disbursed the funds.

As part of ongoing reforms, Boulware mentioned specific steps taken to restore financial integrity and insisted that work is ongoing despite the university’s challenges, including potential accreditation loss.

This is part of a broader conversation about how institutions manage financial aid. According to a 2023 report from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, nearly 70% of historically Black colleges and universities reported financial distress exacerbated by the pandemic. The careful management of relief funds is crucial now more than ever for schools like Saint Augustine’s.

As the investigation unfolds, many hope for clarity and accountability to help protect the future of the university and support the students it serves.

For more details on federal funding for education, check out the U.S. Department of Education website.

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