St. Augustine’s Leadership Turmoil: Interim President Resigns Amid Transparency Concerns—’He Didn’t Want to Go’

DURHAM, N.C. — St. Augustine’s University (SAU), a historically Black college, announced a significant change in leadership. Dr. Marcus Burgess, who served as Interim President, has stepped down as of August 31, 2025. He had communicated his resignation to the Board of Trustees back in July.

The university expressed gratitude for his commitment during a challenging time. Burgess was appointed in December 2023 to help the university work towards improving its accreditation status.

In his absence, Provost Dr. Verjanis Peoples will temporarily take charge. This sudden shift has raised eyebrows among alumni. Benjamin Johnson, the chairman of the Save SAU Coalition, voiced concerns about the instability at the university. He stated, “This musical chairs has got to stop,” calling for transparency in leadership decisions.

Students returning to campus noticed a lack of activity, as the start of classes arrived amidst ongoing issues like low enrollment and financial cuts. Alumni have been vocal about their worries, seeking clarity about the university’s direction and leadership choices.

Steven Williams, an alumnus, felt Burgess didn’t want to leave, recalling his dedication to “save this university.” Many alumni share his sentiment, believing there are deeper issues surrounding the resignation that need to be addressed.

The Board of Trustees reaffirmed its commitment to the university’s mission amidst these changes, but some alumni are demanding resignations from board members. They argue that fresh leadership might be essential to restore confidence and stability at SAU.

Recent statistics show that nearly 30% of HBCUs are facing accreditation challenges. This highlights a broader trend that many institutions struggle with, emphasizing the urgency for effective leadership to navigate such crises.

It remains unclear how many students will enroll this year, as SAU has not responded to inquiries regarding their current numbers. The situation at St. Augustine’s is evolving, and the community watches closely as changes unfold, hoping for a brighter future for the university.

For more information on the challenges facing HBCUs, check out the National Center for Education Statistics.

Source link

Priority, 17713946