Unraveling the Controversy: How a Single Fight Divided Saint Augustine’s University

In October 2023, a group of five education experts visited Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) to assess its financial health. SAU, a small, historically Black university in Raleigh, North Carolina, has struggled to maintain its reputation in recent years. Founded in the late 1860s by the Episcopal Church for freed slaves, it once stood as a beacon of education in the community. However, declining enrollment and financial instability have threatened its existence.

SAU had previously faced probation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS), but managed to regain accreditation. That changed dramatically during the 2023 evaluation when SACS raised serious concerns. The visiting committee, which included presidents from other colleges, reviewed the university’s finances and interviewed over 20 staff and trustees. Their findings pointed to critical financial issues and a board that struggled with oversight.

The report indicated that the board did not have a clear process for managing the university’s finances or for conducting audits. It criticized board members for approving budgets without any external verification, creating a troubling image of governance. Following this evaluation, SACS ultimately withdrew SAU’s accreditation, leading the university to file an appeal.

By December 2024, SAU’s enrollment faced another sharp decline, dropping to just a few hundred students. SACS then revoked the university’s accreditation again, stirring up further anxiety among stakeholders about the institution’s future.

SAU’s situation reflects a broader trend affecting small colleges nationwide, especially historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which often deal with unique funding challenges. More than 12 former employees and trustees have publicly voiced concerns about the board’s leadership in recent years, pointing to accusations of misconduct, wrongful termination, and other issues.

In an attempt to address the situation, an alumni group called Save SAU even filed a lawsuit against the university for mismanagement within the board. While current board chair Brian Boulware and former chair James Perry denied wrongdoing, tensions remain high among alumni and faculty. Critics argue that the board’s actions jeopardized the university’s future, noting that leadership decisions have often ignored concerns from community members.

Boulware continues to assert that the university’s challenges stem from a history of neglect rather than the board’s current actions. He has emphasized the board’s commitment to improvement, such as hiring an internal auditor and restructuring financial reporting systems.

Meanwhile, the university is negotiating a controversial property lease with a Florida developer, which many alumni see as a potential risk to SAU’s most valuable assets. Critics worry that such deals, made without transparency or clear communication, further erode trust in the administration.

Amid this turmoil, spirits among alumni and community members are mixed. As SAU approaches a hearing to appeal SACS’s accreditation decision, many are left questioning the board’s ability to govern effectively. The urgency of the moment has alumni reflecting on the past and fearing for the future of an institution that once meant so much to them.

Ultimately, the struggle at SAU highlights significant challenges facing many small colleges today. Effective governance, community trust, and financial oversight are essential for survival. As history echoes throughout the university’s halls, the path forward remains uncertain, heavily dependent on the responses of those at the helm. SAU’s future continues to hang in the balance, while the call for accountability and change grows louder.

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Saint Augustine’s University