Saint Augustine's University Crisis: Candlelight Vigil Shows Support Amid Financial Challenges
Students, staff, alumni, and families gathered at Saint Augustine's Chapel on Sunday for a candlelight vigil. The vigil comes as the Raleigh university continues to grapple with financial challenges and uncertainties about its accreditation.
Organizers requested that the event remain private, but it was shared on social media to bring people together and show support for those affected by the university's status concerns.
According to a senior student majoring in political science, "Surely, we can all agree that Saint Augustine's, we are in distressing times."
During the vigil, students and faith leaders discussed their concerns and emphasized the power of faith, renewal, and hope. Saint Augustine's University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), was founded over 150 years ago in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina.
Rev. Hershey Stephens, speaking at the vigil, highlighted the importance of hope. He stated, "I think in our faith we don't acknowledge the current hardships we are in enough. It is tough, it's tough for students to focus, it's tough for professors and staff to pay their bills, it's tough for the administration to make promises and then break them…"
Rev. Stephens further added, "Look at these stones, quarried from this land, laid on top of one another by our first students, freed people, people whose parents and grandparents, people who may have known the indignity of slavery but had the hope of education."
In December, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) voted to remove Saint Augustine's University from its membership due to financial issues. However, the university has appealed the decision and launched a $5 million campaign to secure necessary funds.
Apart from enrollment concerns and delayed paychecks for employees, the university is also facing legal challenges. Former football coach Howard Feggins, who was fired in October 2023, has filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination. Additionally, former University President Dr. Christine McPhail, who was fired in December, has alleged discrimination and retaliatory behavior by the school's Board of Trustees.
At the Sunday vigil, one of the university's faith leaders expressed solidarity with the students, saying, "We know sometimes it's difficult when things are challenging, but I wanted you to know we're with you."
Saint Augustine's University has scheduled a news conference on Monday at 11 a.m. to discuss its strategic path for stabilizing the institution and ensuring a sustainable future. Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess will be joined by students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees.
The candlelight vigil highlights the unity and support among the Saint Augustine's University community in these trying times as they fight to overcome the ongoing crisis.
Analyst comment
Negative news. The candlelight vigil shows support for the university as it faces financial challenges and the potential loss of accreditation. The market may experience uncertainty and a decrease in investor confidence in the institution’s future prospects.
