Johns County is offering residents a "front row seat" into the dialogue between departments and community partners as it begins the process of shaping its budget for Fiscal Year 2026 The county is hosting a Budget Workshop Series May 8-13 at the St “I would like to give you a clear view of how funding decisions are made — and how your voice can influence those decisions,” County Administrator Joy Andrews said in a letter to county residents County departments will give Andrews their operational needs priorities and plans for the upcoming year regarding public safety services such as fire and rescue plus infrastructure for quality-of-life investments such as parks libraries and future economic developments “This is your chance to understand the landscape of community needs and the strategies behind how we fund the public services that serve you,” she said in the letter residents and volunteers who help enhance “our quality of life.” “Whether you’re revitalizing Vilano Main Street or historic Hastings Main Street organizing book sales through the Friends of the Library to enrich our readers' experiences or advocating in West Augustine to bring vital medical facilities and safe spaces for our youth — your impact is felt,” she said “From Ponte Vedra leaders who keep a careful watch over the quality of our streets to those who maintain our ballfields in perfect condition for the next tournament to our firefighters who are always ready between called your commitment shines in every corner of our county.” Andrews described the county’s first Strategic Plan by the Board of County Commissioners as a significant milestone used to prioritize residents' needs by delivering services in alignment with the community’s vision “It [the plan] is our essential reference to move forward prudently making well-informed decisions that reflect our focus on transparency The Daily Briefing: Get the latest St. Augustine news in your email each day. Sign up for The Record's newsletter Workshops will be broadcast live on the county’s TV channel, GovTV, at www.sjcfl.us/watch-govtv-live Workshop recordings will also be available through video-on-demand under the Other Videos Archive within three days of the completion of each workshop GovTV is also available on Comcast Cable: Channel 3 in southern St Channel 26 in Jacksonville and for U-verse subscribers on channel 99 Augustine University’s academic year ended on Saturday Speakers at the University’s 94th commencement ceremony wasted no time asking for prayers for the embattled HBCU “I would ask you to just hang in there with St And that God is doing a new work and a new thing at St There’s plenty to pray about. The university is facing multiple lawsuits over unpaid bills. Its former President, Christine McPhail, is also suing two members of  St. Augustine’s Board of Trustees alleging sexual discrimination and wrongful firing On top of that, St. Augustine's is appealing its accreditation to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Colleges (SACSCOC) yet again, after a previous appeal in March failed So right now we’re waiting on arbitration,” said Interim University President Dr St. Augustine’s has also been working for months to secure a $70 million bridge loan a process Burgess says still isn’t complete we have to continue to vet things out,” said Burgess But amid the pomp and circumstance on Saturday Burgess said the focus now should be on the class of 2025 and their dedication to the University and that’s the most important thing,” said Burgess 25 seniors received their degrees Saturday and plans to go on to get her Master’s degree at Ball State This ceremony was far smaller than just the year before when 168 students packed St Aug’s stadium to get their degrees Students then worried if their alma mater would survive another year Students on Saturday have been asking the same question Burgess said the university is now looking at new ways of moving forward including trying to appeal to a wider array of students the 34-year-old who had dreams of finishing school Why can’t we be a university for degree completion “So those are some of the things in our master plan We want to make sure we’re available for everyone.”  Uncertainty over the future didn’t overshadow the joy for the class of 2025 As university officials handed out degrees Tears trickled down the faces of some of the graduates Rock band Heart has canceled its June 24 concert in Jacksonville and booked another one for the same night in St The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame act had been scheduled to play at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The ticket sales page for that event now reads "CANCELLED." The band is still booked for a Northeast Florida show that night, but now it will be at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and tickets for the Jacksonville show will not be honored at the amphitheater Fans holding tickets to the Jacksonville concert will receive refunds and were given a pre-sale code to the new St May madness: Shrimp Fest, Jazz Fest and 98 other fun things to do around Jacksonville in May Jacksonville Ticket Tracker: Billy Bob, Lorrie Morgan, Brandon Lake book concerts The band, which formed in the early 1970s in the Seattle area, is led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson and has sold more than 30 million albums (This story was updated to add a photo gallery.) Officials at the historically Black college are now contesting the decision to strip its accreditation via arbitration — a process it’s been through before Saint Augustine’s has been on the precipice of losing its accreditation for over a year the university’s accreditor — the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges — voted to terminate the university’s accreditation college officials successfully contested that last year through arbitration Yet in December, SACSCOC once again voted to terminate Saint Augustine’s from its membership citing issues with the university’s finances and governance Saint Augustine’s Thursday announcement says that it lost its appeal of that decision but arbitration once again gives the university another shot at retaining its accreditation the university has sought to shore up its budget through widespread cuts and new sources of funding Still, Saint Augustine’s is grappling with steep declines in enrollment, with just 200 students in the 2024-25 academic year, WRAL reported That’s down from over 1,100 students just two years ago Saint Augustine’s officials announced they had secured up to $70 million “at competitive market rates and terms” in a deal that they expect to close later this month University officials did not disclose where the $70 million in funding is coming from The announcement comes after Saint Augustine's failed to get approval from the state attorney general's office to enter a land lease deal with 50 Plus 1 Sports In January, the attorney general’s office said the deal could put the university’s nonprofit status at risk arguing that the upfront lease payment of up to $70 million was far too low for Saint Augustine’s 103-acre property The office said the campus had been appraised at over $198 million Following the decision from the attorney general’s office, the two parties began restructuring the deal to lease less than half of Saint Augustine’s campus to 50 Plus 1 Sports, INDY Week reported Under the new terms — which circumvent the need for the state office's sign-off — the sports development firm would also share some of its revenue from its use of the land with the university Saint Augustine’s did not mention 50 Plus 1 Sports in Thursday’s announcement “This funding is a game-changer,” Hadley Evans “We now have the financial leverage to protect SAU’s legacy and create sustainable revenue streams through strategic campus development.” Saint Augustine’s has also drastically cut its workforce amid its financial woes the university said it was cutting over 130 staff and faculty positions to shave $17 million from its budget Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts "Any requirement that law schools demonstrate 'a commitment to diversity' is deeply problematic," said Attorney General Pam Bondi could take on new importance as the traditional-age pipeline weakens The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines Saint Augustine's University has lost an appeal hearing for its accreditation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reaffirmed its December decision to remove the private HBCU from its membership The university said it will remain open and is pursuing an "arbitration process" to ensure students graduating in May do so from an accredited institution “This decision does not define us — our resilience does,” said Interim President Marcus Burgess in a statement “We urge our alumni and supporters to stand with SAU as we strengthen our foundation and ensure our mission continues for generations.” Universities must be accredited to receive federal funding, like Pell Grants. The SACSCOC decision will affect a significant majority of Saint Augustine's campus, as the university distributed Pell Grants to 76% of its students in 2023 whose research focuses on accreditation issues “It’s usually pretty financially difficult to continue as an unaccredited institution.” Conroy said after schools lose their accreditation it's harder for a school to recruit students Enrolled students often decide to transfer to accredited institutions Saint Augustine's University has already lost more than 800 students from 2023 to this year the HBCU has also had trouble paying its faculty as well as nearly $10 million in tax liens from the IRS The school also has $32 million in other unpaid debts Continued financial instability was a driving factor in SACSCOC's decision to revoke the HBCU's accreditation The agency originally put SAU on probation in December 2022 after it failed to meet several of its financial standards The HBCU's latest gambit is a lease deal with a sports development startup called 50 Plus 1 Sports The university said the deal will provide a $70 million "cash infusion" and touted the partnership as a lifesaver for the HBCU In December, Interim President Marcus Burgess said he was confident the agreement, along with the HBCU's other strategic changes, would "definitively resolve" all of SACSCOC's remaining areas of concern the university is claiming that $70 million partnership will help it remain open regardless of SACSCOC's decision to revoke its membership “This funding is a game-changer,” said Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Hadley Evans Loan experts and the state Attorney General's Office have expressed serious concerns about the 50 Plus 1 Sports deal The university originally planned to lease all 103 acres of its land to 50 Plus 1 Sports the state Attorney General's Office had to sign off on any agreement involving more than half of its land In it's initial review, the AG's Office said the deal raised several "chief areas of serious concern" and it didn't reflect the true value of the HBCU's land SAU later revised the lease agreement to involve less than half of its property negating the need for the state to sign off “We have made substantial progress and are confident that our strengthened financial position and governance will ensure a positive outcome,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware and we are resolute in our commitment to academic excellence.” Saint Augustine’s University has been a member of SACSCOC since 1942 WUNC partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage Two new pickleball court facilities opened in the city in 2024 serving the community on and off the courts.  One of the biggest additions is Old Coast Pickleball it was founded by Tim and Ashley Owens to test out CourtReserve their software company that helps sports clubs manage their operations Old Coast is home to two full pickleball courts and state-of-the-art facilities credited as the main factor in attracting players Johnson also mentioned that Old Coast is the only club within two hours that does organized play a unique feature that allows players to have guaranteed games that fit their level of play.  “We’re giving people a place to come Growing pickleball opportunities in southern cities get seniors off the couch and onto the court the annual pickleball growth rate in 2024 was 45.8% and the region with the highest total number of players was the South Atlantic with 2.8 million players Pickleheads added 4,000 new locations in 2024 bringing the total to 15,910 courts nationwide says USA Pickleball’s 2024 Annual Growth Report attracting players from many different backgrounds to play a fun and easy-to-learn game while simultaneously improving the mental and physical health of its participants Old Coast Pickleball isn’t the sport’s only new addition to St Augustine’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) adopted a masterplan of beautification projects to improve both Robert B Hayling Freedom Park and Eddie Vickers Park located in the historic Lincolnville neighborhood As part of some of the beautification projects carried out in 2024 the CRA upgraded the Vickers Park sports courts to two full basketball courts and six full pickleball courts The Vickers Park sports courts were in bad shape so much so that residents were unable to use them “We introduced pickleball as a secondary court because the sport is growing in our community and on the larger scale… adding the courts addresses public interests and introduces activities for residents,” said Jamie Perkins creates social connections and boosts players’ mental health Johnson noted the value of pickleball’s health benefits and potential to alter lifestyles in retirement communities like St “It’s better just to have more healthy things in the south where we aren’t exactly known for healthy lifestyles,” Johnson said “Especially in a retirement community people choose to come to places like Florida to kind of live out their golden years… And for a lot of people’s golden years But now we have people in their 70s out here crushing it Johnson also explained how pickleball’s low barrier of entry gives people a competitive outlet they don’t often get to express.  “Once people realize that it’s pretty easy to hit this ball suddenly there’s this chance… you see a 55-year-old man with a dad bod he remembers Friday Night Lights,” Johnson said and as Johnson said: “having fun is important.”  and so you need some of that,” he explained.  Augustine as a social outlet for all members of the community According to a blog from Team Travel Souce promote inclusivity and encourage personal growth ethnic and age lines and is a place where people are less segmented “We take away the stigma that a lot of people have around socializing all you gotta do is be a part of it,” Johnson said Perkins said the new pickleball courts in Vickers Park are a wonderful asset and have positively impacted the community.  “People come from all areas of the county to visit our new court system… residents really enjoy it,” she said The community impact in Lincolnville isn’t quite as simple though Perkins addressed that while beautifying the community is a positive it can sometimes have a vicious cycle.  “The new courts and other beautification projects have created great opportunities for people who live there and those who have moved there recently but they still present challenges for people who have lived there a long time Gentrification raises housing prices and new people who are willing to pay those prices move in displacing long-term residents,” Perkins said You must be logged in to post a comment. a hail of lawsuits and a continued fight over its accreditation to get to this point The St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival returns to Ancient City Farmstead May 7 through May 11 Presented by Publix the culinary and beverage extravaganza includes 21 events designed for every tastebud and budget It will also spotlight celebrity guest and local chefs and wines an artisan market and a Publix Cooking Demo Stage will be included in Saturday's festivities VIP lounges and a family friendly Mother’s Day Sunday Jazz Brunch is also included the annual event A fun afternoon of all-inclusive culinary and beverage tastings in the beautiful pastoral farm setting Guests will enjoy a curated VIP Lounge with tastings from Boar’s Head a gourmet Bloody Mary bar and four signature cocktails from the antique Tap on Wheels truck.Laiken Love and the Fellowship of Love Band will perform beginning at 2 pm Cooking demonstrations will take place on the Publix Cooking Demo Stage take place from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m Celebrity chef/author Jeff Johnson will follow suit Guests can vote for their favorite tasting bites and drinks in the People’s Choice Harvest Awards One hundred percent of silent auction proceeds will be awarded to the Vilano Beach Main Street More about the festivalThe festival is supported in part by the St. Johns Cultural Council, Florida’s Historic Coast: St. Augustine/Ponte Vedra and a 2025 St. Johns County Tourist Development Grant. Vilano Beach Main Street, a St. Augustine 501(c)3 organization will receive a portion of ticket sales and 100% of the silent auction proceeds. The festival has also created a culinary scholarship with its non-profit partner, First Coast Technical College Guests are encouraged to arrive early for the weekend events. Go to St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival and the festival’s social media channels: Facebook, and Instagram for more information or contact jan@adfishgroup.com The former president of Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh is suing two current members of the board of trustees for their roles in what she calls a hostile work environment that eventually led to her firing names then-Board of Trustees Chairman James Perry and then-Vice Chairman Brian Boulware as defendants Christine McPhail says Perry and Boulware fostered an environment of sexual discrimination against female board members as well as female employees of Saint Augustine's University Both Perry and Boulware are still on the board In the lawsuit, McPhail details the swift downfall that she says led to her firing McPhail claims years of derogatory behavior toward women which came to a head during a Board of Trustees meeting in October 2023 McPhail highlights a contentious interaction with another board member who is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit she was given an official termination letter The lawsuit claims McPhail's complaint about that October board meeting directly led to retaliation that eventually cost her her job the school was and still is trying to dig out of a financial hole as well fix problems with its accrediting agency which impacts whether students can receive federal financial aid That money is a major source of  Saint Augustine's revenue Boulware refused to comment about the lawsuit WRAL Investigates also received a document that Saint Augustine's confirmed is legitimate The legal declaration from another Saint Augustine's employee said McPhail was not always honest with board members when discussing the school's finances it does back up claims made about that contentious board meeting in October 2023 which McPhail feels was the beginning of her end we cannot provide any additional reference." McPhail is seeking at least $150,000 in punitive and compensatory damages As America gathers family and friends to celebrate Easter on April 20 Augustine will be hosting its Easter traditions rooted within the context of its own rich tapestry of history America's oldest city offers the perfect venues to worship in the many ways Christians do as they acknowledge the most reverent of the Christian holidays Augustine Record has compiled a list of historical information religious services and venues from Good Friday to Easter sunrise along with local and government closures that begin on Good Friday Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Observed this year on Friday, April 18, Good Friday is a solemn day of sorrow, penance and contemplation for Christians worldwide. Click here to learn the history of Good Friday and how it is commemorated by Christian sects across the globe Augustine's Easter sunrise and Easter morning services Would you rather leave the cooking to others on Easter Sunday Augustine Record has compiled a list of some of the eateries open on Easter It's suggested that you plan — and call — ahead Fixed priced menus and online reservations might also be in effect Hey, if we've missed a foodie hotspot that will be open on Easter Sunday, please email us at Lviti@gannett.com Easter celebration at Ocean Grove Resort will be April 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. with Easter Egg Hunts, sack, spoon and egg and relay races, bowling, bubbles, photo ops and of course the Easter Bunny. Visit https://allevents.in/ocean%20grove/easter The St. Augustine Easter Parade will be April 19 from 9 to 10:30 a.m dubbed "Parada de Caballos y Coches,” begins at the Old Jail and travels along Avenida Menendez and the bayfront Johns County and West Augustine's Community Redevelopment Agency will hold an Easter Parade on April 20 from 4 to 5:30 p.m James Missionary Baptist Church and ending at Collier-Blocker-Puryear Park Johns County Board of County Commissioners Supervisor of Elections Office and Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office will be closed on Good Friday Standard business hours resume on April 21 Augustine's government and administrative offices will be closed on Friday Solid waste collections will continue as scheduled Good Friday is not considered a state holiday, but it is considered a legal holiday when state offices may be closed The United States Post Office will be open for normal business Friday The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center shows no rain over Florida through Easter Sunday, April 20. Click here to learn more about Florida's Easter weekend forecast A town hall event was held in Raleigh to address the future of St members of the community gathered at Martin Street Baptist Church voicing their concerns about the future of the historically Black University The town hall was hosted in part by Save SAU Coalition Falcon's Unite and Roland Martin Unfiltered because this could be your HBCU next," said Roland Martin Hundred of people signed up to be in attendance with thousands more listening in online Martin spoke to panelists made up of alumni former leadership and city leaders to discuss challenges plaguing the university in it's fight to remain open The HBCU is facing staggering financial debt and loss of accreditation The school lost it's accreditation appeal in March due to staggering financial debt and an inability to prove it is stable SAU has been sued by two companies for a total of more than $18 million The university is also battling a dramatic loss in its enrollment with just 200 students enrolled this year compared to 1,108 last year SAU alums and supporters hope the event can boost the exposure for the university "We've been putting a lot of work into this," said Save SAU Coalition Chairman Benjamin Johnson We're still working at trying to correct the wrongs of others That lawsuit prompted IT company Avaria to also take legal action according to the company's attorney Byron Saintsing The Avaria lawsuit alleges that the historically Black university has paid some Aug’s owes Avaria $448,067.33 in late bills and $884,520 for the remainder of its contract Saintsing said Avaria is still providing services to the school despite taking legal action particularly when you're trying to be supportive of the university where you draw that line between being supportive and continuing to offer services versus protecting your own pocketbook," Saintsing said the services that are being provided are pretty crucial to the university It's basically a lot of the IT infrastructure it would make a very bad situation even worse." continue to support the University and the University finds a solution that ends up paying everybody what they're owed.. and that they'll be able to pay the debt," Saintsing said the the assets of the university may get liquidated and creditors may or may not get paid as a result of that liquidation." also holds the distinction of being one of the nation’s most charming Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting the area for the first time we’ve gathered all the resources you need to find where to stay what to do and other community information about our unique little village << View All Events information is noted below for local Easter Sunday Sunrise Services in St An event every week that begins at 9:45 am on Tuesday and Thursday Augustine is the perfect place to relax in the sun for everyone Augustine’s beaches stretch from Vilano Beach north of the city to Crescent Beach in the south The Intracoastal Waterway naturally divides the mainland from the barrier islands with their miles of gorgeous coastline with many public areas for beach recreation and relaxation Augustine’s beaches are often at the top of the list St Augustine’s beaches provide a variety of options from idyllic State Parks to public beaches only a block or two from restaurants Augustine Beach where cars are allowed in designated areas be sure to check out the great local bars and restaurants that line A1A Observe beach rules for safety and to preserve the natural habitats Keep in mind that no alcohol or glass is allowed on the beach itself Personal watercraft vehicles must be launched from area boat ramps and not directly from the beach While you are visiting the St Augustine area we want to provide you with all the information about our beaches that we can so that you have a safe and fun experience You will find all the beach related information for St Johns County beaches on the St Johns County (SJC) Connect App for driving conditions and areas of the beach that may be closed due to tidal conditions This App replaces the “Reach the Beach App” used in the past Users can find all their beach-related updates and details under the ‘more’ tab within the SJC Connect App Download the SJC Connect App Johns County has wheelchairs specially designed to roll on the sand so that everyone in your family can experience the fun of the beach A three day notice is required to reserve a beach wheelchair There is a limited supply of chairs and during the spring and summer months they book up quickly Delivery of the chair must be on one of the public beaches managed by St Johns County You may make a reservation up to one year in advance and can be reserved for up to 7 days The delivery time on the first day of your reservation can not be guaranteed and must be returned by 3pm where the chair was originally delivered on the last day of your reservation For more information and/or make a reservation you may call, 904-209-0331, or click here for Beach Accessible Wheelchair information page. Vehicles are permitted on Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, and Crescent Beach within designated areas. However, access may be limited dependent on weather, sand, or tides. This may include the closing of vehicle access ramps or a limit of 4-wheel drive vehicles only. Traffic is regulated and a ten mile per hour speed limit is strictly enforced.  St Johns County Facebook page is updated regularly for beach driving conditions Beach driving and access ramps can be found at the following locations: Vilano Tollbooths are open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm through the end of August Beach passes may be purchased at tollbooths at the above access ramps Daily Pass:  Residents & Non-Residents – $10.00 Handicapped & Active Military – $5.00 100% Disabled Veteran with proper identification – Free Annual Pass:  Resident – $50.00, Non-Resident $ 100.00, Handicapped – $40.00, Disabled Military are eligible for a free annual pass by presenting military ID or a letter from Veterans Affairs verifying disabled status.  For more information, including where to purchase and cost qualifications, can be found on the St. Johns County Website Crescent Beach is located in the southern area of St natural setting and is a great place for beachcombers It is convenient to excellent RV and camping facilities Location: Just south of the intersection at A1A and State Road 206 about 15 minutes south of historic downtown St Augustine and is dedicated to preserving a fragile dune system that is home to the native Anastasia Island Beach Mouse and gopher tortoises This area of pristine beach offers full services to visitors including parking on and off the beach Location: South A1A just two miles from St Phone: (904) 209-0752 Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily Augustine Beach is located on Anastasia Island where you can enjoy white sand beaches RV and cabin camping areas are located nearby Vehicles are permitted on the beach within designated areas Location: Old A1A Beach Boulevard south of State Road 312 at the St Anastasia State Recreation Park is a protected bird sanctuary and consists of 1,700-acres and five miles of beautiful beach equipment rentals such as umbrellas and beach chairs Vehicles are prohibited from driving on the beach in this area Augustine Lighthouse and the Surf Station approximately one mile from the Bridge of Lions on Anastasia Island Hours and Admission fees: Hours are generally 8:00 am until sundown passengers in a vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass This serene beach is a local “best-kept secret” offering a wide variety of vacation rentals parasailing and Sea Doo rentals and several parks You can charter a deep sea fishing boat or a sailboat from this area Location: North A1A just over the Usina Bridge less than five minutes from historic downtown St North Beach offers a serene oceanside environment and two campsites Enjoy the ocean and the Intracoastal waterway North Beach features great seafood restaurants Location: North A1A just past Vilano Beach approximately five minutes from downtown St South Ponte Vedra Beach is located in northern St Johns County and just south of Ponte Vedra and the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour beach access is limited and no vehicles are permitted on the beaches Location: North A1A about 20 minutes from downtown St Location: North Beach Access Lot at 1600 S South Beach Access Lot at 2200 S .Ponte Vedra Blvd Location: South end of Ponte Vedra Beach on Highway A1A. 1109½ Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra. Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park Map fishing and beach-combing are popular activities on this coquina type beach Web Web [Episcopal News Service] Saint Augustine’s University the historically Black college with Episcopal roots in Raleigh has been dealt another setback in its ongoing fight for survival after its accrediting agency denied the school’s latest appeal Saint Augustine’s has at least one more option as it attempts to remain an accredited university Loss of accreditation could threaten the school’s viability despite university leaders’ insistence that they have secured the funding needed to continue operating “We have made substantial progress and are confident that our strengthened financial position and governance will ensure a positive outcome,” Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware said in the news release The release also emphasizes that the university’s failed appeal does not mean it is closing Accreditation will remain active during the 90-day arbitration meaning that all students who graduate in May 2025 will receive degrees from an accredited institution Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh is one of two remaining historically Black colleges with Episcopal roots The university “remains dedicated to providing high-quality education and student support services as it evaluates all available pathways forward,” according to the news release which adds that the university expects to close later this month on an agreement with unnamed partners for $70 million in “sustainability focused funding at competitive market rates and terms.” Saint Augustine’s and the much smaller Voorhees College in Denmark are the two remaining historically Black higher education institutions with Episcopal roots The pair of colleges has received several million dollars from The Episcopal Church in recent years while also accepting the church’s guidance on administrative and fundraising matters when it was established by Episcopalians in the Diocese of North Carolina Though still rooted in the Episcopal tradition it now operates as an independent institution Under federal guidelines, colleges and universities seek accreditation by an approved governmental or nongovernmental agency like SACSCOC to ensure they meet “acceptable levels of quality,” according to the U.S. Department of Education Accreditation, for example, is a minimum standard typically verified by managers when assessing graduates for potential employment An academic institution that fails to retain accreditation also could be disqualified from federal grants and student aid programs potentially jeopardizing the school’s ability to remain open – David Paulsen is a senior reporter and editor for Episcopal News Service based in Wisconsin. He can be reached at dpaulsen@episcopalchurch.org We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyse our traffic We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorised as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyse the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customised advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyse the effectiveness of the ad campaigns Brown argues his termination came without cause We use cookies to improve your experience Please read our Privacy Policy or click Accept Not a member? Join today The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board voted to remove Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) from membership following the annual meeting in Austin SACSCOC found that SAU resolved all issues except those related to finances SACSCOC’s policies will allow Saint Augustine’s University to submit additional financial information to an Appeals Committee in February 2025 Saint Augustine’s University will clear all sanctions if all concerns are satisfied SACSCOC’s policies will allow Saint Augustine’s University to submit additional financial information to an Appeals Committee in February 2025.Saint Augustine’s University will clear all sanctions if all concerns are satisfied The vote to remove Saint Augustine’s University from membership is not considered a final action The removal from membership would only be finalized if the University chose not to pursue an appeal Since Saint Augustine’s University plans to appeal the decision the University will remain accredited now until the final decision of the appeals committee and SAU’s December 2024 and May 2025 graduates will receive degrees from an accredited institution “SACSCOC could only consider information SAU presented as of November 18 Saint Augustine’s University has made significant progress even since that date including finalizing the $70 Million deal with 50 plus 1 Sports The SACSCOC Board could not consider that information on Saturday during our hearing we look forward to providing that evidence during our February appeals hearing along with other information that will definitively resolve all the remaining areas of concern,” said Dr “While this may seem like a disappointing decision we view this as an encouraging outcome that acknowledges our progress and we are excited about the opportunity the Appeal affords us This opportunity to prove that SAU is now a stronger and more financially healthy institution will bring confidence to our stakeholders and partners ensuring them that SAU remains a cornerstone of opportunity and innovation for our students and the Raleigh community.” SAU will provide additional evidence about the transformative measures implemented since November 2024 The appeal represents a pivotal moment for SAU to reinforce its commitment to continuous improvement while engaging alumni and community partners in shaping the university’s future SAU continues to build on its strengths and vision for growth This is evident in its recently announced partnership with 50 Plus 1 Sports a collaboration expected to generate $70 million in funding This collaboration will create opportunities that extend beyond the university to benefit the broader Raleigh community “This partnership reflects our determination to not only address challenges but also secure a brighter future for SAU and the communities we serve,” said Brian Boulware and the Raleigh community to join in its mission to continue to produce strong student leaders once accreditation concerns have been resolved and resources will play a vital role in ensuring the university’s success “We are stronger together,” said Hadley Evans we are inspired by the support of our community and remain steadfast in our pursuit of progress and excellence.” Click here to read more about SAU’s SACSCOC Updates Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative and experience what it feels like to inspire the next generation of students Recruitment / Retention SupplementFor Full and Part-Time Instructional EmployeesStarting in the 2025-2026 School Year regular full time and part time instructional employees will receive an annual salary supplement of no less than $4,500.00 in accordance with conditions set forth in the SJEA Memorandum of Understanding The funds reserved for the instructional unit shall be paid to employees within the instructional  bargaining unit in referendum supplements as follows: Recruitment / Retention SupplementFor Full and Part-Time Support EmployeesStarting in the 2025-2026 School Year educational support (non-instructional) employees will receive an annual salary supplement of no less than $6,110.00 for regular full-time employees as defined by Article VI (C) and no less than $3,055.00 for regular part-time employees The salary supplement will be paid in installments within the employee’s regularly scheduled paycheck during the following school years: Applying online is the best and most efficient way to begin the hiring process gather your documents this may include (i.e. high school diploma or high school transcripts etc.) Be sure to monitor the website and your daily notification email for updates on job vacancies Sitemap|Disclaimer Notice The North Carolina institution is on probation with its accreditor as it tries to stabilize its operations University leadership framed the decision to cut its employee numbers by 50% as necessary to achieve financial stability we acknowledge the seriousness of our financial challenges and these measures are crucial for our long-term sustainability,” Interim President Marcus Burgess said in a statement “We are committed to transforming SAU into a financially stable institution that prioritizes the success of our students and stakeholders.” Saint Augustine’s posted a $6.4 million total operating deficit for the fiscal year that ended this July and racked up a nearly $9.1 million deficit the year before net tuition and fee revenue fell by roughly half to $7.9 million between 2022 and 2024 Revenue declines have forced the university to grapple with multimillion-dollar deficits even as operating expenses fell from $42.1 million in 2022 to $27.3 million in 2024 On top of those challenges, Saint Augustine’s delayed the start of its fall semester after Tropical Storm Debby ravaged North Carolina and damaged campus facilities Losing its accreditation could have spelled financial disaster as it would have rendered the university ineligible to receive federal Title IV financial aid an independent auditor cited the potential accreditation loss and liquidity pressures before adding a warning that the university might not be able to continue as a “going concern.” Auditors add such warnings when organizations face substantial risk of being unable to meet their financial obligations or being forced to liquidate A SACSCOC arbitration committee reinstated the university’s accreditation after the accreditor’s board voted to remove it last December chair of the university’s board of trustees called the decision a “pivotal moment for SAU’s redemption and renewal.” But the university remains on probation and must shore up its finances to be in full compliance we are not just complying with accreditation standards; we are laying the groundwork for a resilient institution that prioritizes the needs of our community,” Mark Yates The university pointed to several milestones it has hit, including reinstating pay and health insurance for employees, after the U.S. Department of Labor opened an  investigation earlier this year into Saint Augustine’s It also secured an agreement with a venture capital firm to guarantee its operations for the 2024-25 academic year. The financing takes the form of a loan of up to $30 million that carries a 24% interest rate, which one lending expert called predatory.   It also said donation levels have remained consistent and it has received 700 applications from prospective students for fall 2025 “signaling strong interest in its academic offerings.” The letters escalate the Trump administration’s scrutiny of how colleges are handling student protests over the Israel-Hamas war.  The agency's new document appeared to ease some of the strictest aspects of its February letter taking aim at colleges' diversity initiatives Saint Augustine’s University needs to shore up its finances ahead of an accreditation vote next month But state officials just shot down a $70 million financial lifeline You have /5 articles left.Sign up for a free account or log in State officials blocked a $70 million deal that would have provided Saint Augustine’s University a needed cash infusion amid scrutiny from its accreditor over financial issues Saint Augustine’s University Office of Marketing and Communications Approaching a critical vote on its accreditation status next month Saint Augustine’s University has made controversial moves in recent months to stabilize its shaky financial position putting the beleaguered institution in a more precarious position First, the historically Black university in North Carolina took out a $7 million loan last fall that many critics have described as predatory given its 24 percent interest rate and 2 percent management fee The university also put real estate up as collateral in case of a loan default SAU officials also struck a $70 million deal with 50 Plus 1 Sports to lease its campus and develop university property for 99 years The deal would have provided a much-needed financial lifeline for the cash-strapped university that needs to urgently fix its finances before the accreditation review (The college was previously stripped of accreditation due to university financial and governance issues but appealed.) But that lifeline is in legal limbo after the North Carolina attorney general declined to sign off on the deal Monday The North Carolina attorney general’s office which reviewed the deal due to state law on the transfer of assets from a nonprofit announced it would not approve the arrangement with 50 Plus 1 Sports as written due to a lack of “sufficient documentation to support the proposal” and concerns that the payout “is too low to justify transfer of the lease rights” for SAU’s campus The attorney general’s Office also expressed concerns about SAU’s “ability to continue to operate.” Saint Augustine’s has faced rising pressures since December 2023 when it fired then-president Christine McPhail who subsequently lodged a gender-based discrimination complaint against the board That same week the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges announced it had voted to strip SAU’s accreditation due to board and finance issues (SAU lost an appeal to that decision but won a reprieve in court in July before SACSCOC voted again in December to strip accreditation The accreditor will vote on SAU’s appeal next month.) SAU board chair Brian Boulware cast the proposal as an aggressive effort to ramrod a partnership (Local officials have denied his account.) In May a group called the Save SAU Coalition sued Boulware and other trustees alleging malfeasance and self-dealing by the board That case was later dismissed due to a lack of standing Enrollment has also plummeted, falling from more than 1,100 students in fall 2022 to a head count of around 200 students last fall, according to recent estimates. SAU has also announced major staff reductions Saint Augustine’s borrowed $7 million from Gothic Ventures and secured a $30 million line of credit which came with a 24 percent interest rate and a 2 percent loan management fee a senior consultant with Higher Ed Consolidation Solutions and sector finance expert told Inside Higher Ed the terms of the Gothic Ventures loan were “crazy” and “irresponsible.” DeFusco agreed with the description of the loan as “predatory.” SAU officials have defended the agreement writing that the deal is “crucial for maintaining educational services” and securing the loan contradicted “claims of irresponsibility in financial dealings” leveled by critics SAU has cast criticism of the deal as a “smear campaign.” Earlier this month, two local publications reported that last fall SAU turned down a more favorable loan offer of $19.5 million with a 9 percent interest rate and would have included purchasing the existing Gothic Ventures loan The university balked at the attached conditions the board resignations as part of the loan conditions were a reasonable request “There are provisions in leadership for all kinds of lending because you have a board that’s allowed [financial issues] to go on for several years now “They haven’t broken even for at least five years from what I could see in their records and their accrediting body was going to close them down And now they’re about to close them down again.” Continued financial struggles ultimately led SAU to a deal with 50 Plus 1 Sports, which describes itself on its website as a financing and development firm. That agreement, according to a university statement would “generate a $70 million upfront investment” from the company But the North Carolina attorney general’s office shut down that proposed deal Beyond the lack of documentation on the proposal and the low payout Assistant Attorney General Kunal Choksi also raised questions about the university’s due diligence of the deal “SAU’s board and trustees were obligated to perform due diligence on whether 50+ can meet its obligations under the transaction and has the experience to develop revenue-generating property on the leased land,” Choksi wrote in a letter shared with Inside Higher Ed Choksi added that the attorney general's office had requested “sufficient proof that 50+ has the financial ability to comply with its obligations to SAU and avoid default with its financiers” and “details about similar deals 50+ has developed or the company’s audited financial statements.” Choksi indicated in his letter that SAU had not yet provided those details on the proposal SAU officials said little about the concerns raised by the attorney general about the 50 Plus 1 Sports deal or its ability to operate university officials took aim at Self-Help Credit Union SAU noted concerns “about the process that led to the recent rejection” of the agreement they pointed to a meeting between Marin Eakes of Self-Help Credit Union and alleged that the attorney general’s letter reflected comments made by Eakes in unspecified media coverage and alleged the 50 Plus 1 Sports proposal was shared without SAU’s consent SAU officials wrote in the statement that they “suspect that the Attorney General’s Office used Mr Eakes’ counsel and input to subsequently influence their decision Such interference by Self-Help raises significant concerns about fairness It suggests their attempt to weaponize the NC Attorney General’s Office to obstruct the approval process for the 50 Plus 1 Sports deal.” With the North Carolina attorney general’s office shutting down the 50 Plus 1 deal SAU has little time to fix its finances ahead of a looming vote on its accreditation status in late February And questions about both the deal and the company linger The firm was not selected for the project amid questions from local officials about how it would finance the deal and a lack of experience as a lead developer In its St. Petersburg proposal 50 Plus Sports listed a $1.4 billion deal to develop a sports and entertainment district for the University of New Orleans among its reference projects a UNO spokesperson told Inside Higher Ed by email it is not “moving forward with the project.” The attorney general’s office did leave the door open to reconsider the deal But the university would have to provide more details to the office including evidence that SAU conducted due diligence on 50 Plus 1 Sports and its finances SAU officials noted in their statement that “despite these challenges SAU remains committed to working collaboratively with the Attorney General’s Office We believe transparency and open dialogue are essential in securing the funding for our university’s sustainability and growth.” But SAU is facing a ticking clock to get that information to the attorney general or rework the deal University officials have said that the deal needed to close by Jan “SAU risks failing to demonstrate financial sustainability” before its appeal hearing next month But DeFusco wonders if SAU’s finances are too far gone to fix “Their finances are so bad they may be criminal,” he said, pointing to payroll and tax issues. (The university also allegedly failed to maintain worker’s compensation for employees recently.) DeFusco believes the board needs more scrutiny for SAU’s financial problems arguing “they missed it for years” as the university slipped deeper into the red is the board acting as a fiduciary?” DeFusco said At least 15 campus police departments in Florida are seeking immigration enforcement powers The abrupt end of the private South Carolina institution follows a last-minute fundraising effort by the board that c economic historian Richard Vedder discusses why hig Limestone University’s board was set to decide whether to close or go online Tuesday Learn high-impact ways to re-engage students drive enrollment and support your team’s well-being Subscribe for free to Inside Higher Ed’s newsletters opinion and great new careers in higher education — delivered to your inbox View Newsletters Copyright © 2025 Inside Higher Ed All rights reserved. | Website designed by nclud (This story will be updated regularly to include new information.) a robust information source for what's happening in America's oldest city The events follow in chronological order. We invite readers to share your happenings with us at Lviti@gannett.com St. Augustine Art Association’s 20th annual St. Johns All-County High School Art Show is April 4 to 27 at STAA on Marine Street and online at staaa.org. Visit staaa.org for more information First Friday ArtWalk: Friday, April 4, filled with art galleries, museums and art-related businesses that cultivate St. Augustine as an art destination for its guests and residents. Go to https://tinyurl.com/yj7c4fbm St. Augustine's Betty Griffin CenterThe Betty Griffin Center Run for Peace 5K is April 5 at 8 a.m. at the St. Johns County Pier. Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/StAugustine/RunForPeace5k for more information The St. Augustine Spring Eggstravaganza is April 5 from 1 to 5 p.m The Easter bunny will be on site along with egg hunts Saint AugustineThe Sons and Daughters of Italy Saint Augustine: Sausage and Pepper Subs to Go is April 6 to raise funds to renovate the Bocce Courts at the St The Vicar’s Landing Foundation's Charity Classic is April 8 at the Yards at Sawgrass Players Club benefitting Epic Cure, Pie In The Sky, Meals On Wings, and the Meals on Wheels and the St. Johns County Council on Aging. Go to https://vicarslanding.com/golf-charity-home-page for more information SAYS: Party for Prevention spotlighting issues regarding child abuse and neglect while providing resources and entertainment to attendees. Local agencies, vendors and activities for children and families April 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the SAYS Campus on Simone Way. Refreshments and games will be provided. Go to https://www.sayskids.org/events for more information The St. Augustine PoetFest will be held April 10, 11 and 12 in various sites in America's oldest city, including The Waterworks (184 San Marco Ave.), Flagler College’s Ringhaver Student Center (50 Sevilla St.) and Relampago Coffee Lab (74 Spanish St.). For more information, go to https://ancientcitypoets.org/st-augustine-poetfest The ElevateHER ConferenceThe ElevateHER Conference will be held April 11 at the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel. Hosted by the ElevateHER Movement, the one-day conference will focus on “Going Places, personally, professionally and spiritually." For tickets and additional information or go to www.elevatehermovement.com Homeschool Birding, April 11 at Vaill Point Park from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The program is free, but registration is required. Visit https://secure.rec1.com/FL/stjohns-county-fl/catalog for more information Old Town Craft Art Show will be held Saturday and Sunday St. Johns County Parks and RecreationTrout Creek Paddleboard Trip: April 12 at Trout Creek from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A guided paddleboard along Trout Creek. Visit https://secure.rec1.com/FL/stjohns-county-fl/catalog/ for more information Jenna Alexander’s Secret Garden Market will be April 12 from 5 to 9 p.m The free event includes artisan candlemakers Augustine Cruisers Auto Club will be held on Saturday The Cottages at Winding CreekThe Cottages at Winding Creek: Alzheimer's fundraiser April 12 from 11 a.m Johns County Master Gardener is hosting a plant sale April 11-12 from 9 a.m Palm Sunday Mass and Blessing of the Fleet will be April 13 from noon to 2 p.m. Bishop Erik Pohlhmeier will lead a procession from the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine to the Municipal Marina to bless the fleet. Go to https://www.citystaug.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=1796 for details Whitney Lab: River to Sea Preserve Trails 5K, will be April 13 at 8 a.m. The run begins at the Whitney Lab. For more information and to register, go to https://www.citystaug.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=1796 The Royal Knighting Ceremony is April 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine’s courtyard on St. George Street. Queen Marianna of the St Augustine Royal Family knights St. Augustine locals for their key contributions and charity work. For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1132704645244327 St. Johns County Parks and RecreationBook Club: On April 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., discuss "Pinhook: Finding Wholeness in a Fragmented Land" by Janisse Ray. Visit https://secure.rec1.com/FL/stjohns-county-fl/catalog for more information Veteran Archery, April 16 at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The program is free but requires registration. Visit https://secure.rec1.com/FL/stjohns-county-fl/catalog for more information Easter celebration at Ocean Grove Resort will be April 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. with Easter Egg Hunts, sack, spoon and egg and relay races, bowling, bubbles, photo ops and of course the Easter Bunny. Visit https://allevents.in/ocean%20grove/easter The St. Augustine Easter Parade will be April 19 from 9 to 10:30 a.m The parade dubbed "Parada de Caballos y Coches,” begins at the Old Jail and travels along Avenida Menendez and the bayfront St. Augustine's Easter PromenadeSt. Augustine's Easter promenade begins at 1 p.m. on April 20 at the Plaza de la Constitución. For details, visit https://oldcity.com/events/st-augustine-easter-promenade-2025 West Augustine's Community Redevelopment Agency Easter ParadeSt Johns County and West Augustine's Community Redevelopment Agency will host an Easter Parade on Sunday The St. Augustine Art Association is hosting Plein Air Paint Out April 23-27. Artists must be 18 years or older. For more event information, to register to paint or to purchase tickets, visit www.staaa.org/plein-air-paint-out A Kids' Triathlon will be held April 27 for children ages 5 to 14 at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center (1300 Duval St., St. Augustine) with stacked arrival times from 7:15 to 7:40 a.m. and the opening ceremony held at 7:55 a.m. Go to https://tinyurl.com/bdhz9b3r for more information St. Johns County Parks and RecreationTrails and Tails: April 26 at the Gourd Island Conservation Area, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Perfect for families, nature lovers and dog fans. Come for the hike, stay for the pups! No personal pets. Visit https://secure.rec1.com/FL/stjohns-county-fl/catalog/ for more information Taste of St. Augustine at the St. Augustine Ampitheatre, is April 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as a fundraiser for EPIC Behavioral Healthcare. Go to https://www.theamp.com/events/detail/taste-of-st-augustine-4 for more information Go to https://www.theamp.com for a complete schedule of events at the St Go to https://lightnermuseum.org/calendar-category/events for a complete schedule of events at the Lightner Museum Go to https://www.limelight-theatre.org for a complete schedule of plays showing at St Go to https://originalcafe11.com/upcoming-events for a schedule of music events at St. Augustine's Cafe 11 A Classic TheatreGo to https://www.aclassictheatre.org for a schedule of A Classic Theatre Go to https://historiccoastculture.com/event for a schedule of historical and cultural events taking place in St Go to https://historiccoastculture.com/categories/performing-arts for a list of performing arts events taking place in St Go to https://www.3rdspaceimprov.com/events for a complete list of February events taking place at Third Street Improv or contact Events – Third Space Improv Go to 150 Years of History! - St Augustine Light House for a complete list of events held at the St Send your events to be listed to Lviti@gannett.com  The concerns could imperil a financial lifeline the historically Black institution needs to prove that it can meet its accreditor’s requirements The North Carolina attorney general’s office raised “serious concerns” this week regarding a financial deal that could provide a financial lifeline to Saint Augustine’s University sparking worries that the historically Black college won’t be able to bolster its budget in time to save its accreditation Saint Augustine’s struck a deal in November to partner with 50 Plus 1 Sports to lease a majority of its land — a deal the university anticipated would bring in $70 million The private university’s officials are hoping the deal will prove it is financially stable enough to meet requirements set by its accreditor the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges The university is meeting with SACSCOC in February to appeal the agency’s recent decision to remove Saint Augustine’s from its membership — a move that could deal a devastating blow to the institution But the attorney general’s office raised concerns that the deal is overly generous to 50 Plus 1 Sports and could put Saint Augustine's nonprofit status at risk the deal's upfront lease payment — between $20 million and $70 million — is far too low for the university's 103-acre property "That large of a gap raises red flags about the defensibility of the deal," Kunal Choski, director of the office's consumer protection division, said in a letter to the university obtained by local news outlets Saint Augustine’s has been fighting for years to keep its accreditation. Last summer, it successfully contested SACSCOC's 2023 decision to terminate its accreditation. But the agency voted again to remove the university from its membership in December SACSCOC cited Saint Augustine’s noncompliance with its standards on finance Saint Augustine’s remains accredited while it appeals the decision Losing accreditation could be the nail in the coffin for the university It would mean the university would no longer be eligible for federal financial aid which the vast majority of its students receive the university needs approval from the state's attorney general's office to enter a leasing deal with 50 Plus 1 Sports It urged its supporters to petition North Carolina Gov Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson to fast track the authorization Saint Augustine’s said it had requested the office's decision by the end of 2024 it said approval from the attorney general's office "must happen by January 24." "Without securing the needed funding from the deal before January 31 SAU risks failing to demonstrate financial sustainability for its upcoming appeal hearing with SACSCOC in late February," the university said Jan The attorney general's review is still underway but Choski indicated that the department is unlikely to approve the deal in its current form "To ensure that SAU’s assets remain dedicated to a charitable purpose reflect the true value of the property being transferred," he said The firm "could either provide SAU with a greater upfront payment or the deal could involve a smaller percentage of SAU’s property for the same payment.” Choski said the attorney general's office wants the university to keep operating in the short term amid "financial and time constraints." But he also said that the office has requested from the university additional information — such as financial projections to justify the "apparent gulf in valuation" of the campus — that it had yet to receive A Saint Augustine's spokesperson Wednesday forwarded a Monday statement from the university but did not provide further comment Saint Augustine’s thanked the attorney general’s office we are concerned about the process that led to the recent rejection of our proposed 50 Plus 1 Sports deal,” it said The university Monday raised concerns that the attorney general's office had been inappropriately swayed by a third party — Martin Eakes Eakes is the CEO of both the nonprofit Center for Responsible Lending and the Self-Help Credit Union a multi-state lender based in North Carolina Saint Augustine’s also alleged that Eakes has close ties with state officials He, along with the SaveSAU coalition, raised concerns against the terms of another recent financial deal Saint Augustine's made — a $7 million loan from the firm Gothic Ventures that carried a 26% interest rate "Saint Augustine’s University was desperate and the lender took advantage of them,” he told Open Campus earlier this month Eakes argued that that interest rate aimed to extract “an unreasonable amount of interest that was not justified by the risk of the loan,” the publication reported Eakes heavily criticized the firm and its leadership, and he told one local outlet that Self-Help would provide lending assistance But Saint Augustine's contested that statement alleging that it had reached out to Self-Help repeatedly in the first half of 2024 and its requests had gone unanswered The credit union's "lack of willingness to support SAU" further exacerbated its financial woes the university expressed further concerns about Eakes It said it suspects that the 50 Plus 1 Sports proposal "was shared with Mr Eakes without our consent before we received a response" from the attorney general's office And the letter it eventually received mirrored public comments made by Eakes "We suspect that the Attorney General’s Office used Mr Eakes’ counsel and input to subsequently influence their decision," the university said Monday "Such interference by Self-Help raises significant concerns about fairness It suggests their attempt to weaponize the NC Attorney General’s Office to obstruct the approval process for the 50 Plus 1 Sports deal." Eakes said in an emailed statement Wednesday that Self-Help conducted its own analysis of the proposal but it did not share its findings with any staff at the attorney general's office "We did not see nor know the results of the AG review prior to seeing news reports and the release of the AG letter," he said in an email Wednesday "Instead of creating fiction about anyone who disagrees let’s find sensible solutions," Eakes said "The fact remains the lease deal proposed is very unfavorable to SAU’s continued financial health The risk of losing the entire campus under this proposal is very high Anybody who reads and reviews the proposal would reach the same conclusion." Saint Augustine's also alleged that it requested a meeting with the attorney general's office But the university said it still wishes to work with the office to get the deal approved Saint Augustine’s leaders have faced pushback about how they’ve handled the university’s finances The SaveSAU Coalition shares the university's goal — preserving Saint Augustine's — but has been critical of the institution’s leadership In May, the coalition sued to have the university's board of trustees removed, alleging the group failed to meet their fiduciary duties. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in November SaveSAU also partially blamed Saint Augustine’s board for SACSCOC’s decision in December 2023 to withdraw Saint Augustine's accreditation was based on historic issues with the Board of Trustees' noncompliance in providing fiduciary oversight," the coalition said on its website Saint Augustine’s vocally pushed back against SaveSAU's criticisms and similar ones from community leaders "This depiction is rooted in hypocrisy and smear tactics which aim to undermine the Board’s genuine efforts to address significant financial challenges that the university has faced," the university said in a Jan The university also sent out a timeline of institutional actions regarding its financial stewardship, in an effort at "setting the record straight." Entries included the $7 million loan from Gothic Ventures, the dismissal of SaveSAU's lawsuit and an audit clearing the university board chair of financial misconduct allegations However, the university's timeline did not include one of its more drastic moves to stay afloat. Just prior to the most recent accreditation decision, Saint Augustine’s cut half of its workforce — 67 staff positions and 69 faculty positions — and ended several academic programs with low enrollment Subscribe to the Higher Ed Dive free daily newsletter (Editor's Note: This article was changed to add additional information.) Augustine Record has compiled a list of services and venues from Good Friday to Easter sunrise and morning services Not a member? Join today it becomes evident that the SAU Board of Trustees has consistently demonstrated its ability to lead the university with transparency effectively maneuvering through this pivotal moment in its history Click here to view the timeline claim the university owes money totaling more than $18 million It comes as the school lost its accreditation appeal because of financial challenges an IT company tied to an agreement dating to 2020 ALSO SEE: Saint Augustine's University alumni call on Board of Trustees to resign amid accreditation loss a wireless company that said the school defaulted on its agreement just a year after they started working together and the third lawsuit is from United Healthcare Student Resources citing a breach of contract with the school Saint Augustine's has been on probation with the accrediting agency for two years after failing to meet several of its standards In December 2023, an appeal committee voted to terminate the university's accreditation. It was then reinstated following an appeal in July In March an appeal from the university was not approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) SAU announced it would pursue a 90-day arbitration process that will ensure all students graduating through May 2025 will earn degrees from an accredited university The university announced its decision to appeal SACSCOC's initial decision last year the SACSCOC Board of Trustees voted to remove Saint Augustine's University "from membership for failure to comply with Core Requirement 4.1 (Governing board characteristics) Core Requirement 13.1 (Financial resources) Core Requirement 13.2 (Financial documents) Standard 13.5 (Control of sponsored research/external funds) and Standard 13.6 (Federal and state responsibilities) of the Principles of Accreditation." ABC11 reached out to Saint Augustine's University for comment on the new lawsuits but has not heard back Nights of Lights runs nightly from November 15 St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is more than just a dazzling display – it’s an entire season filled with festive events that bring the city’s rich history and holiday spirit to life! From the sparkling Light-Up! Night to enchanting holiday markets there’s always something to enjoy during this magical time of year each event offers a unique way to experience the charm of St Plan your visit around the many exciting events with our Ultimate Guide to St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, and make sure to check out important details on Parking and Shuttle Services to ensure a smooth and stress-free visit Enjoy the Nights of Lights Musical Performances 2024 – sponsored by Old Town Trolleys – while waiting for the trolley … or if you happen to be passing by This will surely put you in the Holiday Spirit Performances are on select nights from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Old Town Trolley Nights of Lights Guest Queuing Area – Visitor Information Center The entertainment schedule is being finalized for this year and will be added as soon as it becomes available Augustine’s magical Nights of Lights like never before Hop on Ripley’s Red Train or Old Town Trolley and sing along to Christmas carols while exploring the town enjoy a Nights of Lights Carriage Ride with The Tasting Tours Take in the romantic lights from the Matanzas River aboard Schooner Freedom Charters or St Thrill-seekers can even soar over the city’s holiday display with First City Helicopters Be sure to make your reservation ahead of time The Nights of Lights runs from November 15 Augustine’s historic downtown every evening the best time to see them can depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for: visiting during the weekdays in early December is ideal You’ll avoid the larger holiday crowds and have more freedom to stroll the streets For a more lively and festive atmosphere, plan your visit on a weekend. Expect bustling crowds, live music, and a vibrant spirit. It’s also a great time to join one of the many guided tours or attend special events like the Regatta of Lights and Light-Up! Night (Christmas & New Year’s) Visiting during the peak holiday week can be truly magical and the atmosphere is festive and full of holiday cheer as it will be the busiest time of the season Arrive early to find parking or consider using shuttle services for convenience If you’d like to see the lights before they disappear but without the holiday rush offering a more relaxed opportunity to enjoy the display make sure to bring your camera and enjoy the stunning views of St Augustine’s Nights of Lights dates back to the city’s early Spanish settlers who would display a single white candle in their windows during the Christmas season welcoming gesture symbolized hope and hospitality inviting guests into their homes during the holidays this custom evolved into one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in the country Augustine honors this tradition by illuminating the historic district with over three million tiny white lights creating a breathtaking glow that stretches from November through January Nights of Lights has grown into a beloved annual event that attracts visitors from all over the world It has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the best holiday lighting displays in the world The dazzling display highlights the city’s historic charm and architecture making it a festive and enchanting destination during the holiday season Not a member? Join today Millie Dunn Veasey served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion This represented a pivotal moment in history as her team understood the vital importance of communication during wartime low morale.” Through their unwavering dedication these courageous women ensured that our soldiers received crucial letters from their loved ones reminding us of the power of connection and support we reflect not only on Millie’s incredible military service and her role in the Civil Rights Movement but also on the spirit of resilience that she embodied—a spirit that remains essential today as Saint Augustine’s University faces challenges related to accreditation and financial stability Millie Dunn Veasey’s legacy serves as an inspiring beacon of hope exemplifying the impact our graduates have made and continue to make in communities across the globe With the support of Congresswoman Deborah Ross and President Biden Millie’s accomplishments have been recognized at the highest levels reminding us of the extraordinary impact of those who have walked our halls Let this renaming be a rallying point for the Saint Augustine’s University community encouraging us to believe in our mission and the endless possibilities let us draw strength from the legacy of graduates like Millie Dunn Veasey we can ensure that Saint Augustine’s University continues to thrive fostering the next generation of leaders and changemakers The pressure is mounting for Saint Augustine's University to balance its finances and an impending accreditation appeal hearing scheduled for the end of February Today marks a self-imposed deadline that university leaders said they needed to secure a deal that would be crucial to the school's survival the private HBCU planned to lease all 103 acres of its property to a developer called 50 Plus 1 Sports But the "lifeline" land deal can't go through unless the project is approved by the state the state Attorney General's Office has the power to ensure its "assets are properly managed and spent," according to the National Association of Attorneys General the Attorney General's Office did not approve the deal noting several concerns with the proposal in a letter to the university "We have a duty to ensure that nonprofit assets within North Carolina are protected and that extends to helping our HBCUs thrive and give their students the education that will help them succeed," wrote Kunal Choksi want to ensure that SAU can continue to operate in the short term and succeed in the long term." According to press releases in which it partially outlined the deal Saint Augustine's would lease its land to 50 Plus 1 Sports for 99 years In return, 50 Plus 1 Sports would pay the HBCU a $70 million "upfront investment" to develop on its land. The company describes itself as a sports stadium and mixed-use development firm. In a December interview with INDY Week 50 Plus 1 Sports Managing Partner Monti Valrie said the company hadn't finalized the project The land agreement also includes a revenue-sharing component Saint Augustine's University previously stated it will receive up to 40% of revenue generated from the project The school hasn't released other details about the partnership When announcing the collaboration last year the HBCU said it would be sharing development plans and project costs with the public in December That public disclosure has not yet happened According to the Attorney General's Office Saint Augustine's University has also been stingy sharing details with the state which has been requesting additional information about the project since December "To provide assurance that SAU’s charitable assets do not end up in the hands of whomever finances 50+ (1 Sports)," Choksi wrote "Our Office requires sufficient proof that 50+ (1 Sports) has the financial ability to comply with its obligations to SAU and avoid default with its financiers." WUNC obtained several legal documents related to SAU's deal with 50 Plus 1 Sports The agreement indicates that 50 Plus 1 Sports will take out a mortgage against the land it leases from Saint Augustine's (the entire 103-acre campus) The company can then use those funds to cover the $70 million upfront payment The lease also grants 50 Plus 1 Sports a "security interest" to "finance the purchase price." This means that if 50 Plus 1 Sports defaults on loans or mortgages it takes out to pay for the lease Saint Augustine's land and properties can be sold off to pay for it 50 Plus 1 Sports plans to rent a portion of SAU's land back to the university If Saint Augustine's defaults on this sublease 50 Plus 1 Sports can take possession of "educational sites" to make up for the HBCU's missed rent It's unclear how much land 50 Plus 1 Sports plans to sublease out to SAU The lease permits a wide range of development opportunities for 50 Plus 1 Sports – from hotels and residential apartments to retail The company has the final say in what's developed on the land although it is required to "consult" with Saint Augustine's In the Jan. 27 letter, Choksi said SAU didn't provide any documentation showing how the project will be financed, similar projects 50 Plus 1 Sports has developed The Attorney General's Office also has several other "chief areas of serious concern," according to the letter This includes proof of the university's tax-exempt status and details on how the deal will serve SAU's educational mission Choksi also wrote the agreement is not a fair deal given SAU's appraised property value He said the HBCU's property is valued at $198 million but 50 Plus 1 Sports' proposed upfront payment ranges between $20 million to $70 million "That large of a gap raises red flags about the defensibility of the deal," Choksi wrote "Absent further information or justification from the parties to ensure that SAU’s assets remain dedicated to a charitable purpose reflect the true value of the property being transferred." In response to the letter, SAU released a statement condemning the Attorney General's decision. The HBCU said it requested a meeting to address the Office's concerns and accused it of meeting with a local lending advocate, Martin Eakes "We are alarmed that the contents of the Attorney General’s letter to SAU mirror the comments in printed media spoken by Mr Eakes from Self-Help Credit Union," SAU said in the press release "Based on our correspondence with the Attorney General’s Office Eakes without our consent before we received a response we suspect that the Attorney General’s Office used Mr Eakes’ counsel and input to subsequently influence their decision." media relations representative Jenny Shields said Self-Help did its own analysis of 50 Plus 1 Sports proposal but did not share it with any staff at the state Attorney General's Office "We did not see nor know the results of the AG review prior to seeing news reports and the release of the AG letter," Shields wrote let’s find sensible solutions," Shields continued In the upcoming weeks, Saint Augustine's will continue its two-year accreditation fight. Last month, the HBCU's accreditation agency – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges – voted to revoke its accreditation and remove the university from its membership The vote came after the HBCU repeatedly failed several of SACSCOC's standards most having to do with being financially stable The university plans to appeal the decision at a hearing in late February. This would be the second time the university appealed a SACSCOC decision to remove its accreditation WUNC partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board has denied Saint Augustine’s University's appeal to fully regain its accreditation The school has been on probation since December. Issues with financial management and lack of oversight at the school put the its accreditation in jeopardy SAU said they addressed all of those concerns in the leadup to their appeal – except financial stability SACSCOC’s policies allowed Saint Augustine’s University to submit additional financial information to an appeals committee The school had appealed the accrediting board's decision to remove the university's accreditation in December Since SACSCOC is standing by its decision to revoke St the school is pursuing a 90-day arbitration process and clarified that they are not closing in a release sent out on Thursday SAU said May 2025 graduates will receive degrees from an accredited institution The developments have some alums on edge with some expressing hurt and stress over the decision I'm very embarrassed right now," said Steven Williams We have to come together and build our university back for the better." After withdrawing and modifying that deal, the university now says it has secured a separate $70 million bridge loan that leaders plan to use for eliminating past debt, improve campus and carry out a long-term plan The university said it could not share who they are working with on the new agreement due to non-disclosure agreements The school asked the SBI to investigate it Subscribe Now By CJ Lotz Diego and Jordan P. Hickey Houston’s recently opened Hotel Saint Augustine a mirror of both the city and the surrounding Montrose neighborhood This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply the design studio Post Company envisioned the lobby as a space reminiscent of an art curator’s private home The reception desk is wrapped in burled walnut with Calacatta Viola marble accents and objets d’art and items for sale pop against bright-red lacquered shelves The courtyard and lobby are open to the public with adjacent parlors and seating areas that include upholstered vintage furniture and cozy nooks galore The lobby’s Augustine Lounge serves locals and guests alike breakfast and an all-day menu alongside a full bar A listening room lined with vinyl records supplies the lobby with a roving array of melodies “Houston fosters an incredible sense of community and creativity and we wanted to match that with a space where everyone feels welcome and inspired,” says Tenaya Hills Bunkhouses’s senior vice president of design and development Saturated colors and floor-to-ceiling drapery create warmth throughout the common areas Hotel Saint Augustine is a succession of buildings ordered around four courtyards Hotel Saint Augustine has seventy-one guest rooms and suites “Our guest rooms offer a serene retreat that beautifully contrasts the bold and colorful public spaces of the hotel,” Hills says “The painted ceilings and patterned carpets in the corridors create a sense of compression but stepping into the room reveals a calming A bathroom in sage green with matching Calacatta Viola stone countertops and marble floors A handful of rooms offer separate seating areas Screen porches adorn the second-floor suites at tree canopy level hovering above the garden courts on the ground floor The porches serve as exterior living rooms Perseid, the on-site bistro helmed by James Beard–nominated chef Aaron Bludorn After Bludorn moved to Houston in 2019 following stints in California and New York he found a Gulf Coast culinary scene drawing inspiration from far-flung influences might appear alongside fried squash blossoms stuffed with jambalaya “Perseid is a bistro that bridges the gap between Gulf Coast and French cuisines and celebrates the diversity that the city of Houston has to offer,” Bludorn says “We highlight seasonal cuisine as well as staples of the region in a comfortable neighborhood restaurant.” while Perseid and Hotel Saint Augustine are very much products of Houston “we’re all people just hanging out together CJ Lotz Diego is Garden & Gun’s senior editor she wrote G&G’s bestselling Bless Your Heart trivia game she graduated from Indiana University and now lives in Charleston where she tends a downtown pocket garden with her florist husband The historic home of a distinguished distiller once again welcomes guests to bourbon country Pullman Market is a community hub and travel-worthy culinary destination Spontaneous parades and super bowl–size hospitality Here’s your guide to tapping into New Orleans’ everyone-is-welcome energy The future of conservation in the South just got a little bit brighter—and not just for salamanders but they’re the craftsmanship of local crustaceans called lawn lobsters The drawls are receiving a lot of flak across the internet but a North Carolina linguist argues they’re actually pretty accurate 2024) - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) has announced the suspension of all sports competition for Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) through the end of the 2024-25 academic year The CIAA Board of Directors’ decision was made after the institution’s failure to meet conference compliance requirements in addition to the concerns regarding SAU’s continued challenges to meet NCAA sports sponsorship and scheduling requirements for the 2024-25 season Should Saint Augustine’s elect to continue participating; competition will not count towards CIAA standings and seeding nor will they be eligible for championship participation “While it is disheartening to make a decision of this magnitude that impacts one of our member institutions and thoughtful process in efforts to determine what was best for the conference while also protecting the wellbeing and holistic experience of the student-athletes,” said Board Chair Aminta Breaux The institution elected not to sponsor softball for the spring of 2024 leaving 10 remaining sports in the 2024-25 season to meet NCAA Div II compliance standards The compliance standards require that each DII member institution sponsors and completes at least ten sports each academic year Augustine’s University’s ability to complete the men’s and women’s cross-country seasons and to meet other compliance requirements and deadlines for the remaining sports programs to ensure eligibility and participation African American athletic conference in the U.S and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country the conference celebrates the special 75th anniversary of its Championship Basketball Tournament – an event that has become a must-see in the African American community The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market The struggling private nonprofit said it plans to appeal a vote to remove its accreditation by SACSCOC for the second time in roughly a year The accreditor’s decision caps a tumultuous year for Saint Augustine’s the historically Black university successfully contested a December 2023 vote by SACSCOC to remove its accreditation it will once again have to go through an appeals process In between, it delayed the beginning of its fall semester to address damage wrought by Tropical Storm Debby’s path through North Carolina And in late November, Saint Augustine’s said it was cutting half its workforce — 67 staff positions and 69 faculty positions — and several programs to shore up its finances with $17 million in savings The university at the time sounded an optimistic note The loss of its accreditation would likely be devastating for Saint Augustine’s making it ineligible for federal Title IV financial aid funds Accreditation losses have often forced other colleges to close university leaders again tried to put a positive spin to the development and we are excited about the opportunity the Appeal affords us,” Burgess said in a statement this week The university’s president pointed to the $70 million deal with 50 Plus 1 Sports Saint Augustine’s has also instituted new oversight and strategic financial management processes to make it more sustainable The university issued a call for support from alumni and community members and resources will play a vital role in ensuring the university’s success.” The allegations stemmed from a lawsuit filed by a group of alumni, former administrators and other stakeholders called SaveSAU Coalition which sought to remove the university’s board A judge dismissed the lawsuit in late November The university said previously it faced an $800 million funding shortfall from the hollowed-out aid agency and would have to wind down programs ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a robbery at an Ameris Bank in St. Augustine just before 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The bank is located at 4070 US-1. Officials said there were no injuries. The suspect is described as a thin-build white male wearing goggles. If you were in the area between 10:50 a.m. - 11 a.m. and witnessed anything suspicious, call SJSO at (904) 824-8304. Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved. Hailing from Detroit, Jonathan is excited to start his media career at News4JAX in November 2023. He is passionate about telling stories that matter to the community and he is honored to serve Jacksonville. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us Careers at WJXT / WCWJ Closed Captioning / Audio Description WJXT Public File WJXT EEO Report WCWJ Public File WCWJ EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) on Tuesday voted to revoke Saint Augustine’s University’s accreditation But the move is not considered a “final action.” SACSCOC noted that Saint Augustine’s had resolved all issues that caused the school to be placed on probation SAU will be able to present evidence that it has made progress toward those financial issues at the appeals hearing in February and we are excited about the opportunity the appeal affords us,” said Marcus Burgess since the university had already indicated it would appeal today’s decision it will remain accredited until the appeals committee makes a final decision That means students who graduate from SAU this December and in May 2025 will do so from an accredited university Universities must maintain accreditation from an approved accreditor to participate in federal student financial aid programs Augustine’s loses the appeal to SACSCOC or is unable to find another agency to grant accreditation students could not receive federal aid or grants Augustine’s University has been a member of SACSCOC since 1942 This is the second time the agency has voted to remove SAU’s accreditation when the SACSCOC board found SAU failed to meet several of its financial standards This was later reaffirmed by the agency’s appeals committee In July, those decisions were overturned when an arbitration committee decided to give SAU a final chance to prove it had sound financial footing In the months leading up to the accreditation hearing Saint Augustine’s University has touted several changes to its financial processes This includes completing four audits from 2021 through 2024 and improving its finance-related procedures The university also entered multiple partnerships to help clear its millions of dollars in debt both secured with a deed of trust to university property a $7 million loan with a private firm called Gothic Ventures was derided by critics of Saint Augustine’s leadership calling the loan “predatory” and fearing it will be used to gentrify the campus’ downtown location The university also offered its land to Raleigh’s city council in a partnership with Shaw University Both HBCUs proposed either leasing or selling their land to the city as part of a potential affordable housing project Last month, Saint Augustine’s announced it was cutting 50% of its staff to strengthen its financial position ahead of the SACSCOC accreditation hearing and full-time faculty — helped the university save $17 million But all of these changes weren't enough to account for the university’s financial problems this year Saint Augustine’s University started the 2023 school year under new leadership, after its Board of Trustees voted to fire the previous president amid the fight for its accreditation The board elected Marcus Burgess to serve as the HBCU’s interim president and faced nearly $10 million in tax liens from the IRS Saint Augustine’s University enrolled significantly fewer students than previous years Only about 200 students make up the entire student body About 76% of SAU’s students receive federal Pell Grants, according to data from a 2023 report from the Institute of Education Sciences “HBCUs tend to have higher proportions of their students who are relying on federal financial aid to pay their tuition bills, to pay for living costs,” said Edward Conroy, a higher education policy manager for a think tank called New America “You often end up with an (enrollment) spiral,” Conroy said “Even if they still want to go to the school if they can’t afford to pay without financial aid then you often get students transferring out And it’s harder to recruit new students if you’re not accredited.” Saint Augustine’s University’s appeal of the SACSCOC decision will take place in February “The result of that hearing could be restoration of SAU’s accreditation without interruption,” said SAU Provost Janelle Jennings-Alexander said “We are confident we have a good chance of ultimately prevailing but we do not want students who are able to graduate now to go through a period of uncertainty unnecessarily.” This is the second time the university has appealed a SACSCOC vote to revoke its accreditation. The HBCU has also been on probation before for not meeting the board’s financial standards Another option could be to seek accreditation with a different agency Earlier this year, Interim President Burgess reached out to another accrediting agency — the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) — to discuss requirements for changing accreditors Just last year, Greensboro’s Bennett College became accredited by TRACS in the midst of its own SACSCOC accreditation fight. In 2018, a SACSCOC board voted to revoke the accreditation from the private women's HBCU after it failed several of the agency’s financial standards Bennett College filed a lawsuit against SACSCOC to retain its accredited status the school began a new accreditation process with TRACS Universities accredited by TRACS are required to be Christian post-secondary institutions and have institutional faith statements that “clearly represent (its) religious identity." Saint Augustine’s University is affiliated with the episcopal church and meets that initial threshold but it would still take a while before the HBCU could be fully accredited by TRACS The agency requires schools that have faced “adverse action” from another accreditor to wait one year before they can apply “Those limitations and waiting periods are in place to stop institutions from hopping from one agency to another to avoid being sanctioned,” Conroy said WUNC partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage Not a member? Join today Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking strategic partnership with 50 Plus 1 Sports showcasing its dedication to fostering innovation and strengthening ties with the vibrant Raleigh community “This agreement marks a pivotal moment for SAU as we embrace a bold vision for future growth,” said Brian Boulware “We are excited to collaborate with 50 Plus 1 Sports and it’s team of global investment partners to deliver long-lasting benefits to our students we’re building a future that solidifies SAU’s role as a cornerstone of this city.” formalized through a Letter of Intent signed on November 17 reflects a forward-thinking investment in SAU’s growth This partnership is expected to generate an impressive $70 million fueling the University’s mission and creating transformative opportunities that extend throughout the Raleigh area “We are absolutely thrilled to come to Raleigh and partner with Saint Augustine’s University and community leaders in this incredible city,” said Monti Valrie “This collaboration underscores our commitment to creating projects that resonate with the community and establish meaningful relationships within the business ecosystem.” This transformative partnership positions SAU to tackle its financial challenges head-on while proactively engaging with the broader Raleigh community to create a lasting positive impact including the scope of the development plans and cost of this exciting collaboration at an official press conference in December The date and time of the event will be announced soon Not a member? Join today Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) remains steadfast in its mission to serve students and the Raleigh community following the decision by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Appeals Committee to affirm the December 2024 decision to remove the university from membership SAU will now pursue a 90-day arbitration process to ensure that all students graduating through May 2025 will earn degrees from an accredited university While this outcome was not what SAU had hoped for it is essential to clarify that this decision does not mean SAU is closing SAU remains fully operational and committed to its students What This Means for SAU Students and the Community The Path Forward: Exploring Arbitration and Confirming SAU’s Funding SAU has the right to pursue binding arbitration to contest the accreditation decision Arbitration allows SAU to demonstrate its financial stability and commitment to compliance with accreditation standards “This funding is a game-changer,” said Vice Chairman Hadley Evans The bridge loan of up to $70 million provides SAU with the financial resources to eliminate past debt and implement its long-term strategic plan “This decision does not define us—our resilience does,” said Interim President Dr Preparing for the Next Generation of SAU Students it is focused on welcoming the next generation of students in Fall 2025 The university is actively enhancing its academic programs and student support initiatives to create an even stronger learning environment “The funds we have secured provide a bright future for the students coming in now and for generations to come,” said Trustee Sophie Gibson “SAU is not just sustaining itself; we are building a foundation for future Falcons to thrive.” A Call for Support: SAU’s Strength is in its Community and the Raleigh community to support its future “This is the beginning of a new chapter,” said Vice President of Business Administration and COO Mark Yates SAU is taking control of its future through strategic financial management and bold leadership.” Click here for more information on SAU’s next steps Not a member? Join today “Enchanted Nights: Into the Woods” was the theme of the coronation ceremony for Mister and Miss Saint Augustine’s University in Julia Chester Emery Gymnasium and attended by students The Royal Court brought out the ceremony’s theme at the outset with a skit in which they appeared in regal costumes against a backdrop fit for a palace Farewell remarks were delivered by the 2023 Miss and Mister Saint Augustine’s University allowing the transition to the new Royal Court to begin Student Government Association President Kristoff Strachan then introduced members of the Royal Court who had the opportunity to stroll down a celebrity-style red carpet while their personal statements were played over the gymnasium’s sound system The last two students to enter the gymnasium were the 74th Miss Saint Augustine’s University and the 11th Mister Saint Augustine’s University Wheeler had their crowns and sashes installed by Interim President Dr Associate Vice President – Student Engagement and Support Services “you must remember that this role is not only an honor but a profound responsibility You are now ambassadors of our great institution Carry the torch of leadership with dignity grace and commitment to the future of this institution The ceremony also included other rituals such as the Royal Salute It ended with remarks from Miss and Mister Saint Augustine’s University Hambric said: “Seeing you all here just reminds me of one thing that I’ve heard before – be thankful of your situation not your circumstances We are certainly thankful of our situation here not the circumstances the school is undergoing The members of the 2024-25 Royal Court are as follows: NCBusiness Administration Major“Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe in you.” – Mufasa MISS SOPHOMOREDa’Jha Williams • Trenton NJBusiness Administration Major”And maybe by imagining these futures we can make them real The BahamasPsychology Major“You never have to ask anyone permission to lead MISS SENIORJ’Niyah Talia Love • San Francisco CACriminal Justice Major“If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou The coronation was sponsored completely by SAU alumni including the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine’s University alumni-owned businesses Hot 97.9 FM and Jordan Esteem Photography and individual alumni donors representing 14 different alumni chapters from across country Click here to read the Coronation Program and full listing of sponsors.Click here to support the Falcon Pride Initiative Saint Augustine’s University is cutting half of its employees as it works to regain its financial footing the university has been fighting to maintain its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Saint Augustine’s has been on probation with the accrediting agency for nearly two years after failing to meet several of its financial standards Last December, SASCOC’s appeals committee voted to terminate Saint Augustine’s accreditation and its membership it reaffirmed this decision after allowing SAU to present a case to stay accredited Both decisions were later reversed by an arbitration committee which decided to give the university one final chance to prove its financial stability as Saint Augustine’s is set to meet with the SACSCOC board again next month the agency is set to make a final decision on the private HBCU’s accreditation Saint Augustine’s University said the employee cuts will help stabilize the HBCU’s finances ahead of the accreditation meeting The university is eliminating 67 staff positions, 37 full-time faculty positions, and 32 adjunct faculty positions. It will also discontinue several academic programs. These cuts have helped reduce the university’s expenses by about $17 million, according to the press release Interim President Marcus Burgess said the cuts were a difficult decision but are “crucial” for the HBCU’s long-term sustainability “We are committed to transforming SAU into a financially stable institution that prioritizes the success of our students and stakeholders,” Burgess said “Our ongoing efforts to stabilize the financial condition of Saint Augustine’s University are now showing tangible results Not all members of the Saint Augustine’s community are “responding positively” to the university’s moves to improve its financial footing Last week, a coalition of activists protested the university’s decision to enter a multimillion loan with a venture capital firm The $7 million loan with Saint Augustine’s and Gothic Ventures comes with a 24% interest rate and is secured by a deed of trust on the university’s property Advocates worry the agreement could cost the private university its property and allow for more gentrification in the area director of federal campaigns for the Center for Responsible Lending said the loan is predatory and puts a “crushing burden on the university’s future.” "Saint Augustine's University (knew) that these terms were not acceptable," Herbin said at a press conference "The loan as in question carries an unacceptable high interest rate at times when Saint Augustine's University is already financially stressed — struggling with rising operating costs This loan exacerbates its physical strain." Saint Augustine’s University said the loan was vital to ensuring it can remain operational for the 2024-2025 school year The university lost a significant portion of its enrolling class between the 2022 and 2023 school years That decreased to only about 200 students in 2023 as the university navigated its accreditation challenges Universities must be accredited to receive federal financial aid like the Pell Grant. According to a 2022 report from the National Center for Education Statistics about 78% of students at Saint Augustine’s University were awarded a Pell Grant Editor's note: Since the modified deal is expected to be less than 50% Saint Augustine's University has modified its request to sell property as part of an ongoing effort to shore up its finances After the North Carolina Attorney General's Office raised "serious concerns" about the plan to sell much of the university's property to a Florida-based developer Saint Augustine's withdrew its request for approval and plans to restructure the deal correspondence between university lawyers and the AG's office shows Because Saint Augustine’s University is a nonprofit state law requires that it give written notice to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office before any sale or lease of all or a majority of its property Aug’s has indicated it will restructure the deal to be less than 50 percent the AG's Office said the deal would not require approval The revised proposal will be for about half of the university property It's not clear what the parameters of the revised deal would be – either how much of Saint Augustine's land would be made available or what the value of the deal would be After the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board voted to remove the university from its membership university leadership pointed to the deal as a Hail Mary to fully regain accreditation the school is on probation as it tries to prove leadership and financial stability and longevity The next hearing on that accreditation is scheduled for Feb