St. Augustine’s may not be taking the field this fall for the CIAA football battle, but the university is celebrating a major victory nonetheless.
Raleigh television station WRAL reported Monday morning that an arbitration committee appointed by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reversed a December 2023 decision that stripped SAU of its membership.
“This reinstatement acknowledges SAU’s relentless dedication to upholding academic standards and ensuring a thriving educational environment for our students,” Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess said in a statement. “We are resolute in our mission to overcome challenges and emerge stronger than ever.”
The reversal of the earlier decision gives St. Augustine’s time to work on non-compliance issues related to financial resources and oversight while maintaining SACSCOC membership.
The university remains under probation with cause from SACSCOC, but the university administration hopes the ruling will be a step in the right direction.
“The SACSCOC arbitration committee’s decision serves as a pivotal moment for SAU’s redemption and renewal,” said St. Augustine’s Board of Trustees chairman Brian Boulware. “The unanimous reversal by the arbitration committee rightfully corrects the injustice inflicted upon SAU by SACSCOC’s initial ruling and underscores the university’s steadfast commitment to excellence and growth.”
“The commitment and resilience shown by our community throughout this ordeal exemplify the spirit and determination that define Saint Augustine’s University,” said Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Our faculty and staff’s tireless efforts to preserve SAU’s legacy of educational distinction help strengthen us in this accreditation journey.”
St. Aug’s earlier this year announced that the football program would be on hiatus for the 2024 season to maintain the school’s other athletic offerings for the 2024-25 school year. SAU made headlines when first-year head coach Howard Feggins, fired after six games, filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging intimidation following Feggins’ complaints about poor conditions.
The Falcons finished the 2023 season 0-10, and several team members have entered the transfer portal.