This new model is set to reach more than 62,000 North Carolina public high school seniors for the 2026–27 academic year, as announced by the UNC System and the Department of Public Instruction. Students will receive official admission letters either in the mail or via the CFNC portal. To accept the offer, they need only complete a brief form on NCCollegeConnect.org or CFNC.org.

Why It Matters

• Reduced Barriers to Access: NC College Connect removes traditional hurdles in the application process—like essays, testing, and fee payments—making college more accessible, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students.
• Enrollment Strategy for Institutions: This approach helps participating institutions, including HBCUs, broaden their applicant pool during a period of declining enrollment at many colleges.

About the Eight HBCUs

Here’s a quick snapshot of the HBCUs now part of NC College Connect:

1. Elizabeth City State University – A public HBCU in Elizabeth City participates in the program.
2. Fayetteville State University – Another public HBCU offering direct admission.
3. North Carolina Central University – A public HBCU in Durham included in the UNC System list.
4. Johnson C. Smith University – A private HBCU located in Charlotte; now accessible via the program.
5. Livingstone College – Private HBCU in Salisbury, included in NC College Connect.
6. Bennett College – A private women’s HBCU in Greensboro, part of the admissions group.
7. Saint Augustine’s University – A private HBCU in Raleigh included among participating institutions.
8. Shaw University – Private HBCU in Raleigh, also part of the program.
9. Winston-Salem State – A public HBCU, also a part of the program.

How Students Participate

• Eligibility: Seniors who finish junior year with a weighted GPA of at least 2.8 and meet specific course and safety requirements.
• Admission Offers: Students will receive tailored offers based on eligibility as early as this fall via mail and the CFNC portal.
• Acceptance Steps: Log in to CFNC or NCCollegeConnect.org, review eligible institutions, and complete a basic online form to accept.
• Next Steps: Upon acceptance, students receive guidance on enrollment and financial aid.

Broader Participation & Support

Beyond HBCUs, the initiative also covers:

• 11 UNC System universities (excluding highly selective ones like NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Wilmington, UNC-School of the Arts, and NC A&T State University)
• 29 independent colleges and universities
• All 58 North Carolina Community Colleges

Financial incentives are offered—for example, students enrolling at Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, UNC Pembroke, or Western Carolina University may pay just $500 per semester under the NC Promise plan.

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Ms. Gibson, a business leader based in Atlanta, becomes the first woman in SAU’s 157-year history to serve as board chair. She succeeds Brian A. Boulware, an alumnus who had led the board since 2019. Mr. Boulware, who cited increasing professional obligations in his decision to step down, will remain on the board as a trustee.

A Record of Stabilization

Under Mr. Boulware’s leadership, the university made strides to stabilize operations amid financial and institutional uncertainty. SAU completed four years of overdue financial audits, restored employee payroll and benefits, and implemented stronger accountability practices. The board also secured funds that proved critical to sustaining the school’s mission.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of this historic institution during a time of great challenge and transformation,” Mr. Boulware said in a statement. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and confident in the leadership of Chair Gibson and the Board to guide SAU into a bright future.”

A Historic Appointment

For the first time, both top board positions at SAU will be held by women. Ms. Gibson will be joined by Vice Chair V. Lynette Mitchell, a 1989 graduate of the HBCU and longtime supporter from Williamstown, N.J. The dual appointments reflect what leaders describe as a renewed commitment to inclusive leadership at the HBCU.

“We are deeply grateful for the steady leadership of Trustee Boulware during challenging times,” Ms. Gibson said in a prepared statement. “As we move into this new chapter, we honor their contributions while embracing a bold, strategic path forward that will strengthen our impact for generations to come.”

Trustee Mitchell echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of alumni engagement in sustaining the institution through difficult circumstances. “We are turning the page to an exciting new era for SAU – one guided by a clear strategic direction and a renewed Falcon spirit,” she said.

Accreditation and Fundraising Challenges

The leadership transition arrives as the university faces one of its history’s most consequential legal and financial struggles. Earlier this month, SAU secured a preliminary injunction in federal court that allows it to maintain accreditation while challenging a decision by its accrediting body. Without accreditation, the university’s students would face jeopardized federal aid and degrees of diminished value.

SAU has called on alumni and supporters to contribute to its “Believe in SAU: A Falcon Is Not an Ordinary Bird” campaign to sustain its legal battle and prepare for the fall semester. The fundraising drive supports both operational needs and the legal defense fund. The university has also offered donors the option to contribute directly to its legal team, Alston & Bird LLP.

A Crucial Turning Point

The board’s new leadership, paired with the ongoing fight to preserve accreditation, underscores a broader challenge facing many HBCUs: balancing historic missions of access and community uplift with contemporary higher education’s financial and regulatory pressures.

For Ms. Gibson and Ms. Mitchell, the moment is both symbolic and urgent. Their appointments mark a milestone in the university’s history while highlighting the stakes of its uncertain future.

“Together, we will ensure that Saint Augustine’s University not only survives, but truly flourishes in the years ahead,” Ms. Mitchell said.

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The ruling, issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, temporarily blocks an accrediting agency’s decision to remove the university from membership. Classes will begin on Sept. 2, with the institution recognized as fully accredited, a development that school leaders say is vital for students who depend on federal aid and degree recognition.

A Community-Funded Legal Push

A groundswell of alumni support made the university’s legal reprieve possible. The National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine’s University contributed $100,000 to cover legal expenses tied to the injunction filing. Several individual donors also stepped forward, according to school officials. Underscoring the role of community support in sustaining the private HBCU.

“We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from our alumni and friends,” said Sophie L. Gibson, the newly appointed SAU Board of Trustees chair. “This injunction is not just a legal reprieve; it is a testament to the power of the Falcon community. It allows us to continue educating our students without interruption as we vigorously defend SAU’s future in court.”

The accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), had moved to strip the university of its standing earlier this year, citing governance and financial concerns. SAU has contested the decision, arguing that removal would irreparably harm students and undermine decades of institutional history.

What the Injunction Means

For now, the injunction ensures that students can register, apply for financial aid, and attend classes without fear of their degrees being invalidated. The lawsuit against SACSCOC remains ongoing, and the HBCU has indicated it may pursue additional accreditation avenues should the litigation fail.

“This is a tremendous win for Saint Augustine’s University and, most importantly, for our students,” said interim president Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “We will open our doors on September 2 as an accredited institution, just as we promised. Our faculty and staff are fully prepared to begin the semester. And our commitment to providing an uninterrupted, high-quality education remains stronger than ever.”

A Broader Battle for HBCUs

The outcome of the case could have implications beyond Saint Augustine’s. Accreditation has long been a flashpoint for HBCUs, many of which operate under fragile financial circumstances while serving as lifelines of opportunity for Black students. Losing accreditation can trigger a devastating spiral: loss of federal aid, enrollment declines, and, ultimately, closure.

Saint Augustine’s has bought time — and renewed optimism — to press its case in court. “We soar higher when we soar together,” Ms. Gibson said, emphasizing the unity that helped the school withstand what could have been a crippling setback.

Whether the injunction becomes a stepping stone to permanent accreditation or merely a pause in a more prolonged struggle remains to be seen. For students arriving on campus this fall, however, the message is clear: their education is protected at least for now.

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“We will stop at nothing to ensure that SAU maintains its accreditation and continues serving our students,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware. “SAU’s mission is bigger than any one setback.”

Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess reassured students and the broader community that the university is not closing.

“This decision does not define us — our resilience does,” Burgess said. “We have a clear plan to make sure our students finish with accredited degrees.”

To sustain accreditation during the ongoing litigation, SAU’s legal team plans to file for an injunction. This move, university leaders say, is vital to preserving the integrity of degrees awarded during the transition.

Provost Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples added, “Maintaining accreditation is a critical step in our plan to safeguard our students’ futures.”

Despite the arbitration outcome, SAU has continued to push for substantial progress in strengthening its financial and administrative operations. Over the past year, the HBCU launched a comprehensive five-year plan called “SAU Reset,” restructured its debt through a $7 million loan, and entered a pending redevelopment agreement to generate long-term revenue from underutilized campus property.

Additionally, the university has completed four consecutive financial audits, enacted major budget reductions to achieve a balanced budget, and reinforced board oversight to meet accreditation standards.

SAU is also calling on its alumni and supporters to rally behind the Falcon Pride Initiative, which aims to raise $1 million to cover litigation costs. 

“The Falcon community’s spirit is unbroken,” said Trustee Sophie Gibson. “SAU will continue to soar to greater heights.”

As one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs, Saint Augustine’s University remains committed to its mission of academic excellence, even in the face of adversity.

Last month the CIAA announced that the university had not been restored to conference membership due to its on-going concerns. 

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The decision removes Saint Augustine’s from CIAA competition for the 2025-26 academic year. The university did not field teams in football, volleyball, or softball this year. While it met the NCAA Division II minimum of sponsoring 10 sports, questions remain about its ability to meet scheduling and reporting requirements.

A Rare Independent Status in HBCU Sports

Saint Augustine’s already competed as an independent in women’s cross country last season. Now, that independent status will expand to all sports. The Falcons will not be eligible for CIAA standings or championship events during the suspension.

This move leaves Saint Augustine’s without a conference home, a rare and difficult position for any HBCU. The school’s games, should they choose to play them, wouldn’t count toward CIAA records, further isolating its athletes from traditional competition.

From Track Powerhouse to Uncertainty

This fall from grace is especially striking given the school’s legacy in track and field. Under legendary coach George Williams, the Falcons built an unmatched track dynasty. The program claimed more than 30 NCAA Division II national championships and produced Olympic talent. For decades, no HBCU or Division II program could rival its success.

Today, that legacy is overshadowed by instability. Saint Augustine’s financial and leadership struggles have affected its athletic future.

Hope for a Comeback

In its 2024-2025 decision to suspend the university, the CIAA expressed hope that Saint Augustine’s could stabilize and rejoin the conference. For now, the once-dominant HBCU faces the challenge of rebuilding its athletic programs and regaining its footing.

As the CIAA continues with 12 active members, the absence of Saint Augustine’s is a stark reminder of the challenges some HBCUs face. Supporters and alumni now hope to see the Falcons rise again—and reclaim their place in HBCU sports history.

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According to the lawsuit filed in Wake County District Court, Brown claims that Saint Augustine’s University agreed to pay him an annual salary of $80,000 through March 31, 2025, with additional incentives for postseason achievements. However, the HBCU decided to abruptly discontinue its men’s basketball program in 2024, along with other sports, without providing a cause for his termination or fully compensating him for the remaining term of his contract.

Brown’s complaint states that he is owed $23,076.86, representing unpaid salary from late December 2024 through the scheduled end of his contract in March 2025. He also seeks interest, legal fees, and any other relief the court deems appropriate. The lawsuit accuses the HBCU of breaching the terms of its agreement by terminating Brown without cause and failing to honor the full financial terms outlined in his employment contract.

The former NBA champion, who won a title with the Houston Rockets in 1995, has extensive coaching experience at the collegiate and professional levels. His hiring was seen as a significant move for the HBCU, aiming to revive its once-proud basketball tradition. However, Saint Augustine’s financial struggles have been well-documented, culminating in the suspension of several athletic programs and ongoing accreditation challenges.

Saint Augustine’s University was suspended from CIAA competition during the 2024-2025 season, and SAU did not compete in men’s basketball. 

As the case moves forward, it will add another chapter to the mounting challenges at Saint Augustine’s University, which once celebrated its rich athletic history but now finds itself fighting battles both on and off the court.

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At a time when many small private colleges and historically black colleges/universities (HBCU) are fighting for survival, one church’s act of kindness shines as an example of justice, hope, and the enduring importance of one of North Carolina’s HBCUs. Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) is thrilled to announce a generous gift of $132,469 from Alfred Street Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia, to eliminate the outstanding cumulative four-year student debt of 11 of 25 graduating seniors in the Class of 2025.

The donation – over $130,000 – will be received by SAU before this year’s commencement on May 3rd, ensuring these seniors can graduate debt-free. In a stirring show of community partnership, representatives from the historic church will attend the HBCU commencement ceremony to celebrate with the students and personally congratulate the new graduates whose burdens they helped lift.

“This act of grace by Alfred Street Baptist Church is nothing short of transformative for our students and our institution,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “We are immensely grateful for this demonstration of faith and partnership. It not only lifts a tremendous burden off our deserving students but also inspires our entire SAU community. This donation is a shining example of how faith and collaboration can empower our students to step confidently into their futures. It renews our hope and underscores the bright future for SAU.”

Student debt has become a looming barrier to college completion across the country. HBCUs – which have historically created pathways for underrepresented students – often operate with limited resources. The partnership between Alfred Street Baptist Church and SAU demonstrates a creative, community-driven solution to these challenges that resonates far beyond one campus, offering a blueprint of hope for others to follow.

The HBCU initially informed the entire graduating class that students with unpaid tuition balances could not participate in the commencement ceremony. While more than half of SAU’s graduating class could settle their balances independently with support from some of SAU’s alumni chapters, 11 others still needed additional assistance. Refusing to lose hope, these students penned heartfelt letters detailing their financial struggles and expressing gratitude for assistance. Those letters of need and thanks will be shared during the May commencement, symbolizing faith in action and the profound impact of compassion. Moved by the students’ stories – and alerted by SAU alumni and church members in the Washington, D.C. area – Alfred Street Baptist Church answered the call. The 222-year-old congregation, known for its commitment to education and social justice, offered to cover the outstanding balances for the remaining 11 seniors, allowing them to receive their diplomas without financial obstacles.

“This is what ministry looks like,” said Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church. “We believe in investing in students, in HBCUs, and in a future where financial hardship should never be a barrier to graduation.”

This extraordinary collaboration highlights a legacy of faith-based support and alumni engagement that has long been part of SAU’s story. Alfred Street Baptist Church, founded in 1803, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest predominantly African American congregations. Church officials estimate that about 60% of Alfred Street’s approximately 13,000 members are HBCU graduates. The church is renowned for its community outreach and philanthropy, including an annual HBCU College Festival that draws thousands of students, and has a strong track record supporting HBCUs. In 2019, Alfred Street made national headlines by raising $150,000 in a single weekend and paying off the account balances of 34 graduating seniors at Howard University while contributing $50,000 to assist Bennett College. That same spirit of “irrational generosity” and commitment to educational justice now blesses SAU’s students.

In the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, SAU’s alumni, Gilbert, ’76, and Carolyn Knowles, ’77, nurtured the bond between SAU and Alfred Street. Generations of Saint Augustine’s University alumni in the DMV – including Alfred Street Baptist Church members participating in SAU’s WDC Metro Alumni Chapter – have historically been steadfast university supporters. The advocacy of the Knowles’ for over a year helped bring this opportunity to fruition. Alfred Street’s mission-driven outreach exemplifies the power of community partnership across geography and generations. It is a testament to the idea that SAU’s legacy extends far beyond its Raleigh campus, uniting faith and fellowship in service of the next generation.

“There is an African proverb that says, ‘When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,’” said Gilbert Knowles. “For us, it’s always been about the students. When my wife and I discovered that our church, Alfred Street, approved the donation and the amount they would give to SAU, we cried tears of joy out of love for our church and our alma mater. Despite the university’s challenges, these students chose to stick with SAU, remained steadfast, and are about to graduate, adding to the many reasons SAU is known as the ‘Miracle on Oakwood.’ We will attend graduation, and I know it will be an emotional ceremony.”

The timing of this gift comes as Saint Augustine’s University is amid a resurgence. In recent years, the HBCU has faced well-publicized challenges that have tested the university’s resolve. Yet, through those trials, SAU’s leadership, students, and alumni have worked tirelessly to restore confidence and chart a course forward. This donation arrives at a pivotal moment in that journey, serving as a hopeful counter-narrative to the headlines of the past. It underscores SAU’s resilience and the faith the broader community has in its future. For the wider public, this story sends a powerful message: even in the face of adversity, collective acts of generosity and faith can spark change, support institutions that matter, and uplift young people poised to become future leaders.

“When I learned that Alfred Street Baptist Church’s generous donation had cleared my balance, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and deeply moved by their commitment to supporting students like me,” said Saint Augustine’s University SGA President Tillia Leary, a graduating senior majoring in accounting from The Bahamas. “This incredible act of kindness lifted a major burden and affirmed my belief in the power of community and faith. I will attend Ball State University to complete my master’s degree in accounting and have also been honored to receive numerous scholarships to support my graduate studies.”

SAU is calling on others moved by this inspirational event to help support the remaining students who still carry student debt. While this gift clears balances for 11 seniors, many other SAU students face financial hurdles on their path to graduation, totaling approximately $230,000. Anyone interested in helping empower additional SAU students can contribute to the university’s student relief funds or scholarship programs.

Click here to donate or learn how you can directly impact students’ lives and contribute to SAU’s continued story of resilience and achievement.

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Despite this setback, SAU leadership is determined to secure the university’s future. “This decision does not define us—our resilience does,” said Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess.

However, SAU faces significant hurdles, including financial instability and declining enrollment. The university has lost more than 800 students since 2023, leaving approximately 200 currently enrolled. Additionally, SAU has struggled with faculty payroll and nearly $10 million in IRS tax liens, alongside $32 million in other unpaid debts.

Financial concerns played a significant role in SACSCOC’s ruling. SAU was initially placed on probation in December 2022 after failing to meet several financial standards. To address these issues, the university has secured up to $70 million in sustainability-focused funding aimed at eliminating debt, investing in campus improvements, and ensuring long-term financial health. However, questions remain about the controversial 50 Plus 1 Sports deal, which originally sought to lease all 103 acres of SAU’s land. The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office raised concerns about the agreement due to SAU’s nonprofit status.

As Saint Augustine’s University fights for its future, it calls on alumni, corporate partners, and the broader HBCU community for support. “We now have the financial leverage to protect SAU’s legacy,” said Trustee Hadley Evans. Through bold leadership and strategic financial planning, SAU is determined to uphold its mission as an HBCU and provide a path forward for future students.

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In a pivotal moment for Saint Augustine’s University (SAU), the HBCU emphasizes the urgency of obtaining the North Carolina Attorney General’s approval for the $70 million 50 Plus 1 Sports deal within the next 9 days. This crucial step is vital for securing the necessary funding to demonstrate financial stability as SAU prepares to appeal to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in February.

“Saint Augustine’s University has shown its willingness to cooperate with the Attorney General’s Office by providing them with all the information they have requested to facilitate a timely decision,” said SAU Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware. “Approving this deal is not just a financial necessity; it’s a critical opportunity to showcase our commitment to academic excellence and long-term sustainability.”

Since December, Saint Augustine’s University sought approval from the Attorney General’s Office when Josh Stein was still in that role before becoming Governor. With Jeff Jackson now serving as Attorney General, the transition has raised concerns about potential delays in approval, which could significantly jeopardize the university’s future.

“With the community’s support, we are confident that this approval will allow us to build a brighter future for our university and those we serve,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “We urge everyone to reach out to the NC Governor’s Office and the NC Attorney General’s Office, advocating for the swift approval of this deal. Your voices can play a critical role in securing the future of Saint Augustine’s University. Every call and message counts.”

The 50 Plus 1 Sports deal is not just a significant initiative but a crucial one that will enable the HBCU to bolster its financial infrastructure while continuing to serve the university’s diverse student population. Its approval is paramount to SAU’s financial stability and long-term sustainability.

“We believe in the mission and vision of Saint Augustine’s University and are committed to working collaboratively to ensure its success,” said Monti Valrie, Managing Partner of 50 Plus 1 Sports. “The approval of this deal is essential to sustain the university and enrich its community.”

SAU calls upon its community members, supporters, and all stakeholders to take action during this crucial time.

Click here for contact information for the NC Attorney General’s Office.
Click here for contact information for the NC Governor’s Office.

Strengthening Financial Resources

The $70 million upfront investment from 50 Plus 1 Sports is a financial boost to ensure sustainability and growth at the HBCU. This substantial amount will enable the university to retire existing debt and solely focus on its vision for the future. Moreover, the partnership includes a revenue-sharing model that exemplifies a long-term commitment to equitable growth:

• First 10 Years: The revenue-sharing split allocates 35% of generated revenue to SAU and 65% to 50 Plus 1 Sports.
• Subsequent Years: The split adjusts to 40% for SAU and 60% for 50 Plus 1 Sports, ensuring the university’s increasing financial benefit over time.

This revenue-sharing arrangement highlights the strategic alignment of both parties to deliver sustainable economic benefits to the university and the broader community.

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The appeal, set for February 2025, will allow SAU to present additional evidence of financial stability, including a $70 million partnership with 50 Plus 1 Sports and significant governance reforms. Dr. Marcus Burgess, SAU’s president, expressed confidence in the university’s ability to address the remaining concerns. “This decision is not the end but rather an opportunity to prove that SAU is a stronger, more resilient institution,” said Dr. Burgess. He emphasized the institution’s commitment to its students, stakeholders, and the broader Raleigh community. SAU remains accredited during this process, ensuring that December 2024 and May 2025 graduates will receive degrees from an accredited institution.

In addition to its accreditation appeal, SAU faces challenges within the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The CIAA Board has indefinitely suspended SAU from conference membership, citing the need for the university to demonstrate readiness to maintain a robust NCAA Division II athletics program. The suspension, effective for the 2024-25 academic year, allows for reinstatement if SAU meets the required standards. This decision highlights the importance of balancing athletic and academic excellence as HBCUs navigate complex challenges. Earlier this year it announced it would not field a football program in 2024 following a report by HBCU Gameday.

Both the accreditation appeal and the CIAA suspension represent pivotal moments for SAU, underscoring the broader pressures faced by HBCUs to sustain institutional stability while advancing their missions. Despite these hurdles, SAU remains focused on fostering growth and resilience. Its leadership has called on alumni, supporters, and partners to unite in providing resources and expertise to help the university navigate these challenges.

As Saint Augustine’s University prepares for its February hearing and works toward reinstatement in the CIAA, its efforts exemplify determination and a commitment to its legacy. By addressing these challenges head-on, SAU aims to reaffirm its role as a beacon of opportunity and innovation in the HBCU landscape.

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The deal, formalized through a Letter of Intent signed on November 17, 2024, promises an infusion of $70 million in investments and future revenues to support the university’s growth. The announcement is a significant step in addressing financial difficulties that have plagued SAU in recent years, including declining enrollment and financial instability, as highlighted in reports by HBCU Gameday. 

“This agreement marks a pivotal moment for SAU as we embrace a bold vision for future growth,” said Brian Boulware, Chairman of the SAU Board of Trustees. “We are excited to collaborate with 50 Plus 1 Sports, a proactive and dynamic partner, to deliver long-lasting benefits to our students, faculty, and the amazing Raleigh community.”  

The partnership signals a commitment to transforming SAU’s fortunes and securing its place as a vital HBCU in Raleigh. The financial challenges SAU has faced mirror a broader trend among HBCUs, many of which struggle with limited resources despite their critical role in higher education for underrepresented communities.  

Monti Valrie, President & CEO of 50 Plus 1 Sports, emphasized the local impact of the partnership. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to creating projects that resonate with the community, enhance local opportunities, and establish meaningful relationships within the business ecosystem.”  

Details on the scope of development and associated costs will be revealed at a December press conference. For SAU, this partnership represents a lifeline, reaffirming its legacy as a cornerstone institution in Raleigh and the HBCU landscape.  

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Raleigh, NC-based HBCU Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) continues to navigate its path to financial stability and sustainability as it prepares for its important accreditation meeting with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) this December. In a significant move toward fiscal responsibility, the HBCU will eliminate several positions this month, including part-time and full-time non-faculty roles and some vacant positions. Specific details regarding the affected positions remain undisclosed.

“As stewards of this institution, our focus is on its long-term sustainability through shared governance,” said Mr. Hadley Evans, Jr., Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees & Chair of the Finance Committee. “While we recognize the seriousness of these financial adjustments, these decisions are essential for safeguarding the future of Saint Augustine’s University and the students we serve.”

Last December, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) voted to remove the HBCU from membership after two years of warnings because of its financial status. After being denied in their appeal hearing in February, the SACSCOC arbitration committee reversed the decision in July and reinstated SAU’s accreditation to probation for good cause. A team from SACSCOC visited SAU last month for a follow-up, and the board will vote on the next step regarding SAU in December.

“The momentum we are building is promising. While difficult, we acknowledge the seriousness of our financial challenges, and these measures are crucial for our long-term sustainability,” said Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “We are committed to transforming SAU into a financially stable institution that prioritizes the success of our students and stakeholders. Our ongoing efforts to stabilize the financial condition of Saint Augustine’s University are now showing tangible results—our community is responding positively, and we are excited about our future. Together, we will work diligently to rebuild our foundation.”

As part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure compliance with SACSCOC and secure its accreditation, SAU has reduced its expenses by approximately $17 million in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023. Significant reductions, totaling 50% of the university’s employees, involved difficult decisions, including eliminating 67 staff positions (41% reduction), 37 full-time faculty positions (67% reduction), 32 adjunct faculty positions (57% reduction), and discontinuing several under-enrolled programs. Furthermore, the university is actively settling outstanding balances with vendors while adjusting various contracts, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to restoring financial integrity and ensuring a sustainable future for SAU.

“The steps we take today symbolize our dedication to a financially secure future,” said Mr. Mark Yates, Vice President for Business & Administration & Chief Operating Officer. “By addressing our challenges head-on, we are not just complying with accreditation standards; we are laying the groundwork for a resilient institution that prioritizes the needs of our community.” 

SAU has reported several significant milestones toward enhancing financial stability and demonstrating compliance with accreditation standards, including:

• The completion of four financial audits for fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
• Securing a critical agreement with Gothic Ventures to ensure operational continuity for the 2024-2025 academic year.
• After a challenging period, the university restored employee payroll and health insurance benefits.
• The implementation of a comprehensive cost optimization strategy alongside a robust financial sustainability plan.
• Strengthening and improving oversight of essential financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• The successful dismissal of the lawsuit filed against the board of trustees by the SAVE SAU Coalition.

Despite the obstacles, SAU proudly reports sustained support from its HBCU alumni, with giving levels remaining consistent with the previous three years. Moreover, the university has received over 700 enrollment applications for Fall 2025, signaling strong interest in its academic offerings.

As SAU looks ahead, it remains devoted to fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, and service to its community while working diligently toward a successful accreditation review. 

Click here for more information about SAU’s SACSCOC updates.

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Should Saint Augustine’s, a long-standing HBCU member of the CIAA, choose to continue participation, their competition will not count towards CIAA standings or seeding, and they will not be eligible for championship participation.

“While this decision is difficult and impacts one of our HBCU member institutions, we undertook a fair, deliberate, and thoughtful process to ensure the best interests of the conference and to protect the well-being of student-athletes,” said Board Chair Aminta Breaux.

SAU elected not to sponsor softball for the spring of 2024, nor football and volleyball for the fall of 2024, leaving only 10 sports for the 2024-25 season—barely meeting the NCAA Division II compliance standards, which require the sponsorship of at least ten sports each academic year. The ability of the HBCU to complete other sports, including men’s and women’s cross-country, and meet additional compliance deadlines, remains uncertain.

“Saint Augustine’s University has been a vital part of the CIAA and HBCU sports for over 80 years. We deeply value their administrators, coaches, student-athletes, alumni, and the entire SAU community. The CIAA will continue to support the Falcons as they aim to return for the 2025-26 season,” said CIAA Commissioner McWilliams Parker.

About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest-running HBCU athletic conference in the United States and remains one of the most recognized conferences in Division II sports. The CIAA conducts 14 championships, drawing more than 150,000 fans nationwide. The conference is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 HBCU member institutions, which include Bluefield State University, Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.

For more information, visit theciaa.com and follow us on social media.

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“The partnership with Gothic Ventures marks a pivotal moment for SAU as it embarks on a multi-year strategic plan to stabilize and grow the University,” said SAU Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware. “This funding secures our immediate needs while allowing us to implement our long-term vision. We believe our partnership with Gothic Ventures will be crucial to our journey toward excellence.”

The immediate impact of the $7 million term loan from Gothic Ventures is significant. It will address critical short-term cash flow requirements, ensuring the university can effectively manage its operations. Funds will be allocated to support the completion of the external audit, settle outstanding employee salaries, refund student credit balances, and cover essential operational expenses. To ensure a smooth transition, the university’s external payroll agent will process all outstanding payroll sequentially.

“This loan represents a significant affirmation of our commitment to our students and staff,” said SAU Interim President Marcus H. Burgess. “We are grateful for the belief that Gothic Ventures has placed in our vision, allowing us to focus on enhancing the academic experience while showcasing our resilience in the face of adversity.”

Saint Augustine’s University is fully committed to navigating current challenges, and this partnership is a testament to its strength and determination to thrive. The university eagerly anticipates welcoming students back this fall with renewed vitality and resource allocation, fostering an environment of exceptional educational opportunity. Our commitment to our mission and the community remains resolute.

“We are excited to partner with Saint Augustine’s University during this pivotal time,” said Kip Johnson, Gothic Ventures Founder and Managing General Partner. “Our belief in the transformative power of education aligns with the University’s historic mission, and we are confident that this collaboration will lead to future successes for the institution and its community.”

Click here to learn more about SAU’s Fall Semester Plans.

Saint Augustine’s University, an HBCU located in Raleigh, NC, is facing significant financial and accreditation challenges in 2024. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) initially decided to remove the university’s accreditation, a devastating blow for any HBCU, as accreditation is crucial for federal funding and overall credibility. This decision was largely influenced by the university’s severe financial issues, including a $7.9 million tax lien and an inability to meet payroll on time.

These financial struggles have also led to the suspension of the university’s football program, further compounding the challenges faced by this historic HBCU. 

Things began to turn around last month, however, when the school’s accreditation was re-instated.

– Courtesy: Saint Augustine’s University

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RALEIGH, NC– Fans of one of North Carolina’s storied historically black college/university (HBCU) athletic programs received a boost in hopes of seeing their teams compete in this year’s upcoming season. Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) Athletics persists in pursuing excellence in all facets in response to the unanimous reversal of the unjust decision by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) arbitration committee.

“This ruling is a testament to our commitment to nurturing success both on the field and in the classroom,” said SAU Athletic Director Dr. J. Lin Dawson. “SAU Athletics is committed to winning championships, graduating student-athletes, and developing them as leaders.”

The SACSCOC arbitration committee’s decision to overturn the board of trustees and appeals committee’s ruling affirms the North Carolina university’s relentless support for its student-athletes.

“I am currently recruiting, but I’m recruiting mentally tough, good people who are good in the class classroom who want to get out and be good in the community as well,” said SAU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Chucky Brown on The Bird’s Eye View. “SAU is a great place for an opportunity to play because I’m only recruiting guys to play and have an opportunity to shine.”

SAU Athletics is committed to dispelling any misinformation about the future of the North Carolina HBCU, highlighting its active participation in 11 NCAA Division II sports and its continued engagement in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) for the 2024-2025 season.

“The goal for Coach Bat and I is to hit the ground running and look for the best athletes we can bring to the institution,” said SAU Women’s Track & Field Head Coach Elizabeth Gary on The Bird’s Eye View. “We will continue to do well and shine on the track and the field, and get those athletes that we think will be the difference makers for us here at the university and compete in the CIAA, the region, and the nation.”

Recognizing the significant impact of the initial SACSCOC ruling on the university’s reputation, Saint Augustine’s University Athletics is committed to recovering from this tumultuous period. It is steadfast in its resolve to uphold the values of integrity, sportsmanship, and academic excellence and to provide a supportive environment for our HBCU student-athletes.

“SAU has been here since 1867, and we have a rich tradition. We’ve been through so much to keep this university open. With that, we must keep this legacy going,” said SAU Men’s Track & Field Head Coach Bershawn “Batman” Jackson on The Bird’s Eye View. “We will be grinding tooth and nail to bring in the best athletes because, at SAU, you will get a good coach and a great atmosphere; we will love on you as your parents would. You’re going to get coaches that will be there every step of the way.”

With a transformative vision and renewed vigor, SAU Athletics looks forward to a promising future dedicated to providing unparalleled opportunities for our student-athletes to thrive athletically and academically. We remain committed to their success.

“There’s a specific type of recruit that I’m looking for that must be mentally strong, willing to serve others, and be able to put the ball through the hoop and play defense,” said SAU Women’s Basketball Head Coach LaTasha Shipman-Ganus on The Bird’s Eye View. “At SAU, we have a community of faculty and staff who will love on you differently from other universities. You’ll find coaches who will pour into you, and that will look different from anywhere else you go.”

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2024 brings another development involving one of North Carolina’s historically black colleges/universities (HBCU). Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) celebrates a triumph as the arbitration committee appointed by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) decided to reverse the controversial decision to strip SAU of its membership. This reversal not only reinstates SAU’s membership but also validates the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.

“The SACSCOC arbitration committee’s decision serves as a pivotal moment for SAU’s redemption and renewal,” said Brian Boulware, Chairman of the SAU Board of Trustees. “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.”

In a favorable turn of events, the arbitration committee announced its decision to overturn the ruling of the February Appeals Committee and the decision made in December 2023 by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees to remove the Raleigh, North Carolina HBCU from membership. This week’s ruling to reverse those earlier decisions allows SAU to maintain its esteemed membership with SACSCOC, although still under the sanction of Probation for Cause. This pivotal outcome provides a renewed opportunity for SAU to resolve issues of non-compliance related to financial resources and oversight.

“This reinstatement acknowledges SAU’s relentless dedication to upholding academic standards and ensuring a thriving educational environment for our students,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “We are resolute in our mission to overcome challenges and emerge stronger than ever.”

The arbitration committee’s decision not only rectifies an unjust ruling by SACSCOC but also paves the way for SAU to showcase compliance with Core Requirement 4.1, Core Requirement 13.1, Core Requirement 13.2, Standard 13.3, Standard 13.4, and Standard 13.6 of the Principles of Accreditation. This opportunity fills the university community with optimism and hope for SAU’s future. SAU is poised to seize this opportunity and provide new, verifiable financial information to solidify its standing within the SACSCOC C & R Committee.

“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.”

Dispelling any rumors or misinformation surrounding SAU’s future, the university certainly reaffirms its intent to welcome students back for the Fall semester. SAU remains steadfast in its mission to rejuvenate its reputation and dispel doubts about its longevity.

As SAU embarks on a path toward recovery, it extends gratitude to all supporters who stood by the HBCU during this challenging period. SAU remains resolute in its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and uncompromising dedication to the transformative power of education. This commitment should reassure and instill confidence in its students, faculty, staff, board of trustees, alumni, and supporters.

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Founded on July 19, 1867, by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, SAU was initially chartered as a “Normal School and Collegiate Institute.” The institution aimed to provide young men and women with superior academic education, train teachers for efficient service and prepare young men for the Holy Ministry. Today, SAU boasts over 11,000 living alumni and remains committed to preparing students academically, socially, and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing world.

In his address, Dr. Burgess acknowledged the financial and accreditation hurdles facing the university, common issues among many HBCUs. However, he emphasized that SAU is determined to continue its mission and will open for the Fall semester. “Despite these challenges, I assure you that SAU will continue to thrive,” Dr. Burgess stated, reaffirming the university’s commitment to its students and community.

The university’s ongoing battle for accreditation has been a point of concern, but Dr. Burgess called for unity and support from the SAU community to overcome these obstacles. He urged alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters to dispel rumors and stand together to ensure SAU’s future. “Your steadfast support remains pivotal in securing SAU’s future,” he said.

As SAU looks to the future, Dr. Burgess invited the community to join in shaping a better SAU that exemplifies excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. He praised the Falcon Pride Initiative, highlighting its importance in sustaining the university during challenging times and driving momentum toward greater achievements.

The Founders Day celebration was a moment for the community of the HBCU to reflect on its shared history and the resilience that has defined the university for over a century. Dr. Burgess concluded his address by thanking supporters and expressing hope for a future where SAU not only survives but thrives.

Saint Augustine’s University’s commitment to its legacy and mission continues to inspire its community as it navigates the challenges ahead.

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The Coach George Williams interchange where New Bern Avenue meets Interstate 440 on the Raleigh Beltline will be named after the coach, who is a graduate of the HBCU. 

“He was a distinguished professor,” former Saint Augustine’s University President Everett Ward told Board of Transportation members, “and, as many of us called him, a life coach for students not only from an academic perspective but from a life-learning perspective of being contributors to society.”

Williams led St. Augustine’s University to remarkable success, securing 39 NCAA Division II National Titles over 44 years. He served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic team in 1996, where all his athletes won gold medals, and was the head coach in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Williams has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In 2022, he received the Legend Coach Award from USA Track & Field.

“He traveled that road about every day for probably 45 or 50 years,” NC Senator Dan Blue said. “So many people will be reminded of all of the tremendous contributions he has made, the leadership he has provided, as they come off of the Beltline onto New Bern Avenue.”

Williams was removed from his post in 2020, as well as his job as the director of athletics, which he held for 23 years. 

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She’s no stranger to the Falcons program, she was an assistant coach on last year’s team that achieved its first winning record (15-13) since the 2010-2011 season.

Prior to joining Saint Augustine’s, Shipman-Ganus spent three seasons at Florida A&M, which was her second stint in Tallahassee. Known as a great recruiter, she helped bring in Mya Moye, who was the 2019 MEAC Rookie of the Year and led the Rattlers in scoring.

Shipman-Ganus has made her way around the CIAA as well, she was an assistant on a Livingstone team that went 24-1 during the regular season. Prior to her time in Salisbury she was an assistant at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She had the opportunity to coach under Wendy Palmer, a noted former WNBA player.

Shipman-Ganus was on the bench at FAMU for her first stint prior to going to UNCG. She spent four seasons initially with the Rattlers, she was responsible for developing players, recruiting, scouting, developing game plans, organizing community service, and assisting with practice planning.

Her first coaching experience came at Shaw University after her playing career was done. She helped the Lady Bears to three CIAA championships and a pair of NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearances. Shipman-Ganus played overseas after graduating from Shaw, she averaged 26 points and 13 rebounds in Chile, South America.

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Reaction has been heard far and wide since HBCU Gameday published part of a letter suggesting that the two Raleigh-based HBCUs – both of which have been in the North Carolina capital since the Reconstruction Era – merge to form one. 

“We are Raleigh history. To merge both universities, we’d lose that,” said Demetria Buie, a 2001 Saint Aug graduate, to ABC11. “Everyone knows that Saint Augustine’s and Shaw University are land rich. To have that discussion regarding land, is not farfetched.”

According to the leader by Saint Augustine’s University Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware, at least a segment of the Raleigh business community want Shaw and Saint Aug to merge and for Shaw to move away from the same downtown it has been a part of since 1865. 

Raleigh has been discussing how to revitalize and develop its downtown sector for a year. Tobias McLean owns Harris Barber College on South Blount Street, across from Shaw’s campus. He’s hopeful that the revitalization will include 

“One thing it will increase is the value of the property here,” McLean said. “Also, they’re cleaning it up around Shaw and in this area here so it would be a good thing to enhance the neighborhood and community.”

“I think it’s a great thing, making this area what it should be,” Merrick Scheidler, a student at Harris Barber College, told ABC11. “But I think at the same time there should also be that culture that’s left there.”

Saint Augustine’s University, struggling with financial and accreditation issues, isn’t in the center of downtown – but it is in a rapidly changing (I.e. gentrified) neighborhood. 

“Someone may say, ‘Oh, it’s just a couple of acres,’ but it’s acres that the students used to become the wonderful people that our city needs, our country needs,” business owner Malaika Kashaka said.

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Boulware cited a dinner meeting involving himself, Saint Augustine’s University Interim President Marcus Burgess and “executives of another local higher education institution” along with the owner of a local television station, the former editor of the local newspaper. Both the television owner, editor and a developer were unnamed in his letter, dated June 17.

“Let’s get to the bottom of this,” the television station owner said, according to the document. “Raleigh doesn’t need two black universities. We need the two of them to merge. I don’t care what you call it. However, we need them both on SAU’s property because we need downtown land to expand the development footprint.”

According to Boulware, the local developer continued to push the idea, stating that the Raleigh business community felt the same way.

“You have no leverage in the situation. You need to consider this an option.”

Boulware says the other institutions’ president didn’t say much other than she was “going to reserve judgement.” It went on to state that a member of the other university’s board had floated the idea to his predecesor at Saint Aug, but it was not taken seriously.

The letter states that intense dialogue followed along with the rejection of the proposal. Boulware’s letter states that following the dinner “a targeted campaign against SAU ensued.”

Saint Augustine’s University has been in the news frequently over the last fiscal year regarding issues with its finances and accreditation. But Shaw University has fared better, but it does sit on valuable downtown real estate at a time when the city leadership is pushing to reshape the area. 

Earlier this year the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) brought a plan to revitalize the growing city’s downtown to city leaders. Shaw sits on around 30 acres of downtown real estate. But not for long, if you believe Boulware’s account. 

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The Elizabeth City State job became vacant when Tynesha Lewis left her job to take over UNC Ashville last month.

The Garner, NC native has over 15 years in the collegiate ranks. She has recently joined ECSU after serving for three years at fellow CIAA HBCU St. Augustine’s University. There, she led the Falcons to their best conference record since 2012 and their best overall record since 2011, while helping them rank among the top 25 Division II teams in forced turnovers.

She has served as an assistant coach at her alma mater University of Richmond from 2009 to 2016. Tanner also had multiple stints with Shaw University and at the University of Hartford, as an assistant and associate head coach. During her time at Richmond, she reached the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) four out of seven seasons and posted multiple 20-win seasons, including a 24-10 record which was the most wins since 2009.

Tanner has had a successful coaching career with achievements such as winning a CIAA Championship and a bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament while at Shaw University. Following her collegiate career at the University of Richmond where she was a two-time All-Atlantic 10 player while scoring over 1,000 points and recording 500 rebounds while ranking among the school’s top 10 all-time shot blockers, Tanner played professionally for both Ashdod, Israel, and Panserraikos, Greece. Tanner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication and Speech Rhetoric.

Director of Athletics, James DuBose, expressed his excitement about Tanner’s appointment.

“We are elated to have Coach Tanner join our team and we look forward to partnering with her to continue to showcase our women’s basketball program.”

“I am honored to be named Interim Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Elizabeth City State University. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Chancellor Dixon, AD DuBose, and Deputy AD Hillard-Gray for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to building on the legacy of success that ECSU basketball has established over the years,” Tanner said.  

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“We weren’t getting along,” Brown said with a laugh. “Then it finally clicked. We finally started realizing we needed to play for the name on the front of the jersey instead of the name on the back of the jersey. Now this team, I don’t know what was going on – if anything was going on – in the locker room. But outside looking in, it looked like to me, some guys that were at the end and they just didn’t want it to end.

Brown says he got calls from some Duke and UNC legends as NC State began to make its run. 

“He told me he was thinking about making a bet, but then he changed his mind,” Brown said. “I did hear from Kenny Smith and Sam Perkins, some of my Carolina guys that I know and played with and Christian Lattener. So it was good to brag to them a little bit.”

Go to Page Two for the state of Saint Augustine’s University basketball heading into the 2024-2025 season.

Chucky Brown just wrapped up his second season as head coach at Saint Augustine’s University. While located in the same city as NC State, it’s a far cry from the ACC school. The team finished 12-17 overall, a pretty solid record considering the turmoil that the school has been dealing with due to accreditation and financial issues. But it now appears that Brown will have to start over from scratch 

“With what’s going on at the school, all of our players entered the portal. So I don’t have a team right now, so Im actively recruiting guys right now letting them know that  we are going to have a season.”

Brown said he does have some players he’s hoping to land, but he isn’t selling them any fairytales. 

“I have to be honest with the recruits,” Brown said frankly. “I have to tell them ‘look, I’m interested in you. I want you. If you don’t have anything when we’re ready to sign, then come on – I want you. But I have to be honest with them. If you have something that you feel like is better, you gotta go ahead and take it.”

The NC State legend is keeping himself busy as he waits to fill his roster. He’s starting a podcast with former NBA All-Star, ACC legend and Fisk University head basketball coach Kenny Anderson called ‘Dropping Dimes.’ The podcast is slated to drop May 8 on Instagram.

“Everybody’s doing it,” Brown said. “So I got together with a guy I played with – who I still talk to a lot. And we’re gonna do this.”

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“SAU will compete in NCAA Division II competition across 11 sports this upcoming season. We are recruiting athletes ready to showcase their talent and dedication in sports offered for men and women, such as cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, basketball, and other sports, such as volleyball, softball, and golf.”

Noticeably absent from that list is football. Interim President Marcus Burgess stated earlier this month that the school would not be fielding a football team in 2024, confirming an earlier report by HBCU Gameday. 

“The only sport that we are going to suspend is going to be football,” he told CBS17. 

Saint Augustine’s University is facing a huge financial crisis thanks largely to a multi-million dollar tax lien and two years of not paying creditors, along with an accreditation loss.

SAU’s absence will mean the CIAA will be down to 11 football teams for at least one season. SAU was scheduled to play every team in the CIAA South (Fayetteville State, Johnson C. Smith, Livingstone College, Shaw and Winston-Salem State) as well as Elizabeth City State and Lincoln University.

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In an exclusive interview with CBS 17, Interim president Dr. Marcus Burgess says that the football program will not see the field in 2024. 

“The only sport that we are going to suspend is going to be football,” he said.

This news comes roughly a week after sources revealed that there was a “99 percent chance” that the Raleigh, NC-based HBCU football program would not play this fall. Saint Augustine’s University is facing a huge financial crisis thanks largely to a multi-million dollar tax lien and two years of not paying creditors, along with an accreditation loss.

“It will take roughly 27 to 28 million dollars and 30 million for good judgment because there’s still deferred maintenance pieces that have to happen,” Dr. Burgess said in the interview. The school is scheduled to miss payroll for the third consecutive time.

Saint Augustine’s football went 0-10 last season, firing first-year head coach Howard Feggins two-thirds into the season. Feggins is suing the school for wrongful termination, among other things. SAU football has not recorded a winning season since 2012.

SAU’s absence will mean the CIAA will be down to 11 football teams for at least one season. SAU was scheduled to play every team in the CIAA South (Fayetteville State, Johnson C. Smith, Livingstone College, Shaw and Winston-Salem State) as well as Elizabeth City State and Lincoln University.

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SAU had its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission pulled by that body’s board of trustees in December. That was decision was confirmed in February.

A source close to the football program indicates it is “99 percent likely” there will be no football for Saint Augustine’s University this fall as it is not currently going through spring football practice. SAU is an NCAA Division II program that competes in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

No announcement has been made regarding the long-term future of its football program, or athletics as a whole. Multiple sources have indicated that other schools within the CIAA are looking to find replacements for their games with SAU.

Saint Augustine’s University announced earlier this month that it would be moving classes strictly online for the majority of its student body starting April 1. It released the following statement: 

“After receiving open dialogue, answering questions, and receiving feedback from students, parents, faculty, and staff, we decided to transition to remote learning for the remainder of the spring semester starting April 1st. While we strive to maintain the quality of education, it is also our utmost responsibility to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of the SAU community, especially our students. A select number of students, including student-athletes on the track team, international students, and students working internships will remain on campus until our commencement ceremony on May 4th. In addition, we will make accommodations to provide food service for the remaining students on campus.

We will remain in communication with all students and their families during this transition and handle all special conditions related to out-of-state students and additional inquiries related to housing, student accounts, and technology on a case-by-case basis.”

The softball program has not participated at all this spring, leaving other CIAA schools to adjust.

FieldTurf USA filed a $598,000 lien against the storied HBCU for failing to pay for a new artificial turf field in Dec. 2023. Former football head coach Howard Feggins is also suing the HBCU for Breach of contract, Breach of Implied Covenant of Good Faith & Fair Dealing, Fraudulent/Negligent Misrepresentation and Tortious Interference With Contractual Relations.

Saint Augustine’s University reinstated its football program in 2002 after cutting it back in 1967. It has not had a winning football season since 2012.

Multiple attempts have been made to speak with officials in the Saint Augustine’s University department of athletics.

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Robinson took home the Men’s indoor 60-meter title at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships held at the Robert W. Plaster Center in Pittsburg, KS.

Both of Tarrell Robinson’s heat times in the Men’s 60-meter dash would have been good for first as he posted a 6.64 second time in his first heat, then followed it up with a 6.61 in the final with the next closest time being 6.67 seconds from Isaac Botsio of Ghana.

His winning time of 6.61 seconds is also the 8th fastest time in NCAA Division II Track history.

Coming out of Mount Tabor High School in 2022, Robinson ranked No. 9 in the United States with a 60-meter dash time of 6.72 seconds. Now, under the tutelage of legendary HBCU track star Bershawn “Batman” Jackson, Robinson has trimmed his time in the 60m and is a National Champion in his Sophomore year.

Saint Augustine’s University has a rich track & field history, having won 39 national championships (men & women combined) on the NCAA Division II level. Terrell Robinson is adding his name to that legacy much like his coach did nearly 20 years ago.

Before Bershawn “Batman” Jackson won the gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles in the Helsinki World Championships in 2005, he won the 400-meter dash and 4×400-meter relay championships at then-Saint Augustine’s College in the 2004 NCAA Division II Championships.

Robinson’s National Championship in the indoor season should add excitement for his collegiate outdoor season and the championship events that follow.

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SAU finished with a record of 15-13, marking its first winning season since it won 19 games in 2011. Head coach Ebony Tanner and her team did this as the school has made headlines for its financial issues which caused it to miss payroll, causing a number of issues for faculty, staff and students. Its long-term issues have led to the school’s accreditation with the SACSCOS being removed in December and confirmed on Tuesday. 

“We tuned out the noise and we kept showing up every night. The things going on around us don’t involve us. Our job is to win basketball games and give our heart on the floor And these young ladies did exactly that,” Tanner said after the game.  “Saint Aug took a chance on me as a first year head coach And for that we are very proud. We are thankful and we showed up for our HBCU. “

Tanner’s players echo’d their coach’s sentiment. Lauren Banks said St. Aug was the only school that gave her a chance to play basketball out of high school.

“So for me to play for them and get my heart on the court, that’s the least I could do. And I’m very appreciative for the four years that they gave me,” she said. “I hope I gave them back a little bit of what they gave me. So that was nothing. I give – playing my heart out the court – because I got a free education they gave me. They were the only school that offered me that. Of what the future holds for Saint Aug, well, I don’t know. Nobody knows. We were really focused on the tournament just trying to win. We weren’t focused on what is going on in Raleigh.”

No one is sure of what will happen next with Saint Augustine’s University, let alone its athletics department. But one thing that can be said about this year’s team – it fought until the end. 

“We’re going to fight for each other,” Tanner said. “We’re going to go to war for each other day in and day out, day in and day out. And I couldn’t ask for any more.”

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Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission agreed with the December decision of their Board of Trustees to remove the school’s accreditation.

Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, the interim president at Saint Augustine’s University, vows that the school will not go away quietly.

“Students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters out there- we still have our accreditation and we’re going to continue to fight for this great institution,” Burgess told CBS17. “157 years of great support, we’re going to continue fight on.”

Saint Augustine’s was set to meet with representatives from SACSCOC’s appeals committee sometime between Feb. 19-21.

“SACS prohibited us from showing them the new things we are currently working on,” Burgess said. “Thus far, the decision was based on everything that happened from Dec. 1 on back.”

The IRS filed a $7.9 million lien against Saint Augustine’s University for unpaid taxes dating back to the end of 2020. It also has several other significant debts, and several of the university’s money issues are athletics-related. 

FieldTurf USA filed a $598,000 lien against Saint Augustine’s University for failing to pay for a new artificial turf field in Dec. 2023. Former football head coach Howard Feggins is also suing the HBCU for Breach of contract, Breach of Implied Covenant of Good Faith & Fair Dealing, Fraudulent/Negligent Misrepresentation and Tortious Interference With Contractual Relations.

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The IRS filed a $7.9 million lien against Saint Augustine’s University for unpaid taxes dating back to the end of 2020, according to WRAL.com. 

If that wasn’t enough, less than a week after it was revealed that the school would not be able to make its Feb. 9 payroll, some professors have started canceling classes. 

“Since she doesn’t want to teach for free and is honestly wanting to get paid, she says she’s not going to grade any of our stuff (or) send us any more emails until further notice,” student Sienna Forrester said after her teacher emailed her and said there would be no classes. 

If that wasn’t enough, garbage was reportedly overflowing on the campus as late as Thursday, according to ABC11. 

Several of the university’s money issues are athletics-related. 

FieldTurf USA filed a $598,000 lien against Saint Augustine’s University for failing to pay for a new artificial turf field in Dec. 2023. Former football head coach Howard Feggins is also suing the HBCU for Breach of contract, Breach of Implied Covenant of Good Faith & Fair Dealing, Fraudulent/Negligent Misrepresentation and Tortious Interference With Contractual Relations.

“I just hope and pray that everything gets fixed,” student Roderick Harris told WRAL. “I love school. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t love school. I love this university. It’s a historically black college. We don’t have many of those in the United States, so I pray that everything gets fixed here. I’m trying to play football here. If I can’t get my classes, I can’t play football. You know, no academics, no sports.”

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“Our current financial situation, or lack thereof, has significantly hindered the operations across our campus, and I am acutely aware of the hardships it has caused,” interim president Marcus Burgess said in an e-mail obtained by WRAL.com. “We are pursuing several opportunities around our greatest asset, our land. While we are on the brink of finalizing these transactions, the process has taken longer than anticipated. Despite my optimism when we last spoke on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, I was encouraged not to provide a specific date for the arrival of funds, and I sincerely apologize.

Please know that we are tirelessly working to fortify our internal controls and to develop a sustainable business model for our university. Please communicate with your Vice President or supervisor if you need to adjust your work schedule. Your well-being and peace of mind are of utmost importance, and we are here to support you through every step of this process.

I am acutely aware of the hardships created by these delays and the challenges they pose to you and your loved ones. We will find a solution and implement measures to ensure the stability and financial security of the university moving forward.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these trying times. Your dedication and unwavering commitment to our university do not go unnoticed. I am truly grateful for your continued support.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any concerns or need further assistance (sic). Our collective resilience and strength as a community will see us through this challenging period.”

This news comes just months after the board of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) voted to remove Saint Augustine’s University from its membership. It is currently on probation with good cause and Saint Augustine’s will meet with representatives from SACSCOC’s appeals committee sometime between Feb. 19-21.

It also comes on the heels of a lawsuit from former football coach Howard Feggins who sued the school after he says he was wrongfully terminated by the HBCU. 

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Arguably the most infamous situation that comes to mind is historic HBCU Morris Brown’s loss of accreditation in 2002.  It took Morris Brown 20 years to rebuild, ultimately gaining it from TRACS,  a voluntary, non-profit, self-governing organization of Christian postsecondary institutions.

Then there is Saint Paul’s College in Lawrencville, VA. SPC lost its SACS accrediation in 2012 and shut down a year later.

Why is accreditation important at an HBCU?

At an HBCU, most students are enrolled with the backing of financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and other federally funded or subsidized resource allocations.  According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, student financial aid comes from federal, state, and institutional sources. Among undergraduates at HBCUs in 2019—20, 82 percent received federal aid, 27 percent received state aid, and 35 percent received institutional aid.

In short, most HBCU institutions would not survive without federal assistance.  Morris Brown became all but defunct before it was revived in 2022.  Even so, the institution will battle long-term complications from student funding shortfalls.

St. Augustine’s SACS accreditation was revoked at a board meeting on Dec. 3, 2023, with a 10-day grace period before all accreditation was revoked.

Why was St. Aug removed from SACS membership?

According to the disclosure statement rendered by the SACSCOC, the root of the issues with St. Augustine’s was due to a lack of institutional control of finances.  The disclosure document cited St. Augustine’s for 4.1 (Governing board characteristics), Core Requirement 13.1 (Financial resources), Core Requirement 13.2 (Financial documents), Standard 13.3 (Financial responsibility), Standard 13.4 (Control of finances), and Standard 13.6 (Federal and state responsibilities) of the Principles of Accreditation–the standards of the membership of SACSCOC, as well as failure to meet the provisions of Good Cause.

Accreditation in SACS has three major requirements.  Being accredited in good standing by SACSCOC signifies that the institution (1) has a mission appropriate to higher education, (2) has resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that mission, and (3) maintains clearly specified educational objectives that are consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees its offers, and that indicate whether it is successful in achieving its stated objectives. 

St. Augustine’s President Christine McPhail was quickly fired by the university.  She would be notified on the same day the university’s accreditation would be formally stripped.  Her firing came at the hands of the St. Augustine’s Board of Trustees.

St. Augustine’s interim president Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon, said she fully expects the formal appeal to be completed within the 10-day period.  She stated that the loss of accreditation is based mostly on missing audits that are required by the agency.  She expects the documents to be delivered promptly to SACS in order to strengthen its appeal position.  

The HBCU of 1,000 students was also put on probation by SACSCOC in 2016 and 2018.  It was put on probation by SACS a year ago and unfortunately, it escalated to the revocation that is now the center of the school’s woes.

The SACSCOC financial accounting and reporting requirements are clear

In the SACSCOC manual, under Section 13 (Financial and Physical Resources, SACS requires the institution to have sound financial resources and a demonstrated, stable financial base to support the mission of the institution and the scope of its programs and services. (Financial resources) [CR] The member institution provides the following financial statements: 

1. (a)  an institutional audit (or Standard Review Report issued in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the AICPA for those institutions audited as part of a system-wide or statewide audit) for the most recent fiscal year prepared by an independent certified public accountant and/or an appropriate governmental auditing agency employing the appropriate audit (or Standard Review Report) guide.
   1. (b)  a statement of financial position of unrestricted net assets, exclusive of plant assets and plant-related debt, which represents the change in unrestricted net assets attributable to operations for the most recent year. for Quality Enhancement (c) an annual budget that is preceded by sound planning, is subject to sound fiscal procedures, and is approved by the governing board. 

How have St. Aug’s athletics teams fared so far

Both Morris Brown and Saint Paul’s College athletics suffered as the school fought losing accrediation battles, eventually dropping their respective football programs.

St. Augustine’s football team lost all 10 games it played this season.  The Falcons participate at the NCAA Division II level in the CIAA.  Their closest game was a 10-7 loss to conference foe Bowie State in September and a 7-0 loss to Fayetteville State University in October. In fact, it has not had a winning season since going 6-4 in 2011.

St. Augustine’s fired its football coach in October. Howard Feggins had a short term with the school, something that has been the norm. He was abruptly fired during the season and filed a lawsuit against the school. Feggins complained about unreasonable conditions and how he was expected to win without any support from the school. 

The school currently has an interim head football coach, interim director of athletics and an interim chancellor.

In cross country, women’s runner Abijah Jepkemboi won the CIAA Runner of the Year, as the team placed third in the conference championship.  Volleyball has a .500 season going 13-13. Spring sports will be in question instead of the revocation of accreditation.

Read the SACS disclosure statement on Saint Augustine’s loss of accreditation

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Feggins asserted that the individuals acted on their own behalf outside the scope of their jobs with Saint Augustine’s University and that they weren’t reasonably related to any legitimate business interest and otherwise exceeded the scope of their respective legal rights and authority.

“The Individual Defendants collectively and individually fostered a personal, unjustified animus towards Coach Feggins; and (ii) the Individual Defendants’ personal animus towards Coach Feggins intensified when he reported and/or refused to engage in potentially wrongful conduct,” the suit continued.

Feggins asserted that, despite promises to the contrary, Saint Augustine’s University administrators knew their Athletic Department “was not in healthy financial shape, and certainly not in the shape that had been represented to Coach Feggins.”

The lawsuit states that Feggins belief and assertion that the department was violating NCAA rules was a key reason he was dismissed in October. He and his attorneys are requesting judgment against all Defendants, jointly and severally for compensatory damages in an amount in excess of $25,000 plus interest as allowed by law and to be more particularly determined at trial; Judgment against all Defendants, jointly and severally, for punitive and/or liquidated damages in an amount in excess of $25,000 plus interest as allowed by law and to be more particularly determined at trial.

Saint Augustine’s finished the season winless in 10 games. It has yet to name a full-time replacement for Feggins.

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Jackson State leads the SWAC with nearly 30k. That’s an impressive number, but it is a significant drop from its 2022 number. Norfolk State got a slight bump as it led the MEAC. North Carolina A&T got another sellout it’s first season in the CAA.

Here are the numbers of attendance at each HBCU homecoming game. All numbers were taken from official box scores from each school’s athletic website.

MEAC

Norfolk State-24,976

South Carolina State-22,269

North Carolina Central-13,626

Howard-7,684

Delaware State-6,300

Morgan State-Canceled

SWAC

Jackson State-30,947

Alabama A&M-26,391

Florida A&M-22,338

Southern-21,492

Alcorn State-21,012

Alabama State-17,995

Prairie View A&M-14,224

Arkansas-Pine Bluff-13,469

Bethune-Cookman-9,458

Mississippi Valley State-8,752

Grambling State-8,657

Texas Southern-6,352

CAA

North Carolina A&T-21,500

Hampton-13,811

CIAA

Winston-Salem State-8,200

Virginia Union-5,250

Shaw-5,022

Livingstone – 4,501

Bowie State-4,395

St. Augustine’s-3,719

Fayetteville State-3,680

Elizabeth City State-3,579

Johnson C. Smith-3,452

Virginia State-3,409

Lincoln (PA)-2,117

Bluefield State-N/A

SIAC

Tuskegee-31,726

Clark Atlanta-19,597

Savannah State-12,723

Fort Valley State-12,113

Morehouse-10,213

Benedict-8,589

Albany State-8,371

Kentucky State-2,898

Edward Waters-2,472

Lane-1,753

Allen-905

Central State-N/A

Miles-N/A

Other

Tennessee State-13,975

West Virginia State-3,954

Lincoln (MO)-3,333

Virginia University-Lynchburg-1,753

Florida Memorial-1,200

Langston-N/A

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With dozens of his former players around him for support, Feggins revealed the Division II HBCU had challenges getting proper equipment due to unpaid bills and had to practice on concrete without a full-time athletic trainer while turf was being installed in its stadium– during the season. Feggins says he made arrangements to secure a practice field within Wake County, but needed proof of insurance from the school. He says administrators were unresponsive.

“During the two weeks time I was sending emails to administration, trying to get the COI so that my team can have the best chance to compete on Saturday. I got no response,” Feggins said. “One day I sent three emails to administration and never heard back. I was so frustrated about the lack of communication, but more importantly, the mental and physical well-being of our student athletes that I emailed the administration on forfeiting our Bowie State game.”

Feggins says his threat of forfeit finally elicited a response from the administration. 

“I kept saying, Why? Why should I put our young man in harm’s way when the administration not showing they care who allows a football team to practice on concrete, basically a high-tempo walkthrough and now go play a fast, physical game on Saturday without proper preparation. As I said, I finally got an email back from the Chief of Staff (Dr. John E. Smith), saying. ‘We cannot forfeit a game, but take a look at the grass beside Google Hall and St. Agnes Hospital.”

The suggested area, Feggins said, was far from suitable. 

“Is it wrong of me to protect my players knowing that they were not properly prepared to play a football game? I kept saying, Do they not understand what it takes to play the game?”

St. Augustine’s played the game against Bowie State, falling 10-7 against the CIAA and HBCU power.

A few weeks later, Feggins says he was promptly fired as the school’s head coach a few weeks later for playing two ineligible players. He says the university over-estimated how much Cameron Page and Nyron Campbell-Adams actually played.

Feggins says Page played three snaps, while Campbell-Adams dressed for one game but didn’t play. 

Saint Augustine’s University officials declined to comment following the news conference. He’s the fourth head coach the program has had in the past five years.

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Dr. Lin Dawson hired Feggins in March after parting ways with David Bowser in January 2023.

Saint Augustine’s University has been outscored 177-33 in its first six games. It will take on Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte on Saturday.

Correction: The initial version of this article incorrectly named Stephen Tate as interim head coach.

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Cromartie previously worked as a graduate assistant under Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M for two seasons. He recently tweeted about his frustrations about being away from coaching this sseason.

“Being away from Coaching this season sucks,” Cromartie wrote last month. “But I love the fact I have guys calling from around the country asking for tips and help when they send their film over from games. At the end of day it’s about the kids and I love it. I don’t want anything from them but 2 see them win.”

A Tallahassee, FL native, Antonio Cromartie played his college ball at Florida State from 2003 through 2005. He was a first round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft and was named first-team All-Pro in just his second NFL season in 2007 as he led the league in interceptions. Cromartie finished his career in 2016, recording 116 career pass deflections and 31 interceptions. He is the cousin of former Tennessee State University star defensive back and former Pro Bowler Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie.

St. Augustine’s University is currently 0-5 under first-year head coach Howard Feggins. Its defense is currently giving up 35 points per game.

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But the football program is far from the lone benefactor of the resurfacing project. The state-of-the-art turf replacement will continue to be used by almost all SAU’s student-athletes in athletic performance for strength and conditioning programs; SAU’s Superior Sound marching band benefits from the new surface; SAU intramurals and the Bluechips spirit/cheer programs also utilize the football field space.
 
Saint Augustine’s University Athletics’ fundraising efforts and generous donations by university supporters helped make the turf project possible. To learn more or to become a sponsor of Saint Augustine’s University Athletics, contact Interim Athletic Director Mr. Stephen Latson at slatson@st-aug.edu.
 
The turf replacement project is the second athletics facility project this year. A resurfacing project was completed for the outdoor basketball courts over the summer, along with new basketball goals, courtesy of a $20,000 Home Depot Retool Your School award received in 2022. In addition, a newly renovated media room will be completed this month in Emery Gymnasium for pre- and post-game interviews.
 
As a result of the resurfacing project, SAU’s first two home games (Virginia State, Sept. 16 and Virginia Union, Sept. 30) will relocate to John H. Baker Jr. Stadium on the campus of Southeast Raleigh High School, 2600 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610.
 
All tickets for SAU’s four-game home schedule in 2023 are on sale online at saintaugfalcons.com. Fans who have already purchased tickets can contact Ms. Dana Monroe at 919.516.4286 or dmonroe@st-aug.edu for questions.

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Feggins set the bar high for St.Augustine University at CIAA Media Day as he talked about his plans to transform the football program by seeking a championship and establishing a JV team.

“My mindset is that we have to win now. I know coaches sometimes want to build a program,” Feggins told HBCU Gameday. “I’m not here to build. I’m here to win.”

Most first-year head coaches that take over struggling teams direct their focus on rebuilding the program and gradually improving their season record over several years. With the success that Feggins has experienced in his coaching career, he believes that he can bypass the rebuilding stage and win now.

“If I had to set a bar we’d win a championship,” Feggins said. “I know it’s going to sound unrealistic but at the same time I went to a place that won four in a row but could never win it.”

Feggins spent last season at CIAA Southern Division rival Fayetteville State University. Before he took over the offense, Fayetteville State came up short on four straight trips to the CIAA championship. Feggins helped the Broncos finally push through on their fifth attempt to win the CIAA Championship. After winning the conference title, the Broncos competed in the NCAA Division-II playoffs where they lost in the opening round to Delta State University.

Feggins won a conference championship in one year, but he’s thinking even bigger than that. He has his eyes set on winning a national championship and he wants St. Augustine to share that same goal.

“Well, I think the big thing is understanding that winning a championship is a great opportunity, but I think the big thing is for anyone in the Southern Division, I know for us last year is to look outside of just winning a conference title. A lot of excitement, but at the end of the day, we want to run a national championship,” Feggins said. “And I think that when we get everyone in that thought process, coaches and players that you can go on into the playoff and have success.”

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On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) announced new transfer agreements with Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) and Texas Southern University (TSU)– two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in a historic partnership. The collaboration makes SAU one of only two HBCUs selected nationally to be a part of CCCS’s signature Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program, an initiative launched in 2020 that guarantees new, first-time students admission to participating four-year institutions upon completion of an associate degree.

Officials, students, and staff from the institutions celebrated the partnership at a signing ceremony hosted at the Community College of Aurora. Joe Garcia, chancellor of CCCS, called the agreement “groundbreaking.”

“We are constantly looking for ways to expand options for students and ensure they can live out their college dreams,” said Chancellor Garcia. “We are proud to have TSU and SAU join our roster of transfer destinations and excited to see students take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity.”

Through the agreement, SAU and TSU will become the program’s first out-of-state transfer options and provide students with a seamless pathway to an HBCU. Although many state colleges and universities are federally designated Hispanic Serving Institutions or Minority Serving Institutions–including seven CCCS colleges–there is no dedicated HBCU in Colorado. In addition, after establishing partnerships in Detroit, MI, and Fresno, CA, this agreement now creates SAU’s third HBCU Urban Access Hub in the country.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with Chancellor Joe Garcia and open new pathways for CCCS graduates to access opportunities offered at Saint Augustine’s University,” said Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, president of SAU. “Through the creation of the SAU HBCU Access Hub at CCCS, our institutions will successfully bridge the geographical access gap and bring the HBCU experience to Colorado students.”

“Texas Southern University is pleased to partner with the Colorado Community College System in providing pathways for students to continue their education at our esteemed university,” said Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, president of TSU. “This cooperative effort provides accelerated opportunities for students to earn a bachelor’s degree and ultimately secure the career of their dreams. Together, we will transform lives and foster the next generation of leaders.” 

Starting this fall, students may select the two HBCUs as their intended transfer destination. Once enrolled, Bridge to Bachelor’s participants receive early advising from their destination college and benefit from additional services, such as academic counseling and financial aid. Students do not have to take specific tests or pay transfer application fees.

SAU will also provide scholarships to CCCS Bridge to Bachelor’s students as part of their agreement.

“Our partnership with CCCS will provide students with financial resources to complete their bachelor’s degree, leadership opportunities, and global exposure to ensure career preparation,” said Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon, SAU senior vice president of student experience. “I am excited to work with the many great faculty and staff of CCCS and look forward to the success of this collaboration.”

Each year, about 20% of CCCS students–or 16,460–transfer to a four-year college or university, saving students an average of $10,000 in tuition costs by starting at a CCCS college. Since Bridge to Bachelor’s launched in June 2020, nearly 6,800 students have registered for the program. More than 270 are now eligible to transfer to their destination college or university to continue their baccalaureate. 

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“The development of the JV Program infuses health and wellness into our mission to prepare students for leadership,” SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail said. “I’m excited to see how the SAU Athletic Department and other university units have aligned their programs with our strategic initiatives.”

St. Augustine’s varsity football program participates at the Division II level in the CIAA. It will become the first only HBCU in North Carolina to have JV football. 

“The SAU JV Football Program is a holistic approach to developing well-rounded student-athletes,” said SAU Athletic Director Dr. Lin Dawson. “I’m confident that this program, coupled with our Men of SAU (MOSA) mentoring program, will accelerate our students’ growth as men, student-athletes, campus ambassadors, and civic engagers.”

Students will go through the regular admissions process, according to the SAU release. Once the student receives the confirmation of admittance from the Office of Enrollment Management, the JV Program notifies the student-athlete concerning team membership. JV members can make the Varsity squad, earn scholarships, and access all Athletics development programs.

St. Aug announced former Fayetteville State offensive coordinator Howard Feggins as its new head football coach. Feggins is listed as the contact for the JV football program as well.

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The SAU Department of Athletics announced Howard A. Feggins as the leader of the Falcons during a special press conference on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Feggins has four decades of football experience as a coach, player, and athletic consultant.

“I am excited to welcome Coach Feggins to SAU,” said SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “His experience, leadership, mentorship skills, and football philosophy align well with our university’s mission.”

A former defensive back at the University of North Carolina and in the NFL with the New York Giants and New England Patriots, Feggins spent last season as the offensive coordinator at Fayetteville State University. With Feggins as offensive coordinator, the Broncos went undefeated in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division. In addition, they ranked second in total offense en route to their 2022 CIAA football championship. As a result, Feggins was also named the offensive coordinator for the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans, LA.

“After a national search for a person who embodied a reimagined university with the history of winning championships, Coach Howard Feggins surfaced as the choice,” said SAU Dean of Collegiate Athletics and Exercise Science Dr. Lin Dawson, who also serves as Acting Athletic Director. “The interview committee was diligent in the search for Transformational Leader, and we have found one.”

Before the Fayetteville State season, Feggins spent four seasons as an assistant football coach with Colorado State University-Pueblo from 2018-2021. During his first two years as running backs coach, the Thunderwolves won the 2018 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) championship, where two running backs, Marche Dennard and Bernard McDondle, earned invitations to the 2018 NFL Rookie Minicamp. In addition, his coaching led to Isaiah Diggs making 2019 All RMAC First Team Punt Returner and running back Austin Micci winning the 2019 RMAC Academic Offensive Player of the year. Furthermore, under his tutelage, CSU Pueblo Wide Receiver Dionte Sykes signed a 3-year Contract with Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League. Feggins spent his remaining years at CSU Pueblo as Returners Coach, Receivers Coach, and Offense Academic Liaison, resulting in a team GPA of 3.2. His experience also included serving as Community Service Liaison and Race Relations Liaison. In addition, he facilitated multiple zoom meetings on Race Issues in America with NFL Coaches and Youth Coaches.

“I’m excited for the opportunity of the young men and to show them, if they give me all that effort, then we have an opportunity to win,” said Coach Feggins. “The President, Dr. McPhail, and the Athletic Director, Dr. Dawson, are very supportive of the growth and direction of the program.”

Since 2015, he has owned SACS Sports, LLC, a consulting firm with parents and high school student-athletes to help them gain more exposure. He has also been an evaluation coach with NextGen All American Camp & The Show.

Feggins spent the 2014 season as the head coach at Warren Central High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He guided the team to a 6-5 season and a playoff appearance.

Before the season at Warren Central, Feggins had been in the college ranks since 1995. In addition to the coordinator (pass game and offensive) experience since 2004, he earned the NFL Minority Internship. He served as a training camp offensive assistant with the New England Patriots in 2003 and 2008.

A 1987 University of North Carolina graduate, Feggins was a four-year letter winner for the Tar Heels. A cornerback and strong safety, Feggins totaled 169 tackles during his career. As a sophomore, he ranked sixth on the team with 83 tackles. During Feggins’ junior year, the Tar Heels posted a 7-4-1 record and played in the Aloha Bowl. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education.

Feggins played briefly in the NFL with the New England Patriots and New York Giants. He also spent two seasons with the London Monarchs of the now-defunct World League of American Football.

Feggins and his wife, Renee, have two sons, Kevin and Jensen.

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Each HBCU resides in the state of North Carolina and the Canes will represent each school with a decal on their helmets. The Carolina Hurricanes are set to hit the hockey rink against Ottawa with a record of 24-4-2 giving them their best run in the league. A victory tonight would extend their winning streak to five.

This isn’t the first time an HBCU found itself around the rink at a Carolina Hurricanes game. North Carolina Central’s head football coach Trei Oliver sounded the siren before the game against the Los Angeles Kings; in honor of beating Jackson State in the 2022 Celebration Bowl for the national HBCU National Championshipt.

The Canes achieved a sixth straight victory that night after coming back from four unanswered goals in overtime. So maybe an HBCU connection will be another good luck charm for one of the best teams in the NHL.

North Carolina A&T (Greensboro)

Bennett College (Greensboro)

Winston Salem-State University (Winston-Salem)

Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte)

Shaw University (Raleigh)

North Carolina Central (Durham)

Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville)

Saint Augustine’s University (Raleigh)

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BALTIMORE, Md. —Jaylen Alston led a balanced scoring attack as No. 5 seed Winston-Salem State toppled No. 12 seed Saint Augustine’s 65-49 in the men’s basketball first round of the CIAA Tournament at CFG Bank Arena on Wednesday.

Alston, named Food Lion Game MVP, paced the Rams (18-8 overall) with 16 points in addition to eight rebounds. Isaac Parson had 12 points and seven assists and Nathan Springs also chipped in 12 points and three rebounds. Jaylon Gibson contributed 11 points, three rebounds and three blocks for Winston-Salem State.

Led by eight points from Parson and seven apiece from Gibson and Alston, the Rams held the Falcons to 17.9 percent shooting to build a 30-15 halftime lead. The Falcons opened the second half on a 6-0 run to close within 30-21 but the Rams steadily pulled away for the win.

Chance Jamison and Nemo Johnson scored 14 and 13 points, respectively, for the Falcons, who finished their season at 8-18 overall. Johnson also grabbed nine rebounds.

Winston-Salem State will play No. 4 seed Claflin in a Thursday quarterfinal game at 8 p.m. in CFG Bank Arena. Both teams meet during the regular season and Claflin handed the Rams an 11-point lost each time.

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Saint Augustine led by three at the half (30-27), but managed just 7 points in the 3rd quarter, which put them down 10 heading into the 4th. After clawing back to take a 52-51 lead, the Lady Falcons struggled to hang on and the Lady Vikings secured the win in CFG Bank Arena.

The Lady Falcons were led by Lauren Banks with 17 points, along with grabbing six rebounds, two steals and two assists. Taniyah Greene was the next highest scorer with 14 points. Ariyanna Brown finished the night with 10 points, 6 rebounds and four steals.

As a team Saint Augustine struggled mostly in the third quarter. They only banked 2 of 14 field goal attempts and went 0 for 3 at the 3-point line. Going into the final quarter the Lady Falcons majorly improved their field goal percentage to 36% and tallied nine 3-point buckets.

UP NEXT

The Lady Falcons’ season concluded with an 8-17 overall record and 4-13 conference record

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The WSSU women rolled to an 86-54 win over a struggling St. Aug team as a total of six players finished with double-figure scoring totals. Senior guard Amaya Tucker led the way with 18 points and grabbed six rebounds. Valencia Carroll scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds while three players had 11 points each, including Jainaya Jones who added seven assists and six steals. 

WSSU never trailed in the game, shooting 45 percent from the field and 37 percent from 3-point range. It also came up with 15 steals as St. Aug turned the ball over 25 times. Taniyah Green led SAU with 17 points and Dasmine Kasey.

WSSU improved to 9-6 on the season, 5-2 in CIAA play. St. Aug fell to 4-9 overall and 0-5 in CIAA play. 

The Winston-Salem State men returned to C.E. Gaines Center after a three-game road stretch that saw it drop back-to-back games against Virginia State and Shaw and nearly fumble a game away at Elizabeth City State.

Winston-Salem State men eventually put St. Aug away

The game got off to a slow start as both WSSU and SAU struggled offensively, with neither team breaking in to double-digit points until WSSU’s Samage Teel’s free throw on a three-point play put his team up 10-5 with 8:23 to go. WSSU would finish the half on an 20-7 run to take a 30-12 lead at halftime. 

The Rams would see that lead push up to 21 with just over 16 minutes remaining in the second half before the Falcons carved into the lead, cutting it to nine with 8:26 remaining. It would get no closer as the home team took care of business.

Teel led WSSU with 21 points, shooting 8-for-12 from the field and 4-for-7 from 3-point range in 25 minutes off the bench. Jaylon Gibson nearly had a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds while Issac Parson and Jaylen Alston had 12 points each for WSSU, which shot nearly 55 percent from the field and 37 percent from the 3-point line.

St. Aug fell to 5-9 overall, 2-4 in the CIAA. WSSU improved to 12-4 on the season, 4-3 in CIAA play.

WSSU will host Claflin on Wednesday before taking on Fayetteville State on Jan. 21.

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St. Aug announced on Wednesday that head football coach David Bowser stepped down from that role, along with his post as Director of Athletics – effective immediately. . Defensive Coordinator Stephen Tate will assume head coaching responsibilities as interim head coach while Dr. Lin Dawson will assume Athletic Director duties effective immediately until the end of the academic year. 

“I would like to commend Coach Bowser for his leadership in the athletic department and love for our student-athletes,” Saint Augustine’s University President Dr. Christine McPhail said in a statement. “I would like to ask the entire university community to join me in wishing Coach Bowser success in his future endeavors.”

Bowser was 2-15 as head coach after taking over the program prior to the 2021 season. 

“David Bowser is the type of person you want on your side when defending from a fox hole, climbing a steep mountain, patrolling the sidelines, or when it is 4th-and-1 with time running out. He has the passion and drive to get things done,” Dawson said about his predecessor.

“Starting near ground zero, he has built a solid football talent base that should pay dividends for the next football leader. 

Most notably, I am appreciative of his work to revive the Hall of Fame Ceremony, initiate an Athletics fundraising program, gain the Retool Your School Home Depot Award, and to energize the Lawrence Coleman Golf Tournament.” 

St. Augustine’s said it will be looking for a new head coach immediately, and a new AD at the end of the school year. Near the end of its release, it also mentioned another interesting tidbit.

“The football team is returning many prominent student-athletes and is excited for the implementation of the JV Football Program,” the statement read. “The JV Football Program intends to use faculty mentors, concentrate on skill development and football IQ, and introduce a life skills program.”

Several CIAA programs already offer JV basketball, which is used as a tool to increase enrollment. The Raleigh, NC-based HBCU had just over 1,100 students enrolled in fall 2021 and has been dealing with accreditation issues in recent years. 

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Virginia Union quarterback Jahkari Grant threw for four touchdowns, including three in the first half, and completed 21 of 27 pass attempts on the day. His backup, Christian Reid, completed five of his seven pass attempts, including two touchdowns of his own. The two passers combined for 303 yards to go along with their six touchdown passes, just one week after VUU threw for just 51 yards against Fayetteville State.

Running back Jada Byers, the leading rusher in Division II football, ran for 117 yards and two scores on the day – a relatively quiet performance by his lofty standards. One of those scores was a 54 burst that stunned the Falcons. The Panthers rushed for a total of 223 yards and four scores on the day.

St. Aug, meanwhile, struggled to get anything going. It was held to just 167 yards on offense, with just 52 yards on 33 attempts on the day. SAU only gained nine first downs, and three of those came courtesy of VUU penalties. It has allowed opponents to score 69 points or more in three of those losses. It falls to 0-4 on the season as it heads to Fayetteville State next week.

VUU, meanwhile, improves to 5-0 on the season overall and 3-0 in the CIAA. It currently averages better than 52 points per game. The league heads to division play next week as it opens with Elizabeth City State. 

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Teams from the CIAA’s North Division have won the last four CIAA football titles — the last three by Bowie State (2018, 2019 and 2021) with Virginia State taking the crown in 2017. One reason could be that the North Division teams play tougher non-conference schedules than their South Division counterparts.

Looking at the schedules of CIAA teams in 2022, the same could apply.

Top of the heap

Bowie State (12-2, 7-0 CIAA) is the current conference kingpin as it enters its first season in 13 years without head coach Damon Wilson, who moved over to lead Morgan State of the MEAC. The Bulldogs are ranked seventh nationally in the Lindy’s Magazine Div. II preseason rankings and 10th in the Versus D2 college rankings that came out a week ago.

Former BSU player and assistant under Wilson, Kyle Jackson, takes the reins of the Bulldogs on an interim basis for the 2022 season. He inherits another tough non-conference schedule that will likely prepare the CIAA-favorite Bulldogs when conference play begins.

Last year, after a close 32-24 loss on the road to MEAC member Delaware State to open the season, BSU got a hard-fought home win over Saginaw Valley State (28-19) and a road win at New Haven (27-13) before starting its CIAA schedule.

Jackson and Bowie State open at home this season on Sept. 3 vs. New Haven, ranked 18th in the 2022 Lindy’s preseason NCAA Div. II national rankings. New Haven’s loss last year to BSU came in a 10-2 season. The Chargers went on to win the 2021 Northeast-10 conference championship and then won a first round Div. II playoff game over conference rival Bentley. They lost in the second round to Kutztown, 10-7.

New Haven is the preseason pick to repeat as NE-10 champion.

A special date at SVSU

The Bulldogs then play at Saginaw Valley State on Sept. 10 before beginning CIAA play vs. Shaw on Sept. 17.

This year’s Bowie State game at SVSU will include a unique collaboration of common ground that will highlight the history and experience of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). BSU will combine with SVSU to offer several educational and cultural events in the days leading up to the Saturday football game, including appearances at SVSU by Bowie State’s renowned Symphony of Soul marching band, and joint programs hosted by faculty of both institutions.

“While our athletic teams and those of other HBCUs often compete against non-HBCUs in various sports, the experience is often limited to the athletic contest,” said Clyde Doughty, director of intercollegiate athletics at Bowie State. “This partnership between Bowie State and SVSU provides extraordinary learning opportunities for representatives of both schools and their communities. I am not aware of any similar ventures that have ever been undertaken.”

SVSU finished 7-4 a year ago. After its loss at Bowie State, SVSU battled eventual Div. II national champion and fellow Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference member Ferris State in a 47-45 loss. Ferris State went on to win the GLIAC title and beat Valdosta State in last year’s D2 championship game, 58-17.

SGSU was picked fourth in the GLIAC this year after a 4-3 finish last year.

There will likely be an indication how Jackson and the Bulldogs will fare without Wilson and departed quarterback Ja’rome Johnson and star running back Calil Wilkins, after these early games.

Bowie State in preseason rankings

Bowie State is picked seventh in the Lindy’s Magazine 2022 NCAA Div. II preseason poll. Riding a stingy defense a year ago, the Bulldogs got a 17-7 win over Fayetteville State to win its third consecutive CIAA crown. They then posted a 31-10 win over Lenoir-Rhyne in the first round of the D2 playoffs and a 13-10 win over Newberry in the second round to reach the national quarterfinals.

BSU lost to eventual national runners-up Valdosta State, 41-17 in the D2 quarterfinals. In its toughest CIAA contest in 2021, BSU staved off four TD passes from QB Chauncey Caldwell and over 200 rushing yards from Darius Hagins to pull out a 51-44 win over Virginia State.

BSU will play at Virginia State on Sat., Oct. 8.

CIAA football: N. Div. contenders

Virginia Union (6-4, 5-2), who finished behind BSU in the N. Div. last year, also has a tough non-conference opponent early. The Panthers, in their fourth season under Dr. Alvin Parker, travel to 2021 Div. II runners-up Valdosta State on Sept. 10 after opening at home on Sept. 3 vs. Virginia-Lynchburg. Valdosta State, who walloped VUU 51-7 a year ago, is ranked first or second in most preseason Div. II polls.

Virginia State (3-6, 3-4), with new head coach Dr. Henry Frazier III at the helm, opens on the road on Sept. 3 at Lenoir-Rhyne. The Bears finished 8-3 overall last year, 6-2 in the South Atlantic Conference behind champion Newberry. Both made the Div. II playoffs where they lost to Bowie State. It was the third straight Div. II playoff appearance for LRU. The Bears are picked second in the SAC and come in ranked 16^th in the Lindy’s preseason poll.

Chowan (7-3, 4-3), who finished between VUU and VSU in the North a year ago, begins the season with home games vs. middle-of-the-road SAC teams Barton on Sept. 1 and Tusculum on Sept. 10. Mark Hall is in his second year leading Chowan.

CIAA football: South Division schedules

Four-time South Division champion and 2022 division favorite Fayetteville State (8-2, 7-0) is led by seventh-year head coach Richard Hayes. The Broncos open at home vs. UNC-Pembroke of the Mountain East Conference. The game is dubbed the Two Rivers Classic and is set for Sept. 3. They last met in 2016 with UNC-P defeating FSU 50-28. UNC-P was 6-5 last year, 6-4 in the MEC.

FSU follows that with a Sept. 10 date at home vs. Wingate, who finished 8-3 a year ago including a 40-21 win over FSU at Wingate. Wingate also beat Shaw 20-7. Wingate lost to Newberry and Lenoir-Rhyne in last year’s SAC race. The Bulldogs are picked third in the preseason behind Newberry and Lenoir-Rhyne.

Shaw (6-4, 5-2), the second choice in the S. Div., opens at Wingate on Sept. 3 before travelling to Wayne State on Sept. 10. The Wayne State Warriors are picked sixth in preseason GLIAC projections. Shaw is led by Adrian Jones, also in his seventh season.

Winston-Salem State (3-6, 3-4) also has an interesting start to its first season under Robert Massey now that his interim tag has been removed. The Rams open on Sunday, Sept. 4 in Canton, Ohio vs. Central State in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic.

The Rams then renew an old CIAA rivalry the following Saturday (Sept. 10) as they travel to Durham to face North Carolina Central of the MEAC. This will be the 46th meeting between the Rams and the Eagles with NCCU holding a slight 23-22 series advantage by virtue of last season’s close 20-13 triumph.

The schedules

NORTH DIVISION

BOWIE STATE

Date Opponent Time

9/3 New Haven 1

9/10 @ Saginaw Valley State 1

9/17 @ Shaw 1

9/24 @ Saint Augustine’s 1 

10/1 Livingstone (HC) 2

10/8 @ Virginia State 4

10/15 Virginia Union 12n

10/22 Chowan 1

10/29 @ Elizabeth City State 1 

11/5 Lincoln 1

CHOWAN

9/1 Barton 6

9/10 Tusculum 1

9/17 Johnson C. Smith 1

9/24 Winston-Salem State 6

10/1 @ Fayetteville State 7 

10/8 @ Lincoln PA 1

10/15 Virginia State (HC) NA

10/22 @Bowie State 1

10/29 @ Virginia Union 1

11/5 Elizabeth City State 1

ELIZABETH CITY STATE

9/3 @ Benedict 6

9/10 Livingstone in Rocky Mt. NC 4

9/17 Winston-Salem State 12n 

9/24 @ Shaw 1

10/1 @ Johnson C. Smith 1

10/8 @ Virginia Union 1

10/15 Lincoln (PA) (HC) 1

10/22 Virginia State 1 

10/29 Bowie State 1 

11/5 @ Chowan 1

LINCOLN (PA)

9/3 @ Delaware State 2 

9/10 @ Central State 1 

9/17 Fayetteville State 7

9/24 @ Johnson C. Smith 12n 

10/1 @Winston-Salem State 1:30  

10/8 Chowan (HC) 1

10/15 @ Elizabeth City State 1

10/22 Virginia Union 12n 

10/29 Virginia State 1 

11/5 @ Bowie State 1

VIRGINIA STATE

9/3 @ Lenoir-Rhyne 6 

9/10 Bluefield State 6 

9/17 Saint Augustine’s 6 

9/24 @ Livingstone 4

10/1 Shaw 6

10/8 Bowie State (HC) 4

10/15 @ Chowan ?

10/22 @ Elizabeth City State 1

10/29 @Lincoln (PA) 1 

11/5 Virginia Union 12n

VIRGINIA UNION

9/1 VA-Lynchburg 7

9/10 @ Valdosta State 5 

9/17 Livingstone 6

9/24 @ Fayetteville State 4 

10/1 Saint Augustine’s 1

10/8 Elizabeth City State (HC) 12n

10/15 @ Bowie State 1

10/22 @ Lincoln (PA) 12n

10/29 Chowan 12n

11/5 @ Virginia State 12n

South Division

FAYETTEVILLE STATE

9/3 UNC Pembroke 7 

9/10 Wingate 7 

9/17 @ Lincoln PA 7

9/24 Virginia Union 4 

10/1 Chowan 7 

10/8 Saint Augustine’s (HC) 2

10/15 @ Livingstone 1:30

10/22 @ Johnson C. Smith 1

10/29 @ Shaw 4

11/5/ @ Winston-Salem State 4

JOHNSON C. SMITH

9/1 @ Bluefield State 6 

9/10 @ Allen 6

9/17 @ Chowan 1

9/24 Lincoln (PA) 12n 

10/1 Elizabeth City State 1

10/8 Shaw 1 

10/15 @Saint Augustine’s 1

10/22 Fayetteville State (HC) 1

10/29 @ Winston-Salem State 1

11/5 @ Livingstone 1:30 

LIVINGSTONE

9/3 Catawba 6

9/10 Elizabeth City State in Rocky Mt., NC., 4

9/17 @ Virginia Union 6

9/24 Virginia State 4

10/1 @ Bowie State 2

10/8 Winston-Salem State 1

10/15 Fayetteville State (HC) 1:30

10/22 @ Shaw 1

10/29 @ Saint Augustine’s 1 

11/5 Johnson C. Smith 1:30

ST. AUGUSTINE’S

9/1 @ Tusculum 6 

9/10 Limestone 1 

9/17 @ Virginia State 6 

9/24 Bowie State 1 

10/1 @ Virginia Union 1 

10/8 @ Fayetteville State 2

10/15 Johnson C. Smith (HC) 1

10/22 Winston-Salem State 1 

10/29 Livingstone 1 

11/5 @ Shaw 1

SHAW

9/3 Wingate 4

9/10 @ Wayne State 6 

9/17 Bowie State 1

9/24 Elizabeth City State 1

10/1 @ Virginia State 6 

10/8 @ Johnson C. Smith 1

10/15 @ Winston-Salem State 1:30 

10/22 Livingstone (HC) 1

10/29 @ Fayetteville State 4

11/5 Saint Augustine’s 1

WINSTON-SALEM STATE

9/4 Central State in Canton, OH 4

9/10 @ NC Central 6

9/17 @ Elizabeth City State 12n

9/24 @ Chowan 6

10/1 Lincoln (PA)  (HC) 1:30

10/8 @ Livingstone 1

10/15 Shaw 1:30 

10/22 @ Saint Augustine’s 1 

10/29 Johnson C. Smith 1

11/5 Fayetteville State 4

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Saint Augustine­’s University (SAU) will field the first HBCU Ultimate team in the country in the Fall of 2022. Dr. Mark Janas, a professor in the Accreditation Council for Schools and Business Programs (ACSBP)-accredited SAU School of Business, Management & Technology, is the leader of the university’s virtual and club sports programs. 

“Ultimate fits in well with our club sports mission to introduce sports that are not traditionally part of the HBCU experience. But we want to do more than introduce the sport. We want to contend for championships against other big-school brands in the area,” says Dr. Janas. “It’s exciting to have Ultimate-related topics and content included in various courses in our sports management program starting this Fall.” 

Ultimate, formerly known as Ultimate Frisbee, is a fast-growing, non-contact sport played with flying discs with the objective of scoring points by passing a disc to a teammate into the opponent’s end zone. The Triangle area of North Carolina is rich with Ultimate talent. The University of North Carolina (UNC) men’s and women’s Ultimate teams are defending national champions. The area also boasts two professional teams that play in Durham, with high-profile Ultimate matches broadcasted on ESPN.  

“At SAU, we are an institution of firsts,” says SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “The work of Dr. Janas and his team has now repositioned the university as a global leader in virtual and club sports.” 

The SAU Ultimate team will hold tryouts starting in August and plans to compete in exhibition matches against local collegiate teams this Fall. Official collegiate tournament play will begin in the Spring of 2023. The team will initially be supported through coaching and other resources by Triangle Ultimate. This community-based nonprofit organizes Ultimate Frisbee leagues, tournaments, camps, and clinics in the region. 

“Triangle Ultimate is excited to help support the start of SAU Ultimate frisbee. The Triangle region has over 3,000 local Ultimate players,” says Tristan Green, Executive Director, Triangle Ultimate. “It is quickly becoming one of the best places in the world for Ultimate frisbee, with recent championships at the youth, collegiate, and adult club & pro levels. Triangle Ultimate’s vision is to collaboratively build a community that represents the Triangle through the sport of Ultimate. We are excited to collaborate with SAU to help further that vision and community.”  

Saint Augustine­’s University formally started its club sports program in Fall 2020 when it launched the first HBCU cycling team in the country. In addition to cycling and Ultimate, other club sports offered at SAU include women’s rowing and a variety of simulation and virtual sports, with additional sports planned. The program receives support through a new curriculum and coursework in esports, simulation sports, and sports technology. For more information, visit https://www.sauclubsports.com. 

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