1 week Ago By Gilat Melamed
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — St.
Augustine's University alumni, former employees, and community members took their concerns about the University to the national stage.The various groups shared stories about the university's financial struggles and what they say is mismanagement by the Board of Trustees at a town hall on the national digital show Roland Martin Unfiltered.Falcons Unite co-founder and National Alumni Trustee-elect Steven Williams said he wouldn't be where he is today without the university, but things need to change.
"It's given me everything I need," Williams said. "Now, I can't see any other way but fighting and getting my university back."More than 100 people packed Martin Street Baptist Church for the town hall.
The university is facing multiple financial lawsuits and is in the middle of its last chance to keep its accreditation.In March, an appeals committee upheld the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges decision to revoke the St. Augustine's accreditation.
SACSCOC Director of Legal and Governmental Affairs and Commission Support Rae Borden said the current arbitration process is the last chance the university has to remain accredited.RELATED: 2 tech companies sue Saint Augustine’s University for a total over $18 million"This is it," Borden said. "This is the end of the line.
"According to Borden, there is no estimate on when a decision will be made because the 90 day arbitration period has not started due to the people on the panel still being selected.When the March decision was made, Board of Trustees Chair Brian Boulware said in a statement, "We have made substantial progress and are confident that our strengthened financial position and governance will ensure a positive outcome."But alumnus Cynthia Butler disagrees.
One of several people at the town hall who wants to see the Board of Trustees step down, she arrived concerned about what's next for the university.SEE ALSO: Board affirms decision to remove accreditation from St. Augustine’s University"I think the board has responsibility for bringing in money and also working for the welfare of the college," Butler said.
"That has not happened. We need a new group of leaders."CBS 17 reached out to Saint Augustine's regarding concerns people expressed with the Board of Trustees and has not heard back yet.
According to Martin, university leaders and Board of Trustees members declined an invitation to the event..
