St Aug's president says school not out of woods yet
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- As students slowly make their way to the campus of St. Augustine's University for the fall semester, interim President Everett Ward is busy behind the scenes as he continues to deal with budget woes at the 147-year-old institution.
Ward gave an update on his first 100 days as interim president Monday. Since taking the reins, Ward said he implemented a week-long furlough in July for all staff, summer layoffs, cut 12 employees, and explained he will not use any adjunct professors for the next school year, and there is more to come.
Ward's efforts come after serious financial issues at the University, including declining enrollment, and an unfinished football stadium with an outstanding bill. Ward estimated his most recent efforts have saved the school more than one million dollars.
"I believe the university is in a much improved position than it was 100 days ago," said Ward at a news conference. "...without any doubt, I believe that because of the steps that we've taken. Are we out of the woods? I would not say that we are."
Ward announced that the university will focus its academic programs on four key areas, including criminal justice, public health, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and mass communication and journalism.
"We're the only institution with two commercial radio stations, with a radio station and television station, and therefore we have to put our resources and our talents not only with broadcast journalism and print journalism as well." said Ward.
Ward said he is willing to make more cuts to the $26 million budget if necessary, once enrollment totals for the fall are known. He also said he will add a second permanent fundraiser to help fill some of the short-term financial gaps.
