The injunction means that for now, SAU will remain a fully accredited institution.
"This is a tremendous win for Saint Augustine's University and, most importantly, for our students," said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. "Thanks to our supporters, we will open our (virtual) doors on Sept. 2 as an accredited institution, just as we promised. We have said all along that we will stop at nothing to maintain our accreditation and continue serving our scholars - and we meant it. "
The injunction was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on Thursday. The ruling prevents any disruption to SAU's accreditation status while the university continues its legal challenge to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges' (SACSCOC) effort to remove it from its membership.
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In a statement, SAU said this was important because it allows current and incoming students to "proceed with confidence" into the fall semester.
"We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from our alumni and friends. Their commitment ensured we had the resources to take this crucial legal step to protect our students and our mission," said Sophie L. Gibson, who was newly appointed Chair of the SAU Board of Trustees on Friday. "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, and it shows that we soar higher when we soar together. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide education grounded in integrity, faith, and excellence - now with renewed optimism that SAU's accreditation and legacy will endure."
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SAU said the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine's University played a pivotal role by donating $100,000. That money covered the filing of the preliminary injunction, and several individual alumni and supporters also stepped forward with significant contributions that bolstered SAU's legal efforts.
"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," Burgess said. "We are deeply thankful to every alum, donor, and friend who stepped up to make this possible. Your support has been a beacon of hope for SAU during this challenging time."
What It Means
Under the protection of the preliminary injunction, SAU will remain accredited and operational as the legal proceedings play out. The university sued (SACSCOC) in an effort to overturn the decision that would remove SAU from membership.
The injunction means that SAU's accreditation status remains safe until that lawsuit reaches its conclusion.
For students, that means they can enroll, receive financial aid, and continue their studies toward accredited degrees.The injunction also buys time for SAU to present its case and pursue alternative accreditation avenues if needed.
Changes in Leadership
For the first time, two women will hold the top positions of leadership on SAU's Board of Trustees.
SAU announced Friday that Board Chair Brian A. Boulware has stepped away from his role but will remain as a trustee. Under Boulware's leadership, SAU completed four years of overdue financial audits, restored employee payroll and benefits, implemented stronger accountability measures, and secured critical funding to sustain the institution's mission, the university said in a release.
"It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of this historic institution during a time of great challenge and transformation," Boulware said. "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."
Gibson, who is from Atlanta, became the first woman to chair the board in SAU's history.
"We are deeply grateful for the steady leadership of Trustee Boulware during challenging times," Gibson said. "His leadership as Chairman played a pivotal role in protecting the legacy and future of SAU. 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."
V. Lynette Mitchell, of Williamstown, New Jersey, was named as Vice Chair, marking the first time that women have both top Board positions.
"As an SAU alumna and now Vice Chair of the Board, I am deeply committed to seeing our beloved institution thrive," Mitchell said. "We are turning the page to an exciting new era for SAU - one guided by a clear strategic direction and a renewed Falcon spirit. Our alumni and supporters have shown incredible faith in this University - from rallying around our legal efforts to investing in our students - and that support will continue to be crucial. Together, we will ensure that Saint Augustine's University not only survives, but truly flourishes in the years ahead."