Court Grants Preliminary Injunction, Securing SAU’s Accreditation for Fall 2025. SAU will commence classes for the Fall 2025 semester on September 2. New and returning students should refer to official University communication channels for orientation and class login information.

Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) announced today that it has successfully secured a preliminary injunction to maintain the university’s accreditation, ensuring that classes will begin on September 2, 2025, as scheduled, with SAU remaining a fully accredited institution. The injunction, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on August 14 and granted this week, prevents any disruption to SAU’s accreditation status while the university continues its legal challenge to the recent accrediting body’s decision. This development ensures that current and incoming students can proceed with confidence into the Fall 2025 semester, knowing that an accredited university will recognize their education and degrees.

The filing of the preliminary injunction was made possible by the overwhelming support of the SAU community. In particular, the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine’s University contributed a pivotal donation of $100,000 – funds that covered the filing of the preliminary injunction – and several individual alumni and supporters stepped forward with generous contributions to bolster SAU’s legal efforts.

“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, the newly appointed Chair of the SAU Board of Trustees. “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.”

What This Means
Under the protection of the preliminary injunction, SAU will remain accredited and operational as legal proceedings continue. The university’s lawsuit, filed against the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), seeks to overturn the decision that would remove SAU from membership. The injunction ensures that SAU’s accreditation is safeguarded during this process, meaning students can enroll, receive financial aid, and continue their studies with complete confidence that their degrees will be accredited while the case is underway. In addition, the injunction provides SAU with time to present its case and pursue alternative accreditation avenues if necessary, all while students’ education continues uninterrupted.

“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 September 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. 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. 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.”

Historic Leadership Transition
The SAU Board of Trustees announces a leadership transition with heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Board Chair Mr. Brian A. Boulware ’95. After years of committed leadership and in light of increasing professional engagements, Mr. Boulware has chosen to step down from the Chair role, confident in the strong foundation now in place for SAU’s future. He will continue to serve as a valued Trustee, offering his insight and steadfast support. Under Mr. Boulware’s leadership as Board Chairman, the university completed four years of overdue financial audits, restored employee payroll and benefits, implemented stronger accountability measures, and secured critical funds to sustain the institution’s mission.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of this historic institution during a time of great challenge and transformation,” said Trustee Boulware. “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.”

Building on this momentum, the Board is pleased to welcome a new leadership team. Ms. Sophie L. Gibson, of Atlanta, GA, has been appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees, effective August 15, 2025, marking the first time a woman has held this role in SAU’s history.

“We are deeply grateful for the steady leadership of Trustee Boulware during challenging times,” said Chair Sophie Gibson. “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.”

Serving alongside her as Vice Chair is Ms. V. Lynette Mitchell ’89, of Williamstown, NJ, marking the first time that women have both top Board positions. This historic transition reflects the University’s commitment to inclusive leadership and continued excellence. With a strong foundation in place, SAU looks forward to reaching new heights under the guidance of Ms. Gibson and Ms. Mitchell as they lead the University into its next chapter of success.

“As an SAU alumna and now Vice Chair of the Board, I am deeply committed to seeing our beloved institution thrive,” said Trustee Mitchell. “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.”

A Call for Support
As SAU moves forward, the university calls on its community to maintain the momentum. Continued support is vital to sustain the legal fight and to ensure a successful Fall 2025 term. SAU encourages all supporters to contribute to the ongoing efforts by visiting the Believe in SAU: A Falcon Is Not an Ordinary Bird donation campaign on the university’s website. This portal offers options to contribute to both immediate operational needs and the legal defense fund. Every contribution – no matter the size – brings SAU one step closer to a lasting victory in securing its future.

For those who wish to make in-kind contributions specifically toward legal expenses, university donors can make arrangements to give directly to SAU’s attorneys, Alston & Bird LLP, to support the university’s legal fund.

By channeling support either through SAU’s donation page or directly to the legal team, friends of the university can actively help “Believe in SAU” and sustain its mission.

Click here for more information on SAU’s SACSCOC Updates.
Click here to support the Falcon Pride Initiative.