My MBA Career: Navigating Challenges and Pursuing Success

Last Updated on February 16, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Financial Woes Continue to Plague St. Augustine’s University

In an exclusive investigation conducted by WRAL Investigates, it has been revealed that St. Augustine’s University is currently facing severe financial difficulties. Documents obtained by the investigative team shed light on various liens, unpaid taxes, and legal complaints the institution is contending with.

According to official records, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has filed a staggering $7.9 million lien against the university for unpaid taxes. Furthermore, FieldTurf USA has also filed a lien amounting to $598,000 due to an unpaid bill for an artificial turf field. Additionally, a contractor has lodged a civil complaint against the university, demanding $8,000 in unpaid consulting services.

Financial burdens for the university do not stop there. Wellfleet Insurance claims that St. Augustine’s University owes them nearly $430,000 for deductibles related to student health insurance plans. The North Carolina Division of Employment Security has also served a notice of delinquency upon the university, seeking a sum of almost $27,000 in unpaid unemployment taxes.

Moreover, the university has encountered several other financial setbacks. A contractor has filed a $15,000 lien for unpaid work on the school’s chapel. In an effort to navigate this turmoil, St. Augustine’s University secured a $7 million line of credit loan. However, the utilization of this financial lifeline remains unclear.

These mounting financial concerns have not gone unnoticed on a broader scale. The university’s accreditation is now on the line due to these financial responsibility issues and has been on probation since December of 2023. The possibility of losing accreditation poses a significant threat to the institution’s future and academic credibility.

Adding to the growing list of challenges, former leaders of St. Augustine’s University have publicly criticized the institution. Recently ousted head football coach, Howard Feggins, has filed a lawsuit alleging intimidation and attempts to silence his concerns regarding the football program. Additionally, Christine McPhail, the former president, filed a discrimination complaint against the university’s board, citing a hostile work environment.

The current state of St. Augustine’s University raises concerns about the institution’s financial stability and its ability to provide quality education and support to its students. As the university grapples with mounting debts, legal battles, and internal conflicts, its future remains uncertain. Stakeholders and supporters of the university await with bated breath to see how these challenges will be overcome and whether the institution can regain its footing in the academic realm.