Saint Augustine’s University Cuts Its Workforce in Half to Shore Up Finances

Saint Augustine’s University (NC) is cutting half its workforce — 67 staff positions and 69 faculty positions — to reduce costs by $17 million and stabilize its financial position, the institution said in a release Saturday.  The university — a private, historically black institution in North Carolina — has also nixed “several” programs with low enrollment, it said. Additionally, it is working to pay off outstanding balances with vendors. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges put Saint Augustine’s on probation in July. The move likely saved the university by reversing an earlier decision to withdraw accreditation entirely. SACSCOC’s board plans to vote on next steps for the university in December.