RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Saint Augustine’s University Interim President Dr. Marcus Burgess says he’s praying for a miracle.
“I fell in love with this place,” he said.
Dr. Burgess, who’s been leading the university since December, says between an IRS lien and two years of not paying creditors, time are tough.
“It will take roughly 27 to 28 million dollars and 30 million for good judgement because there’s still deferred maintenance pieces that have to happen,” he said.
He says this Friday will mark three pay periods since they have not been able to make payroll, however, some educators are sticking by the university.
“I have had employees tell me they’re sticking by us, but it’s really tough,” he said.
Burgess says he is right there with his faculty and staff.
“I am in the same situation because the bills keep coming,” he said. “I have not thought about leaving in spite of what people may think. I am here until the job is done.”
Finishing out the spring semester
Classes are now virtual for nearly 800 students.
All students were supposed to move off campus by Wednesday, but we learned about 120 are still there.
Dr. Burgess says those students begged to finish out their senior year on campus considering their high school senior year was taken away due to the pandemic in 2020. He says graduation is still set for May 4.
“We are still excited to have screaming families here to support their graduate,” he said.
Plans for the fall
Dr. Burgess says they’re working on a plan to welcome students back this fall.
“We are looking at our fee structures. We are looking at what makes sense from a fiscal standpoint,” said Burgess.
He also says school will continue without one sport.
“The only sport that we are going to suspend is going to be football,” he said.
Dr. Burgess says he is grateful for Aladdin Food Service and other vendors who have stood by the university.
“We are so grateful for Duke Energy, Wake County Water Department and so many others who have been working with us,” he said.
He says he is most grateful for a supportive alumni and private donors.
“We have one mission and that is to fight for Saint Augustine’s,” he said.
Dr. Burgess says he plans to remain optimistic and fight to save this university.
“I came here to make a difference and I will not leave here until that difference has been made and we are on greener grass,” he said.
Right now, the university has a Falcon Pride Initiative to help raise money.
