Saint Augustine's University

Nestled in Raleigh, North Carolina, Saint Augustine's University stands as a beacon of opportunity and heritage. Founded by Episcopal Church clergy in 1867, this private historically Black Christian college was established with the crucial mission of educating formerly enslaved Black people. Today, it continues its profound legacy by championing first-generation college students and those who might not otherwise have the chance to pursue higher education, embodying its motto, "Veritas vos liberabit" (The truth will set you free).

The university's journey began as St. Augustine's Normal School and Collegiate Institute, overcoming early challenges, including an 1883 fire that destroyed classroom buildings. Through resilience and dedication, it evolved, introducing collegiate instruction, granting its first diplomas in 1885, and later expanding into industrial training. A significant milestone was the establishment of St. Agnes' Hospital and Training School for Nurses in 1896, which became a vital healthcare facility for the Black community across the region.

St. Augustine's consistently broadened its academic scope, transforming into a junior college in 1924, and then a four-year institution, Saint Augustine's College, in 1928, eventually earning accreditation in 1942. Under pioneering leadership, including its first Black president, Harold Leonard Trigg, the curriculum shifted towards a strong liberal arts focus. The institution has fostered a vibrant student experience, with notable achievements in athletics, particularly track and field, and innovative programs like its Department of Communications, which began operating radio and television stations in the 1980s. In 2012, it proudly achieved university status, becoming Saint Augustine's University.

While navigating contemporary challenges, Saint Augustine's remains steadfast in its commitment to its founding principles and its student-centered mission. Currently led by interim President Jennie Ward-Robinson, the university continues to provide a nurturing environment, ensuring that the torch of education and opportunity burns brightly for generations to come, as demonstrated by recent legal efforts to maintain its accredited status and ensure continuity for its community.