Saint Augustine’s University interim president resigns before start of fall semester
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Marcus H. Burgess resigned as Saint Augustine’s interim president on Aug. 31.
- University received injunction to retain accreditation during fall 2025 term.
- Provost Verjanis A. Peoples will assume administrative duties moving forward.
Marcus H. Burgess, interim president of Saint Augustine’s University, has resigned days before classes were set to begin at the historically Black college in Raleigh.
Burgess submitted his resignation for “personal reasons” on July 16 and the resignation took place Aug. 31, according to a statement shared by the university’s Board of Trustees.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Burgess for his leadership and service during a pivotal period in the University’s history,” according to the statement. “His commitment and dedication to the mission of Saint Augustine’s University have been deeply valued.”
Burgess was appointed to the position after Christine McPhail was fired as president in 2023, the same day that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges voted to strip the university’s accreditation. Since then, the university has fought the accreditation agency and faced major financial turmoil.
Earlier this month, the university announced it was awarded a preliminary injunction against the commission that would allow the university to maintain accreditation for the fall 2025 semester as the legal battle continues.
Verjanis A. Peoples, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs at the university, will assume administrative responsibliities, according to the statement.
“The Board of Trustees remains steadfast in its commitment to the mission of Saint Augustine’s University and to the success of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Together, we look forward to advancing the work of strengthening and securing the future of our beloved institution.”
This story was originally published September 1, 2025 at 9:45 AM.
