Saint Augustine's University

Saint Augustine's University is a private historically black university located in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Church. The university is named after Saint Augustine of Hippo and has a long history of providing education to African American students, including notable figures such as George Moses Horton and Anna Julia Cooper. The university has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1915 and has been a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund since its inception. The university has also been recognized by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities for its commitment to providing education to African American students.

● History

The history of Saint Augustine's University dates back to 1867 when it was founded by the Episcopal Church as Saint Augustine's Normal School and Collegiate Institute. The university was established to provide education to African American students during the Reconstruction Era, with the help of Bishop Thomas Atkinson and Richard S. Rust. The university has undergone several name changes, including Saint Augustine's School and Saint Augustine's College, before becoming Saint Augustine's University in 2012. The university has been led by several notable presidents, including James E. Shepard and Prezell R. Robinson, who have played a significant role in shaping the university's history and mission. The university has also been influenced by notable figures such as Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, who have spoken at the university and supported its mission.

● Academics

The university offers a range of academic programs, including Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in fields such as Business Administration, Computer Science, and Nursing. The university is also home to several notable academic programs, including the Center for Academic Success and the Honors Program, which provide students with additional support and opportunities for academic excellence. The university has been recognized for its academic programs by organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Music and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The university has also partnered with other institutions, such as North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to provide students with access to additional academic resources and opportunities. Notable academics, such as Cornel West and Henry Louis Gates Jr., have also visited the university to share their expertise and insights with students.

● Campus

The university's campus is located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and features a range of historic and modern buildings, including the Emerson Hall and the Seby Jones Hall. The campus is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Saint Augustine's University Chapel and the Falcon Stadium. The university has invested in several campus improvement projects, including the construction of new residence halls and the renovation of existing facilities, such as the Latham Parking Deck and the Student Center. The university has also partnered with local organizations, such as the City of Raleigh and the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, to provide students with access to additional resources and opportunities. The campus is also close to other notable institutions, such as Shaw University and Meredith College, which provide students with opportunities for collaboration and engagement.

● Student Life

The university offers a range of student life programs and activities, including Greek life and student organizations, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Student Government Association. The university also has a strong commitment to community service, with students participating in programs such as the AmeriCorps and the Habitat for Humanity. The university has also been recognized for its support of LGBTQ+ students, with the establishment of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and the Pride Club. Notable figures, such as Angela Davis and Cornel West, have also visited the university to speak to students about social justice and activism. The university has also partnered with other institutions, such as North Carolina Central University and Fayetteville State University, to provide students with access to additional resources and opportunities.

● Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Saint Augustine's Falcons, compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The university offers a range of sports programs, including football, basketball, and track and field, and has won several championships, including the CIAA Championship and the NCAA Division II Championship. The university has also produced several notable athletes, including Olympic athletes such as Ashton Eaton and Allyson Felix, who have competed in events such as the Summer Olympics and the World Championships. The university has also partnered with other institutions, such as North Carolina A&T State University and Virginia State University, to provide students with access to additional athletic resources and opportunities.

● Notable Alumni

The university has a range of notable alumni, including politicians such as Eva Clayton and G.K. Butterfield, who have served in the United States House of Representatives and the North Carolina General Assembly. The university has also produced several notable business leaders, including Reginald Fessenden and John W. Thompson, who have worked for companies such as IBM and Microsoft. Other notable alumni include artists such as Ernie Barnes and Lois Mailou Jones, who have exhibited their work in museums such as the National Gallery of Art and the Studio Museum in Harlem. The university has also been attended by notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall, who have spoken at the university and supported its mission. The university has also been recognized for its commitment to producing Fulbright Scholars and Rhodes Scholars, with several alumni receiving these prestigious awards.