Following the unexpected termination of a proposed merger with
another HBCU (Historically Black College or University), the Board of Trustees
of Saint Paul’s College has determined to close the College temporarily to
pursue other strategic opportunities consistent with its purpose and
mission. As a result, Saint Paul’s will relinquish its accreditation with
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
(SACSCOC) and implement a plan to complete instruction and transfer student
enrollment in cooperation with SACSCOC and the State Council of Higher
Education for Virginia (SCHEV).
Dr. Oliver Spencer, Chair of the Saint Paul’s College Board of Trustees,
expressed disappointment on behalf of the Board and the College. “The
time deadlines associated with our accreditation issues with SACSCOC and the
termination of the proposed merger require our Board to take this action in the
best interests of our students. This is especially disappointing in view
of our very successful completion to the 2012-2013 academic year and the
graduation of 51 students just weeks ago. Nevertheless, our Board is
committed to exploring all solutions that will allow the continuation of the
historical mission and purpose of Saint Paul’s College on its campus in
Lawrenceville, Virginia. In pursuit of that goal I call on all members of
the Saint Paul’s community to come together to guide and support the College in
the next phase of its life in service to the many thousands of students
deserving of the very special educational opportunities that Saint Paul’s
College can offer.”
The Board of Trustees has implemented a plan to preserve the
physical and financial assets of the College during the process of exploring
its options.
