Saint Augustine's president: School in 'very dire' situation as fight for accreditation, financial stability continues

Saint Augustine's University isn't only HBCU in state with enrollment issues, data shows

He admits the school is in a "very dire" situation, but said it will not shut down even as it fights to maintain its accreditation.

WRAL has learned Saint Augustine's failed to pay its employees on time several times over the last few months - including the most recent payroll on Feb. 9.

Burgess says employees have now been paid, but he says meeting payroll will still be a challenge as the university faces a cashflow problem.

Burgess says the university has hired a financial consulting team and is meeting with the IRS and others who are owed money.

"The issues we face did not begin yesterday, but I assure the community we are working feverishly to structure a cogent and viable plan to extricate this venerable institution," Burgess said.

Burgess said one of the biggest challenges will be with Saint Augustine's accreditation. He's headed to Atlanta Monday afternoon for an appeals hearing with the school's accrediting organization.

Saint Augustine's has been put on probation after struggling with financial issues.

Burgess said if the school loses its accreditation, they will file a legal challenge.