St. Augustine's University plans to officially appeal accreditation denial in the coming days

Saint Augustine's plans to respond with a request to appeal by Jan. 21.

According to the association’s policy, the university will remain an accredited institution on probation during the appeal process.

Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon, who was the university's acting president until Dr. Marcus Burgess assumed the role, reacted to the association's decision in early December.

"The work has already begun to appeal SACSCOC's decision, and we will remain steadfast during this process," Rodriguez-McClellon said in a university-issued news release. "While we are disappointed by SACSCOC's decision, we are confident and unified in our commitment to fulfill and complete our mission."

Before Burgess' appointment, Rodriguez-McClellon briefly took over for Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, who was fired late in 2023.

Regarding the university's accreditation, Saint Augustine's Board of Trustees Chair James Perry echoed Rodriguez-McClellon’s sentiments.

"We will stop at nothing to ensure that SAU maintains its accreditation," Perry said. "We are experiencing one of the most important moments in the institution's history. Our charge to everyone associated with the university is to comply with all policies and procedures, advance the institution's mission and division, and work collectively to place SAU back in good standing with SACSCOC."

SAU's appeal of SACSCOC's decision will allow the university to continue operating as a fully accredited institution, and still offer financial aid to students during this process.