peekpublishersTLDR: St. Augustine’s University, a historically black college in North Carolina, is facing a financial crisis with a $7.9 million tax lien, unpaid debts, and a risk to its accreditation. The university has been hit with several financial problems, including liens for unpaid taxes, unpaid work, and consulting services. In addition to the financial troubles, St. Augustine’s University has faced criticism from former leaders who have sued the university for intimidation and discrimination. The university is currently on probation and is appealing the decision.
A $7.9 million tax lien has been filed against St. Augustine’s University by the IRS for unpaid taxes dating back to the end of 2020. In addition, the university has been hit with several other liens for unpaid debts and services, including a $598,000 lien for an unpaid turf field and an $8,000 lien for consulting services. Furthermore, the university owes nearly $430,000 in deductibles on student health insurance plans and has not paid nearly $27,000 in unemployment taxes.
St. Augustine’s University has also faced criticism from former leaders, including a discrimination complaint filed by ousted president Christine McPhail alleging a hostile workplace and a lawsuit from fired head football coach Howard Feggins who claims he was intimidated into silence regarding concerns with the football program. The university is currently on probation and is appealing the decision.
The financial troubles, along with the lawsuits and probation, have put the university’s accreditation at risk. The school could potentially lose its accreditation, which would have significant consequences for its students and the institution as a whole.
