Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail has been fired from her position at the school’s helm, cutting her contract and term short. The move comes as the Southern Association of Colleges (SACSCOC) voted to strip the small Historically Black College and University of its accreditation.
The university has vowed to appeal the decision and will remain an accredited institution on probation during the appeal process. Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon, who was vice president of community relations and government affairs but was named Acting President on Tuesday by the school's board of trustees, has promised to push forward.
"The work has already begun to appeal SACSCOC's decision, and we will remain steadfast during this process," said Rodriguez-McClellon. "While we are disappointed by SACSCOC's decision, we are confident and unified in our commitment to fulfill and complete our mission."
It's unclear why McPhail was removed from her post and if the school's pending accreditation status played any role in her ouster. McPhail said that she heard rumors about a month ago that her termination was "pending" and that she would be fired in December but added that she did not know when or why.
Dr. Christine Johnson McPhailSaint Augustine's University
According to McPhail, tensions between her and the board came to a head at an Oct 5 board meeting, where the university's financial bookkeeping status was on the agenda.
