LAURINBURG, N.C. (WPDE) — St. Andrews University in Laurinburg is closing effective May 5, leaving hundreds of students and faculty members in limbo, according to the University.
Several students tell ABC 15 there was a meeting early Friday morning about the school closing.
The students say they don’t even have to take final exams, which have been rescheduled for next week.
Many of them were already packing up to go home for summer break, but are leaving earlier than expected.
St. Andrews’ website says it has over 800 students from 28 different countries.
The University has been hit with a couple of lawsuits in recent months surrounding rape allegations by former students.
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St. Andrews shared the following message via social media:
“It is with deep regret that we announce that St. Andrews University, a branch campus of Webber International University, will cease operations at the conclusion of the Spring 2025 semester. The final day of campus operations is scheduled for May 5, 2025, unless otherwise needed to support a smooth and compassionate transition. This decision, as resolved by the Board of Trustees, comes after extensive financial analysis, strategic review and exhaustive recovery efforts. We are conveying this news with a shared commitment to transparency, support, and integrity. For many years, St. Andrews has worked diligently to balance affordability, student experience, and academic quality. Despite these efforts and the steadfast dedication of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni, the financial realities of maintaining operations in Laurinburg have become unsustainable.
“We explored every viable path forward,” said Dr. Nelson Marquez, President and CEO for Webber International University. “But the persistent financial and enrollment challenges facing St. Andrews could no longer be mitigated through internal solutions alone. This was a deeply painful but necessary decision.”
Transition plans are already underway to ensure continuity for students and support for faculty and staff:
Teach-out agreements are being established with accredited institutions to allow students to complete their degrees.
Advising and transfer assistance will be available to all currently enrolled students.
Faculty and staff will receive personalized transition guidance, including employment resources and benefit counseling.
Institutional records, archives, and cultural assets — including those housed in the Scottish Heritage Center — will be preserved.”
The college said further communications will be shared in the days ahead, and community members are encouraged to visit www.sa.edu/closure for the most up-to-date information.
ABC 15 reached out to the president of the college for additional information and will let you know when we hear back from him.
