“Watching our students receive the Oscars Internship awards for their summer internship experiences was an incredibly proud moment for our institution,” said 91�ֿ� President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “These outstanding students have showcased their talent and dedication, representing 91�ֿ� with distinction and making a lasting impact in prestigious organizations nationwide. Their achievements exemplify the transformative power of internships in shaping successful careers, and we are excited to witness their continued growth and success.”

The students recognized at the awards ceremony were as follows:

• Ashley Weekes, Deloitte, Raleigh, NC.
• Louis Keenan Lowndes, Deloitte Consulting, Charlotte, NC
• Tadiwanashe Rukasha, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, Durham, NC
• Emmanuel Bryant, CliftonLarsonAllen, Charlotte, NC
• Peter Musenge, Hewlett-Packard Inc. (HP), Spring, Texas
• Cameron X. Moore, Deloitte, Charlotte, NC
• Sthepanie Sierra Medina, Zonya Autmon, State Farm Insurance, Durham, NC
• Andrea Diaz, Zonya Autmon, State Farm Insurance, Durham, NC
• Imani Crosby, NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
• Nathan Swain, NC State University, Raleigh, NC
• Miles Beasley, United States House of Representatives, Washington, DC
• Sheree Wright, NC State University, Raleigh, NC

“Both myself and Ms. Michele Johnson, who serves as the Director of The Professional Development and Career Services Center, agree that the students at 91�ֿ� are outstanding and make every effort to grow, learn, and lead in their prospective professions as they become our next generation of world leaders,” said Dr. Love, Associate Vice President of Professional Studies and Enterprise Services. “We are proud of their accomplishments from their experiential learning experiences during the summer 2023 term. Our goal is to continue to support their growth and development while connecting them to community partners globally.”

In addition to the students recognized at the Oscars Internship Awards program, Saint Augustine’s University is proud to have had over 70 students participate in summer internships across various industries and institutions. Some of the remarkable companies and educational institutions where 91�ֿ� students interned include the following companies and institutions:

• Ball State University, Graduate Program, Muncie, IN
• TT Madrid TEFL Certification, Madrid, Spain
• Southeast Raliegh Promise (SERP), Raleigh, NC
• Wells Fargo Human Resources, Charlotte, NC
• Granahan Investment Management, Boston, MA
• Credit Suisse Technology, Raleigh, NC
• Savannah State University, Savannah, GA
• YMCA, Raleigh, NC
• Omnicon Media Group, Charlotte, NC
• University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
• University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
• University of Delaware, Newark, DE
• Davidson College, Davidson, NC
• Woods Hole Partnership Education Program, Woods Hole, MA

Click here to view the gallery from the Fall 2023 Oscars Internship Awards

Click here to learn more about The Professional Development and Career Services Center.��

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“It was an honor to meet with our student leaders to discuss opportunities to work as one university in achieving student success,” said 91�ֿ� President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “I value and cherish the opportunities to participate in student engagement activities, and I’m confident that our student leaders will be instrumental in ensuring that our freshmen produce the highest graduation class four years from now in the university’s history.”

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Students participating in this year’s first “Chat & Chew” consisted of members of the 91�ֿ� Student Government Association (SGA), Royal Court, and Campus Activities Board (CAB). The total group size was 15 to ensure adequate time for each student to engage and have a meaningful experience with the President.

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“I love that so many international voices were in this room because we make up a large portion of the 91�ֿ� student body,” said Ashley Weekes, a senior accounting major from Barbados and the 73rd Miss Saint Augustine’s University. “As an international student, I appreciate the inclusive programming, and I can see a change on our campus for the better.”

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For the remainder of the academic year, the “Chat & Chew” gatherings will continue to bring students and 91�ֿ� leaders together to discuss topics of importance.

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“This conversation has been great for the student body,” said Ariana White, a senior criminal justice major and Student Body President. “As student leaders, we are excited to move forward.”

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The Office of the President offers other student engagement opportunities such as Meet with the President, Lunch with the President, and an Ask the President form for student inquiries and feedback.

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Click here to learn more about the Office of the President.

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Saint Augustine’s University (91�ֿ�) received a $2,000 donation from the Triangle Park Chapter (NC) of The Links, Incorporated.

“According to the , when educational institutions and urban systems collaborate to put students’ needs first, more students persist and succeed in college,” said 91�ֿ� President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “Support from partners such as the Triangle Park Chapter (NC) of the Links, Inc. demonstrates our implementation of the Kresge model using well-functioning ecosystems fostered by community engagement.”

Of the total amount donated by the Triangle Park Chapter (NC), half of the proceeds were funded by their HBCU Initiative.

“Supporting HBCUs is paramount for our future,” said Dwan Kelsey, HBCU Initiative Chair of the Triangle Park Chapter (NC) of The Links, Inc.

The other half of Triangle Park (NC) Chapter’s donation was funded by their International Trends and Services Facet, resulting in over 78 Pre-Exam Care Packages being donated to the university’s international students.

“The International Trends and Services Facet focuses on supporting our HBCUs, and we are privileged in the Triangle Park Chapter (NC) of The Links, Inc. to be able to support the international students at Saint Augustine’s University,” said Cassandra Deck Brown, International Trends and Services Facet Co-Chair of the Triangle Park Chapter (NC) of The Links, Inc. “The Pre-Exam Care Packages are a small token of our greater support to our students as they prepare for their end-of-year exams.�� We wish them nothing but absolute success.”

to learn more about the Triangle Park Chapter (NC) of The Links, Inc.

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Officials, students, and staff from the institutions celebrated the partnership at a signing ceremony hosted at the Community College of Aurora. Joe Garcia, chancellor of CCCS, called the agreement “groundbreaking.”

“We are constantly looking for ways to expand options for students and ensure they can live out their college dreams,” said Chancellor Garcia. “We are proud to have TSU and 91�ֿ� join our roster of transfer destinations and excited to see students take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity.”

Through the agreement, 91�ֿ� and TSU will become the program’s first out-of-state transfer options and provide students with a seamless pathway to an HBCU. Although many state colleges and universities are federally designated Hispanic Serving Institutions or Minority Serving Institutions—including seven CCCS colleges—there is no dedicated HBCU in Colorado. In addition, after establishing partnerships in Detroit, MI, and Fresno, CA, this agreement now creates 91�ֿ�’s third HBCU Urban Access Hub in the country.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with Chancellor Joe Garcia and open new pathways for CCCS graduates to access opportunities offered at Saint Augustine’s University,” said Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, president of 91�ֿ�. “Through the creation of the 91�ֿ� HBCU Access Hub at CCCS, our institutions will successfully bridge the geographical access gap and bring the HBCU experience to Colorado students.”

“Texas Southern University is pleased to partner with the Colorado Community College System in providing pathways for students to continue their education at our esteemed university,” said Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, president of TSU. “This cooperative effort provides accelerated opportunities for students to earn a bachelor’s degree and ultimately secure the career of their dreams. Together, we will transform lives and foster the next generation of leaders.” 

Starting this fall, students may select 91�ֿ� or TSU as their intended transfer destination. Once enrolled, Bridge to Bachelor’s participants receive early advising from their destination college and benefit from additional services, such as academic counseling and financial aid. Students do not have to take specific tests or pay transfer application fees.

91�ֿ� will also provide scholarships to CCCS Bridge to Bachelor’s students as part of their agreement.

“Our partnership with CCCS will provide students with financial resources to complete their bachelor’s degree, leadership opportunities, and global exposure to ensure career preparation,” said Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon, 91�ֿ� senior vice president of student experience. “I am excited to work with the many great faculty and staff of CCCS and look forward to the success of this collaboration.”

Each year, about 20% of CCCS students—or 16,460—transfer to a four-year college or university, saving students an average of $10,000 in tuition costs by starting at a CCCS college. Since Bridge to Bachelor’s launched in June 2020, nearly 6,800 students have registered for the program. More than 270 are now eligible to transfer to their destination college or university to continue their baccalaureate. 

for more information on the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program.

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The cathedral welcomed alumni, organizations, families, and communities representing the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in a special Eucharist service as part of Black History Month on the seventh Sunday after Epiphany.

Episcopal News Service, in an article, covered all of this and more. Read the article . You can watch the direct sermon and read the full speech here.

If you would like to give to Saint Augustine’s University, you can give online . Other giving options include:

• Text2Give at 919.373.6799, text “Give” and the dollar amount of your donation and press send.
• By telephone, call the Office of Institutional Advancement and Development at 919.516.4182 or 919.516.4092.
• Check by mail: mail to
  • Division of University Advancement & External Affairs
    Saint Augustine’s University
    1315 Oakwood Avenue
    Raleigh, NC 27610-2298

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“HBCU history is black history,” said 91�ֿ� President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “I am honored to blaze a trail that elevates the relevance of HBCUs today.”

91�ֿ�, founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, is one of two HBCUs affiliated with The Episcopal Church and is the oldest and largest Episcopal HBCU. In addition, with an enrollment of approximately 1,100 students and 11,000 living alums, 91�ֿ� also ranks among The Episcopal Church’s largest Black institutions in the nation.

“In the legacy of 91�ֿ� alumni and former leaders such as Anna Julia Cooper, Bishop Henry Beard Delaney, John Hope Franklin and so many others, Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail has led the University into an increasingly dynamic and generative partnership with The Episcopal Church,” said The Rev. Hershey Mallette Stephens, 91�ֿ�’s Dean of The Chapel & Spiritual Life. “As the leader of the largest Black institution affiliated with The Episcopal Church in the United States, it is appropriate and exciting to have Dr. McPhail preach at the Washington National Cathedral, the nation’s church, on this HBCU Sunday. I look forward to bringing a delegation of Chapel students again this year to DC for this beautiful tradition.”

The Washington National Cathedral, also affiliated with The Episcopal Church, began its construction when President Theodore Roosevelt helped lay the foundation stone in 1907, forty years after 91�ֿ�’s founding. The Cathedral has hosted state funerals, memorial services for US Presidents, and presidential prayer services for inaugurations. In addition, The Cathedral has hosted numerous historical events, such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final Sunday sermon before his assassination in 1968.

This weekend, The Washington National Cathedral’s Holy Eucharist & Annual HBCU Welcome Sunday welcomes alums, organizations, families, and communities representing the HBCUs as part of Black History Month. The service includes music and prayers celebrating HBCUs with the choir of Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest HBCU, joining the Cathedral musicians.

Before joining 91�ֿ�, Dr. McPhail served as President and CEO of the McPhail Group, LLC, and was a nationally recognized thought leader in higher education. She is the founding professor and director of the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program at Morgan State University. In addition, Dr. McPhail is the former president of Cypress College in California. Since her arrival at 91�ֿ� in 2021, Dr. McPhail’s impact as the university’s leader includes a 10-year high in Fall Enrollment, record-breaking alum giving, and an outpour of federal funding to cover student account balances, preserving and repurposing historical buildings, expanding broadband access, and reopen campus and community educational centers. In addition, Dr. McPhail’s administration has expanded educational access to students in communities with no HBCUs and leveraged university assets to diversify its sources of revenue.

This service will stream on the Washington Cathedral’s and their .

for more information about Washington Cathedral’s fourth annual Holy Eucharist & Annual HBCU Welcome Sunday.

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The funding is part of the $33.5 million in grants����to expand community technology hubs, upgrade classroom technology, and increase digital literacy skills at 12 minority-serving colleges and universities in 10 states.

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“High-speed Internet service is going to create opportunities, increase productivity, and improve lives, particularly in communities that have too often been left behind.” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Graves����“At the Commerce Department, we’re committed to seeing investments from initiatives like the Connecting Minority Communities program create opportunities for good jobs supported by equitable hiring, fair compensation, safe workplaces, and the tools and training needed for long-term success.”

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The 91�ֿ� Broadband Upgrade and Digital Equity Initiative aim to increase Internet bandwidth capacity and connectivity at 91�ֿ� and build digital literacy skills to promote digital equity within the 91�ֿ� campus and anchor communities.

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“Expanding broadband access is essential for student success,” says 91�ֿ� President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “This award is evidence of the role 91�ֿ� plays as a driver of digital equity and positions the university to fulfill its mission beyond its gates.”

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The activities involved with the initiative include upgrading existing broadband facilities and resources to increase Internet bandwidth capacity and create a digital navigator program. Digital navigators will assist community members in Internet adoption and computing devices. In addition, the university will partner with the information technology (IT) minority business enterprise (MBE), Cycurion, to establish and maintain a cybersecurity program to improve the stewardship of its digital assets. 91�ֿ� will also transform traditional classrooms into smart classroom environments.

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“Our main focus is to expand 91�ֿ�’s technology in the classrooms,” said 91�ֿ� Chief Technology Officer Christopher Taylor. “In addition, receiving this award also provides the university with the support needed to serve its surrounding community through our public health and digital equity initiatives.”

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“A strong state is an essential partner to the success and the sustainability of a strong university,” said 91�ֿ� President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “The 91�ֿ� community thanks Treasurer Folwell and the DST for their leadership and support of our students.”

During his visit, Treasurer Folwell by presenting a check to Gwen Kea, 91�ֿ� vice president of finance and administration, and Dr. Carolyn Carter, vice president of institutional advancement.��

“The Falcon community inherited a can-do spirit of overcoming the odds that was forged during a period of history that posed daunting challenges. Saint Augustine’s Chapel, the oldest building on campus, embodies that heritage,” Treasurer Falwell said “It was constructed from stone that students carved from surrounding rock quarries in 1895. As we begin the celebration of Black History Month today, I am honored to return this money and help to put another brick in the university’s financial wall.”

“Saint Augustine’s has a well-deserved national reputation in the sports arena for producing track champions and Olympic gold medal winners. But it has attained global renown for putting its students on a different track, one in which they are academically and socially equipped for the challenges ahead in their career pursuits, and spiritually prepared to run the good race,” Treasurer Folwell said

The DST reports that NCCash.com is the repository for 17.7 million properties valued at $1.02 billion under DST’s custody. The money is awaiting return to the rightful owners after being lost, misdirected, or overlooked. More than 19 million owners are associated with the properties being safeguarded by DST. 

“The money will be used to help our students, and for some infrastructure and programs,” Kea said “Programs are always the most important piece.”

UPD paid 178,857 claims amounting to more than $105 million during the 2022 fiscal year that ended June 30. Both numbers were historical records. The returns are on pace to set another record this fiscal year. Through Nov. 30, UPD has paid 74,979 claims totaling over $44 million from NCCash. Part of that total has been disbursed through the NCCash Match program, a no-hassle, expedited system that eliminated paperwork processing. As of Nov. 30, DST paid 44,200 Cash Match claims totaling about $12.6 million.

“It was so easy to go in and process. We uploaded the forms, and the folks who contacted me back were extremely helpful,” Kea said “I would just say don’t let that money lay there. It belongs to you.”

to read the full story from the DST.

for more information, including how to find out if you are owed money.

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Carter will ground lease property on the northwestern side of the 91�ֿ� campus. The option to invest in the project as a partner could prove to be a lucrative opportunity that the university will likely opt to do. The ground lease agreement exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that 91�ֿ� teaches to its students. The partnership allows the university to continue to own the land, while utilizing the space to not just raise the quality of life in and around the university, but to also make an economic impact on the entire community. The agreement has generated a lot of excitement throughout the campus and Raleigh community.

The Honorable Justice James E. Perry, Chairman, Board of Trustees, and a 1966 graduate of 91�ֿ� stated, “This development opportunity is a beacon of light for students, the Raleigh community, and the global society to engage with 91�ֿ� in this transformative venture. As the Board chair, I am delighted for this opportunity and thank my fellow Trustees for their continued support and commitment to this illustrious institution. I also thank the leadership, faculty and staff of 91�ֿ� for their tireless work and commitment to our students and their success.”

“I am excited to see the impact that this development venture will have on 91�ֿ� and the city of Raleigh. This venture is a great opportunity for the institution to expand its revenue stream while enhancing housing options for the city. As the vice chair of the Board of Trustees and chair of the facilities committee, the Board along with the 91�ֿ� administration continuously seek opportunities that strengthen the institution and advance our mission”, stated Mr. Brian A. Boulware, Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, and a 1995 graduate of 91�ֿ�.

“As the 13th president of Saint Augustine’s University, I am proud of the historic opportunity this venture affirms for our 156-year-old institution.” Said Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, President of 91�ֿ�…She continued… “The development proposal presented by Carter will allow 91�ֿ� to increase housing options for our growing city and enhances the economic impact 91�ֿ� provides to the Raleigh community. I appreciate the continued support of the 91�ֿ� Board of Trustees for the administration, faculty, staff and most importantly, our students as we all strive to make the university stronger. This venture is just the beginning as we will continue to use our collective talents and resources to carry out the mission and vision of Saint Augustine’s University.”

About Saint Augustine’s University Founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the mission of Saint Augustine’s University is to sustain a learning community in which students can prepare academically, socially and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse and rapidly changing world. A four-year liberal arts university with an average enrollment of approximately 1,200, 91�ֿ� sits on 105 lush acres just north of Downtown Raleigh. The institution offers more than 20 undergraduate degree programs and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

About Carter Carter is a leading national real estate investment and development firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1958, Carter is one of the most experienced, proven, and recognized real estate development firms in the country. The firm currently has over $1.3 billion of active development throughout the Southeast, including mixed-use and multifamily projects. A strengths-based organization with a culture based on trust and candor, Carter’s purpose is to make a difference in the world by transforming communities and spaces so people can thrive. Learn more at .

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A comparison study conducted by Saint Augustine’s University (91�ֿ�)’s Office of Institutional Research and Analysis (OIRA) found 91�ֿ� among the top historically black colleges/universities (HBCUs) in the country in alumni giving and student-faculty ratio. OIRA completed the study upon U.S. News & World Report’s release of their 2022-2023 Best Colleges & Universities.

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“I’d like to commend Dr. King and the OIRA team for their leadership in conducting institutional research,” said 91�ֿ� President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “The discoveries made by OIRA are indicative of 91�ֿ�’s upward trajectory and are foundational in our pathway towards student success and university sustainability.”

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OIRA provides data and information about 91�ֿ� to support institutional decision-making and the achievement of our Strategic Plan through institutional research, assessment, and data and visual analytics.

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“It is gratifying to witness the outstanding support of our alumni,” said Dr. Runell King, 91�ֿ�’s Chief Research and Data Officer. “The wide-ranging work of our faculty, staff, and students is affirming to witness also.”��

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, the average rate of alumni giving at the nation’s 105 HBCUs is approximately 10%. However, OIRA’s study concluded that 91�ֿ�’s alumni giving percentage is 16%, almost double the national average of HBCU alumni giving. In addition, 91�ֿ�’s alumni giving rate is higher than HBCUs, ranked between 1-58 in alumni giving and slightly below the U.S. national average of 23% for all universities.

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“Our alumni are at the forefront of providing the support needed to reimagine 91�ֿ�,” said Sheryl Ximines, Director of Alumni Affairs. “OIRA’s findings demonstrate Dr. McPhail and the university administration are committed to working with alumni. In addition, the National Alumni Association and local alumni Chapters are also committed to ensuring our beloved alma mater remains strong.”

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“We are grateful for our alumni’s support of their alma mater,” said Dr. Carolyn Carter, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “Consistent donations from 91�ֿ� alumni are crucial to our university’s continued success and prosperity as we focus on students and sustainability. Every dollar plays a role in seeing future generations grow and thrive and increasing opportunities for alumni to become legacy builders through giving.”

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The National Center for Education Statistics��reports an 18:1 national average of college student-to-faculty ratios. However, OIRA’s study concluded that 91�ֿ�’s student-faculty ratio is 12:1. Its percentage of classes of more than fifty students is 0.2%. Both findings also place 91�ֿ� among the nation’s top five HBCUs.

In addition, the ��ranks 91�ֿ� 65th regionally in top performers on social mobility. However, a closer look at this category places 91�ֿ� among the top 15 HBCUs in the region and the top three HBCUs in North Carolina.

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“The U.S. News & World Report results confirm the determination of the university’s ecosystem,” said Dr. King. “The hard work and grit 91�ֿ� displays ignite this university and elevate it to a place of stature among HBCUs across the country. We can all be proud of our accomplishments.”����

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Click here��to learn more about OIRA.

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