91�ֿ� in the News – Saint Augustine's University

Black Enterprise: 50 Plus 1 Sports Will Invest $70M To Save 91�ֿ�

staugadmin — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:48:59 +0000

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

91�ֿ� Timeline of Events

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) removed the HBCU’s membership following significant financial issues, including a $32 million debt and an IRS battle.

(Mitti Hicks/BLACK ENTERPRISE) ––It’s been a challenging few years for�� In December 2022, Saint Augustine’s University was placed on probation after failing to meet accreditation standards. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) removed the HBCU’s membership following significant financial issues, including

But the HBCU is inching one step closer to the light at the end of the tunnel after the ��invested $70 million to save the university.��

“We were introduced to the University back in October, and from that very first moment, our first statement was that we wanted to help the university keep its land and be self-sufficient,” Monti Valrie, founder and CEO of 50 Plus 1 Sports, tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Based in Miami, 50 Plus 1 Sports is one of the nation’s fastest-growing stadium and mixed-use development firms.��It’s the first national sports financing and development firm to require 50% minority and women participation in every project the company finances or partners in.

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50 Plus 1 Sports and Saint Augustine’s University agreed on a ground lease: a long-term agreement between a landowner, in this case, the university, and the tenant, which is 50 Plus 1 Sports. The agreement allows 50 Plus 1 Sports to develop on the university.

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Valrie says his company invested the ground lease payment upfront, enabling the university to clear its debt and move forward.��For the first 10 years, there is a 65/35 split on revenue between 50 Plus 1 Sports and 91�ֿ�.��Years 11 through 99 include a 60/40 split on revenue.��

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“Our estimates at year 50 are over a billion dollars back to the university in revenue split,” says Valrie. “This gives the university the opportunity to carry out their mission in the community.”

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Valrie says while his company is based in Florida, the partnership with the university is a “homegrown project.” This means an overwhelming majority of the workforce needed as development happens will come from the Raleigh area.

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An Uphill Battle With Raleigh Business Leaders
The investment from outside of North Carolina comes after what Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware says have been roadblocks from Raleigh business leaders.

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In February 2024, Boulware says the school asked for financial assistance from Durham-based Self-Help Credit Union, a national financial institution on a mission��to “create and protect ownership and economic opportunity for all, especially people of color, women, rural residents, and low-wealth families and communities.”

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“At that time, we talked to them probably for four months, asking for their assistance and helping with finance donations and a loan opportunity,” Boulware says. “They said they didn’t really have an appetite for it.”

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Boulware says the credit union changed its tune after the university’s land, which sits within one mile of the Governor’s Mansion, was appraised for roughly $207 million. The credit union joined other local investors interested in loaning the university between $20 and $30 million, Boulware says.

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The deal would have required the land be removed from the university’s name and two board members removed. Business investors would also choose the president of the university and the board chair. The university, however, would receive no revenue share, according to Boulware.

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Business Leaders Tell Saint Augustine To Merge With Other HBCU

In a June 2024 letter obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE��that Boulware sent to students and staff, he discussed the challenges 91�ֿ� faced with leadership changes and financial status.

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“One example of our difficulties occurred during a business meeting with influential Raleigh business leaders,” he writes.

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“In attendance were a television station owner, a former editor of the local newspaper, a prominent local developer, and executives of another local higher educational institution. After exchanging pleasantries, the owner of the television station stated, ‘Let’s get to the bottom of this: Raleigh doesn’t need two Black universities. We need the two to merge. I don’t care what you call it. However, we need them both on 91�ֿ�’s property because we need downtown land to expand the development footprint.’”

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(Boulware confirmed to BLACK ENTERPRISE��that local leaders wanted Saint Augustine to merge with Shaw University.)

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“Additionally, the local developer stated, ‘You have no leverage in this situation. You need to consider this as an option,’” Boulware wrote in his letter. “The developer informed us that the Raleigh business community shared similar sentiments, thus limiting our access to financial resources.”

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University leaders rejected the proposal, according to Boulware, favoring an “immediate short-term financial solution” to address payroll, student refund compensation, and more.

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The short-term fix? Saint Augustine received a $7 million loan from Gothic Ventures, LLP to pay off its debts. The loans have a 24% interest rate and a 2% loan management fee. Martin Eakes, who leads Self-Help Credit Union, called the deal “abusive” and “predatory” in a recent interview with WUNC.

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“The question I always had in my mind was, ‘Why wasn’t the university able to go out and secure a loan that covers some of the debt?’” says Valrie. “When you look at it deeper, there wasn’t anybody willing to help the university.”

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Where Does Saint Augustine University Go From Here?

According to Board Member Sophie Gibson, the agreement between 50 Plus 1 Sports and Saint Augustine would resolve debt, provide critical operational funding, establish a revenue sharing model that secures universities financial sustainability for decades to come, and bring in opportunities for students, scholarships, community engagement, and economic development beyond the university and into Raleigh.”

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The university is waiting for the attorney general to approve the 50 Plus 1 Sports agreement. The school received a letter from SACSCOC on Jan. 15 stating it has 10 days to respond on the sustainability of the university.

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to read the original article by Black Enterprise.

��for contact information for the NC Attorney General’s Office.
��for contact information for the NC Governor’s Office.

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As 91�ֿ� celebrates MLK Day, we can be proud of the connection of one of our own

Dan Holly — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 15:36:11 +0000

In the 1960s, students, faculty and staff at Saint Augustine’s College (as it was then called) were passionate and active supporters of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. so it was perhaps inevitable that the great civil rights leader would have some sort of connection to Saint Augustine’s.

While no historical record can be found showing that Dr. King ever visited campus, there is ample record that he had a connection with at least one of our own – Millie Dunn Veasey, class of 1953.

Archives from The Pen, the former student newspaper of Saint Augustine’s, show that students were of Dr. King, and other local newspapers showed that – likely including from Saint Augustine’s – were among the attendees at civil rights protests in the 1960s. And, of course, the university’s student center was named after Dr. King .

But historical records – as well as interviews with Ms. Veasey’s relatives – show a more personal connection to Saint Augustine’s. Mrs. Veasey worked with Dr. King and was so helpful that she got a front-row seat at the pivotal March on Washington in 1963. They were close enough that he was a dinner guest at her sister’s house.

Ms. Veasey, who died in 2018 at the age of 100, is best known recently for having a post office in Raleigh named after her. In January 2025, through the support of Congresswoman Deborah Ross and President Joe Biden, the post office at 2777 Brentwood Road was named the “Millie Dunn Veasey Post Office.” The renaming honored Ms. Veasey’s service in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit to operate overseas, during World War II.

That battalion was responsible for ensuring that soldiers received mail from home, thus helping to maintain the troops’ morale. Their role in the war is the subject of a movie released by Tyler Perry in December of 2024. While Ms. Veasey’s role was not specifically highlighted in the film, she was very much part of the battalion’s heroic efforts.

Millie Dunn Veasey was born in in Raleigh in 1918, and it was to there that she returned after sailing back to the United States in 1945, according to a profile of Mrs. Veasey on the National Park Service website. Mrs. Veasey eventually earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, both in business administration, from Saint Augustine’s and North Carolina Central University, respectively.

Mrs. Veasey went to work for Saint Augustine’s, holding several administrative positions over a 30-year period, but she was known to the wider community in a different capacity. The supplies details:

Millie Dunn Veasey was also active in the civil rights movement. She participated in sit-ins throughout Raleigh to integrate lunch counters. In 1963, she helped organize a bus trip to Washington, D.C., where she participated in the August 28th March on Washington. As an organizer, she had a front-row seat near the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

On Feb. 21, 1965, Mrs. Veasey was of the Raleigh branch of the NAACP. It was in that capacity that she became personally known to Dr. King. Mrs. Veasey hosted a dinner for Dr. King when he came to Raleigh in 1966. Although some details are lost to history, the dinner most likely occurred as part of a visit Dr. King made to Raleigh to take part in a , to protest the shooting of civil rights activist James Meredith.

Mrs. Veasey’s niece, Eugenia Moore Pleasant, a resident of Wake Forest, N.C., remembers the dinner; she was there. Now retired, she was a freshman at North Carolina A&T at the time but had come home.

“The dinner was in my mother’s home in Raleigh,” Mrs. Pleasant recalled. “Rev. Charles Ward, pastor of the First Baptist Church, was there. Ralph Campbell [who had preceded Ms. Veasey as president of the Raleigh NAACP] was there. My mother [Mary Moore] was there – she was the cook. My aunt [Ms. Veasey] was there.”

The dinner had come about, Mrs. Pleasant said, because Mrs. Veasey had invited Dr. King to dinner while he was in Raleigh. “He said he wanted a home-cooked meal,” Mrs. Pleasant recalled. “We had fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens and cornbread. I forget the dessert – probably peach cobbler.”

Mrs. Veasey got to know Dr. King well enough that he personally inspired her. In a on the Public Broadcasting Service, she spoke about her impression of the iconic figure: “I found him to be a most remarkable young man, always with dignity,” she said in the documentary. “He was always interested in what you were doing, what the individual was doing, and persuaded them to do more.”

Martin Luther King’s birthday is celebrated Monday, Jan. 20, a national holiday. As the Falcon community celebrates the day and honors Dr. King’s towering legacy, we can take pride in knowing that a Saint Augustine’s University alumna was among those who played an important role in advancing the great leader’s campaign for justice and righteousness.

The 6888th Battalion in England in 1945.

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GrepTech Beat Triangle Tech News Features Dr. Mark Janas for his Skoolkast Platform

staugadmin — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 18:22:29 +0000

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been notoriously underfunded compared to their predominantly white institutional (PWI) counterparts for decades. Seeing this issue, Dr. Mark Janas, Assistant Professor and Advisor for 91�ֿ� Club Sports, created Skoolkast. Skoolkast is an easy-to-use platform designed to monetize sports content, engage fans, and generate revenue streams through an SMS score distribution. GrepTech Beat covers Dr. Janas and Skoolkast on their website.

Read the story .

Example of Skoolkast platform

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91�ֿ�’s Student Global Leadership Fellows Institute Featured in CAEL Pathways Blog

staugadmin — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 16:18:48 +0000

Great things continue to happen at 91�ֿ�! The Student Global Leadership Fellows Institute (SGLFI) at Saint Augustine’s University has been featured in the CAEL Pathways Blog, titled, “Making a World of Difference: 91�ֿ�’s Student Global Leadership Fellows Institute.” The SGLFI is designed to provide students with leadership competencies and experience to propel them to lead in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing world. The institute offers students a wealth of work-relevant experiential learning opportunities. Students benefit from internships, mentoring, networking, and peer learning.

Learn more about SGLFI here.
Read the CAEL blog post .

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91�ֿ� Alumnus Dr. Joseph H. Silver, Sr., Featured in the Savannah Tribune

staugadmin — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:23:36 +0000

Saint Augustine’s University (91�ֿ�) alumnus Dr. Joseph H. Silver, Sr., ‘75, was recently featured in the Savannah Tribune for an article he published titled “All Americans Should Be Concerned About The Efforts To Eliminate Black History & Diversity Initiatives.” Dr. Silver is the President of Silver & Associates and received an honorary doctorate from 91�ֿ� during the university’s 2022 commencement ceremony and 91st baccalaureate exercise.

to read his article in the Savannah Tribune.

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Saint Augustine’s University Student Participating in Amgen HBCU BioTech Fellowship Program

staugadmin — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 19:22:02 +0000

Story written by The Application & HBCU 20×20

Washington, D.C., June 21, 2023��– HBCU 20×20, a national nonprofit that connects the HBCU and Black community to career resources, has partnered with Amgen to host the second cohort of the Amgen Operations Biotech Fellowship program.

Over the course of 12 weeks, the fellows will participate in professional development programming, be paired with professionals at Amgen for mentorship, complete a capstone project, and will have the opportunity to interview for internship and full-time opportunities upon completion of the program.

“As the biotech industry continues to grow, diversity should be at the forefront and we’re proud that HBCU 20×20 has partnered with Amgen for this highly selective program to make this possible,” said CEO Nicole Tinson.

Samantha Taylor, director of Human Resources, at Amgen, stated, “As a leading global biotechnology company deeply rooted in science, we believe that an environment of inclusion fosters innovation, which helps drive our ability to serve patients. We are honored to continue to support this fellowship to support the next generation of innovators and leaders as they embark upon their career.”

The HBCU BioTech Fellows are juniors, seniors and recent university graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and are passionate about the field of BioTech. The 15 fellows attend 9 HBCUs, majoring in subjects including Biology, Computer Science, Agribusiness and were selected out of more than��75 applicants. They are:

Destinie James, Electrical Engineering Major,��Tuskegee University

Jacoby Wilkerson, Supply Chain Management Major,��Howard University

Khadim Mbacke, Physics Major,��Michigan State University

Lamont Harrison, Computer Information Systems,��Bethune-Cookman University

Langston Locke, Chemical Engineering Major,��Howard University

Lotus��Khanal, Mechanical Engineering Major,��Howard University

Michaela Corley, Biology Major,��Miles College

Nsikakabasi Ekong, Biology Major,��Howard University

Onyinyechi Agbo, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major,��Fisk University

Peter Musenge,��Biology and Engineering Mathematics Major,��Saint Augustine’s University

Rhonda Prince,��Computer Information Systems Major,��Grambling State University

Samaya Brooks, Agribusiness Major,��North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University

Yaman Siwakoti, Mechanical Engineering Major,��Howard University��

Yvette Foby,��Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major,��Fisk University��

If you would like more information about HBCU 20×20, see our other events, or host an event, please visit��or contact Nicole Tinson at��nicole@hbcu20x20.org.

About HBCU 20X20

HBCU 20×20 is a national diversity and inclusion company whose mission is to prepare and connect HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) students and alumni to quality job and internship opportunities. We are intentional about creating relationships with companies and organizations who share our same commitment to diversity and inclusion.

We believe every student and graduate deserves the opportunity to move ahead in their careers. We are closing the gap to ensure they get there through our strategic partnerships with companies and organizations.

Since September 2017, HBCU 20×20 placed over 1,100 people into jobs and internships, developed partnerships with more than 150 Fortune 500 companies, startups, nonprofits, as well as federal agencies, and grown our database to over 23,000 HBCU students and alumni.

HBCU 20×20 has been featured in publications including Forbes, New York Times, Fast Company, The Root, Black Enterprise, Blavity, HBCU Buzz, Huff Post, and Campus Lately.

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The Saint Augustine’s University Chamber Singers and the Voorhees University Choir Featured at the Episcopal Parish Network Conference

staugadmin — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:51:40 +0000

The Saint Augustine’s University Chamber Singers and the Voorhees University choir were featured at the Episcopal Parish Network Conference held in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 8-10, 2023. The Chamber Singers featured an arrangement written by the choir director, Dessalines Ford, entitled Blessed Assurance. The Chamber Singers received a standing ovation and were invited to perform at various churches nationwide. On Thursday, March 30, 2023, the Chamber Singers are scheduled to perform at the Middle Eastern Province Council Meeting of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc.

View a clip of the Chamber Singers’ performance at the Episcopal Parish Network Conference, using .��

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91�ֿ� Featured on HBCUGo Road to Homecoming hosted by DJ Envy

staugadmin — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 18:59:33 +0000

Saint Augustine’s University (91�ֿ�) is one of two historically black colleges/universities (HBCUs) in the country featured on the new mini-series sponsored by Ford titled HBCUGo��Road to Homecoming, hosted by DJ Envy. The first two episodes of the mini-series comprise stories from 91�ֿ� students, alumni, and administrators as they prepare for the university’s homecoming, which took place in October.��

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“I am excited that viewers will see our history of transforming lives globally,” said 91�ֿ� President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “I appreciate HBCUGo and Ford’s commitment to telling the unique stories of all HBCUs.”

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In addition, the first two episodes of the mini-series highlight 91�ֿ�’s Yardfest, Stepshow, tailgate, and homecoming game.��

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Episode one airs tonight at 7 p.m. on HBCUGo. 91�ֿ�’s Episodes will also air on Friday, December 23rd, at 1 p.m. The mini-series will run through March 2023 on HBCUGo and The Grio Network.

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��to read the full story by Essence Magazine.

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��for information on how to watch the HBCUGo��Road to Homecoming, including��

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91�ֿ� Student and Assistant Professor Featured in Black Oak Society Magazine

staugadmin — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:00:15 +0000

Artworks by 91�ֿ� Visual Art Senior Ja’Darrin Pettiford and Assistant Professor of Visual Arts Linda Dallas are featured in the latest issue of Black Oak Society (BOS) Magazine. The magazine showcases the writing and artwork of Black creatives and celebrates Black Raleigh, past, present, and future. The theme of BOS Volume 6 is Black Power/Black Politics. A detail from Ja’Darrin’s infographic is pictured above. He was inspired to create this piece by his concern about policing in the City of Raleigh. His image explores how voting can have a positive impact on policing.

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91�ֿ� Featured in Special Edition of Business Mogul Magazine

staugadmin — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 21:38:16 +0000

Saint Augustine’s University (91�ֿ�)’s School of Business, Management, and Technology was selected to receive a full feature in the 40-page winter edition of Business Mogul Magazine.

“Entrepreneurship is essential to preparing students for the global world of work,” said 91�ֿ� President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “I commend Dr. Rowe for donating her resources and Dean Sapp for his leadership to elevate 91�ֿ�’s reputation by lifting up the School of Business, Management, and Technology.”

Business Mogul Magazine is owned by 2007 alumna Dr. Sheria Rowe, Assistant Dean of the School of Business, Management, and Technology. The magazine was founded in 2018 and currently has an audience of 25,000 readers from print and digital publications. Over time, Business Mogul has established corporate partnerships with Saks Fifth Avenue, Rolls-Royce Raleigh, Blue Water Spa, and more. In the past, our cover features included Ronnie DeVoe from New Edition, Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker, Terrence J, Dr. Heavenly (Married to Medicine), New York Giants running back Antonio Williams, North Carolina’s own 9th Wonder, and more.

“Publishing this issue is dear to my heart by having the opportunity to tell the stories and successes of what I like to call ‘my business school babies,’” said Dr. Rowe. “Once upon a time, I was there — sitting in the same seats and classrooms. Seeing the school of business students start as shy and confused freshmen to the day they walk across the stage as polished diamonds, that’s MOGULish!”

The publication of Business Mogul Magazine’s winter issue is an innovative collaboration between the alumni-owned magazine and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)-accredited 91�ֿ� School of Business, Management, and Technology. “This publication, in partnership with Business Mogul, LLC, is one of the many innovative ways we blend industry and the academy,” said Dr. Van Sapp, Dean of the 91�ֿ� School of Business, Management, and Technology. “Innovative thinking has allowed the School of Business, Management, and Technology to find gaps of differentiation to propel our departments and students.”

In this issue, Business Mogul Magazine highlights student achievements, alumni leaders, and the future of the School of Business, Management, and Technology. The cover features Bre’cha Byrd, a multi-talented business scholar who has exemplified excellence in business, literature, athletics, and leadership.

“It is truly an honor to be featured in Business Mogul Magazine! I am grateful to God for all of His blessings,” said Byrd, who is also a member of the 91�ֿ� women’s basketball team and serves as the 72nd Miss 91�ֿ�. “I am thankful to The School of Business, especially Dr. Rowe and Dean Sapp, for always embracing and supporting me.”

The winter issue of Business Mogul Magazine is a digital publication that is free to download.

Click to download the winter issue of Business Mogul Magazine.

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.

About Business Mogul

Business Mogul is a print and digital publication delivering quality editorial and a comprehensive guide of business, technology, money, culture, and lifestyle. Our goals are to bridge the gap between business and culture; educate and inspire our readers to become moguls in their respective industries; and provide the latest trends, products, and news. To read more about Business Mogul, visit

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