St. Andrews University to Close May 5 Due to Financial Difficulties

In a significant development, St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, North Carolina, announced its closure effective May 5, attributing the decision to persistent financial challenges. The university, which has been operational since 1958, has struggled particularly after it lost its accreditation in the late 2000s. Following a merger with Webber International University in 2011 in a bid to regain stability, the institution still found itself unable to overcome ongoing enrollment declines and financial deficits. "The financial realities of maintaining operations in Laurinburg have become unsustainable," the university stated on Facebook. President Tarun Malik expressed the emotional toll of the decision, which will result in most faculty members being laid off, while a few will assist with transition efforts. Faculty members were alerted to the university's precarious financial state earlier this month when they received incomplete paychecks. The university’s recent history has been rife with turmoil including several lawsuits related to serious allegations against its athlete recruitment practices, which have further tainted its reputation. These lawsuits include claims of mishandling sexual assault cases involving students, which have only compounded its issues. Critics have pointed to inadequate facilities and support systems as a contributory factor in the university’s downfall. Amid these challenges, the university is focusing on ensuring a smooth transition for its students, offering pathways to other institutions as they prepare to close. This closure serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many small, private colleges, particularly with changing demographics, decreasing enrollment numbers, and the financial strains that come with them. It highlights a broader trend in higher education where financial stability often overshadows academic integrity and student welfare amidst attempts to attract enrollment. In this case, St. Andrews’ survival strategy—focused on recruitment and mergers—ultimately did not yield the desired return, leading to what many are calling a cautionary tale for similar institutions. The fate of Webber International University, St. Andrews’ parent institution, remains uncertain following this closure.