[Saint Augustine’s University press release] Certified Public Accountant Mr. Willie T. Closs Jr. has been appointed by Saint Augustine’s University’s President Everett B. Ward, Ph.D. as the new Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business and Finance. His appointment is effective August 18. Closs brings with him a wealth of business and financial experience spanning more than 30 years.

“Saint Augustine’s University is excited to welcome Mr. Closs who has the financial and corporate leadership to help Saint Augustine’s University move in the right direction towards financial stability,” Ward said.  “His appointment underscores our commitment to take the necessary steps to improve the financial health of this institution.”

Closs is a corporate and institutional financial consultant. He held various roles of increasing responsibility at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance in Durham, NC   including the Chief Financial Officer and the Executive Vice President.

Closs is a board of director and chairman for the audit committee at Mechanics & Farmers Bank, and a board of director for North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and M&F Bancorp. He has been a member of the Financial Executives Institute since 1992.

Closs earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and business administration from Morehouse College and a MBA the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

About Saint Augustine’s University
Saint Augustine’s University, established in 1867, is a four-year liberal arts university in Raleigh, N.C. founded by the Episcopal Church.  With an average annual enrollment of 1,100, the University has more than 25 undergraduate degree programs in five academic schools. Saint Augustine’s University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school’s name and status changed from Saint Augustine’s College to Saint Augustine’s University August 1, 2012.