[Saint Paul’s College — Press Release] Following the unexpected termination of a proposed merger with another HBCU (Historically Black College or University), the Board of Trustees of Saint Paul’s College has determined to close the College temporarily to pursue other strategic opportunities consistent with its purpose and mission. As a result, Saint Paul’s will relinquish its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and implement a plan to complete instruction and transfer student enrollment in cooperation with SACSCOC and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Dr. Oliver Spencer, Chair of the Saint Paul’s College Board of Trustees, expressed disappointment on behalf of the Board and the College. “The time deadlines associated with our accreditation issues with SACSCOC and the termination of the proposed merger require our Board to take this action in the best interests of our students. This is especially disappointing in view of our very successful completion to the 2012-2013 academic year and the graduation of 51 students just weeks ago. Nevertheless, our Board is committed to exploring all solutions that will allow the continuation of the historical mission and purpose of Saint Paul’s College on its campus in Lawrenceville, Virginia. In pursuit of that goal I call on all members of the Saint Paul’s community to come together to guide and support the College in the next phase of its life in service to the many thousands of students deserving of the very special educational opportunities that Saint Paul’s College can offer.”

The Board of Trustees has implemented a plan to preserve the physical and financial assets of the College during the process of exploring its options.

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About Saint Paul’s College
Founded in 1888 and affiliated with the Episcopal Church, Saint Paul’s College is a private, historically black, accredited, four-year coeducational and culturally diverse liberal arts institution of higher learning located on a beautiful 183-acre campus in the rolling hills of Brunswick County in Southern Virginia. Saint Paul’s offers baccalaureate degrees in the arts and sciences, teacher education endorsements, professional and pre-professional programs, and the only Single Parent Support System program for degree-seeking single parents in Virginia. Saint Paul’s offers an accelerated degree program for working adults in four locations across Virginia including Richmond, Farmville, Franklin and Lawrenceville.