St. Andrews University, a small private college located in Laurinburg, North Carolina, has announced it will close its doors permanently on May 5, 2025, marking the end of an era for the institution that has served the community since its founding in 1958. The decision, made public on April 25, 2025, comes after extensive financial analysis and strategic reviews, indicating that the university's financial situation had become unsustainable.
In a statement shared via social media, the university expressed its regret, stating, "It is with deep regret that we announce that St. Andrews University, a branch campus of Webber International University, will cease operations at the conclusion of the Spring 2025 semester." The university's leadership emphasized their commitment to transparency and support during this transition, highlighting the challenges they faced in balancing affordability, student experience, and academic quality.
Dr. Nelson Marquez, President and CEO of Webber International University, which acquired St. Andrews in 2011 after it lost its accreditation, noted, "We explored every viable path forward. But the persistent financial and enrollment challenges facing St. Andrews could no longer be mitigated through internal solutions alone. This was a deeply painful but necessary decision." The university's enrollment has dwindled in recent years, with only about 800 students currently enrolled from 28 different countries.
St. Andrews University has been known for its unique programs, including its equine business and therapeutic riding initiatives, which garnered national and international recognition. It also prided itself on being the first barrier-free campus for physically disabled students in the United States. However, despite its rich history and contributions to the local community, the financial realities proved too challenging to overcome.
In light of the closure, transition plans are already in place to support students, faculty, and staff. The university is establishing teach-out agreements with accredited institutions, allowing students to complete their degrees elsewhere. Advising and transfer assistance will also be available for all currently enrolled students, ensuring they have pathways to continue their education.
Faculty and staff will receive personalized transition guidance, including resources for employment and benefit counseling, as they navigate this difficult period. The university has assured that institutional records, archives, and cultural assets, such as those housed in the Scottish Heritage Center, will be preserved.
The closure announcement has left many in the community and among alumni feeling a deep sense of loss. Dr. A. Hope Williams, President of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU), expressed sadness over the news, stating, "St. Andrews University has played a remarkable role in North Carolina's educational and cultural landscape. Its influence extends far beyond its campus and will endure in the lives of its graduates and the communities it has served."
St. Andrews has a storied history, having been established through the merger of Flora Macdonald College for Women and Presbyterian Junior College. Over the years, it has adapted its academic offerings, transitioning from a focus on liberal arts to career-focused programs in response to declining enrollment and financial pressures.
Despite the university's efforts to adapt, including soliciting donations and restructuring its academic programs, the financial strain proved insurmountable. Faculty members reported receiving incomplete paychecks in the weeks leading up to the announcement, revealing the dire financial situation the university faced. Many faculty, including President Tarun Malik, will be laid off, with only a few remaining to assist with the transition.
In the wake of the closure, students are grappling with uncertainty about their future. Some have expressed frustration over the abrupt nature of the announcement, learning about the decision through social media. The university had planned to hold final exams in the coming weeks, but those have since been canceled. Instead, students are encouraged to complete their coursework and prepare for graduation, which will take place for the final class on May 5.
The university's closure comes amid ongoing lawsuits related to allegations of sexual assault involving former students. These legal challenges have added to the complexities of the university's situation, with some former students claiming inadequate support from the institution in the aftermath of their experiences.
As St. Andrews University prepares for its final days, the focus remains on ensuring that students have the support they need to transition smoothly to other institutions. The university's administration is committed to facilitating this process, hoping to avoid further legal complications and ensure that students can complete their studies without additional trauma.
The impact of St. Andrews' closure will be felt throughout the local community, which has long regarded the university as a vital educational and cultural hub. Its legacy, marked by a commitment to access and innovation, will continue to resonate with the lives it has touched over the decades. As the university embarks on its final chapter, the community reflects on the significant contributions it has made to higher education in North Carolina.
