Yesterday afternoon, The Board of Trustees announced Dr. Marcus H. Burgess as the new Interim President at Saint Augustine’s University.
Dr. Burgess recently served as VP for Institutional Advancement at Claflin University.
“I’m deeply honored to step into the role of Interim President at Saint Augustine’s University and am committed to advancing its mission of excellence in education,” said Dr. Burgess on Wednesday.
“I am committed to ushering in a new era of stability and growth for the university, ensuring its continued accreditation and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration. I stand with the dedicated faculty, staff, and students as we navigate these challenges and build a promising future for SAU.”
Burgess also served several institutions in a leadership capacity, including York Technical College, Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens, FL, and Voorhees College as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
The appointment comes days after former President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail was fired. In an interview with the News Observer Monday, McPhail stated she was informed Sunday that she was terminated for “unspecified reasons.” The firing came two days after the Southern Association of Colleges voted to strip SAU’s accreditation.
“I’m still trying to figure that out for myself,” she said.
Burgess is a native of Cades, South Carolina. He is a 1996 graduate of Claflin University, where he earned a BS in Elementary Education, a 2000 Graduate of The Citadel, earning an MS in Education Administration and Supervision, and a 2020 graduate of Vanderbilt University’s Peabody School of Education, earning a Doctorate of Education in Learning and Leadership in Organizations.
He is married to Leandra Hayes-Burgess, Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Benedict College. They have three children: Marcus (Deuce), Mariana, and Tyler.
Dr. Burgess’ interim appointment begins effective immediately.
