On Saturday, Barber-Scotia College leaders held a press conference to discuss their efforts to preserve the campus.
The 156-year-old college lost its accreditation nearly 20 years ago, with the campus in need of repair.
“We are determined to build the walls of Barber-Scotia College,” said Board chair Roberta Pinckney.
Barber-Scotia interim president Tracey Flemmings said last October, the board of trustees approved a five-year strategic plan to restore the school to stability and sustainability.
“We are in active discussions with potential donors and partners and are confident that over the next two years the college will orchestrate a turnaround,” Flemmings said.
Last week, the Concord City Council released a statement announcing that the task force created six years ago to revitalize Barber-Scotia College has been dissolved.
Within the statement, the city blamed Barber-Scotia college officials for a lack of participation in the process.
“Despite our efforts and financial commitment, Barber-Scotia College officials refuse to work in partnership with us, and have continuously obstructed the work of the Task Force. We no longer believe it is possible for the Task Force to work effectively in pursuit of a revitalized campus,” the statement read.
According to WBTV, Barber-Scotia officials deny the city’s claims.
During Saturday’s press conference, university officials speculated that the city and county officials seem to be plotting the school’s demise. Flemmings revealed that the college learned of the dissolution of the task force from the media.
Earlier this month, the Cabarrus County tax assessor denied tax exemption status for much of the campus, which includes worn down buildings deemed unsafe by city inspectors.
“We are still willing to work with city and county officials, we are simply asking them to allow us enough time to make repairs, restore our tax exempt status, and cancel our debt as a sign of good faith,” Flemmings added.
“The college is respectfully asking the city to back off and allow this new administration to work its plan,” Flemmings added.
Pinckney remained positive that the college will return to where it once was.
“The new leadership, the board of trustees, the alumni, friends, and supporters are resolved to ensure that Scotia will continue her legacy to teach, educate, and train the next generation of students,” said Pinckney.
