Saint Augustine’s University Faces Independent Path After CIAA Membership Suspension
Raleigh, NC — Saint Augustine’s University, a historic HBCU with a once-dominant athletic program, is facing an unprecedented challenge as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Board of Directors voted not to extend the university’s membership for the 2025-26 academic year. This decision effectively suspends Saint Augustine’s from participating in CIAA competitions across all sports, forcing the Falcons to compete as an independent and barring them from conference standings and championship events.
This development marks a significant moment in HBCU athletics, as Saint Augustine’s has been a member of the CIAA for more than 80 years and holds a legendary status particularly in track and field. The Falcons’ track program, once under the leadership of Coach George Williams, claimed over 30 NCAA Division II national championships and produced Olympic-level athletes, establishing the school as a powerhouse in collegiate track for decades.
The current situation is the culmination of ongoing compliance and operational challenges. The CIAA’s decision follows the university’s failure to meet the conference’s requirements for sports sponsorship and scheduling in recent seasons. Saint Augustine’s opted not to field teams in football, volleyball, and softball during the 2024-25 academic year, falling short of the CIAA’s minimum of sponsoring ten sports, a key NCAA Division II compliance standard. Additionally, unresolved financial and administrative issues—including a recent loss in the university’s accreditation appeal—have compounded the difficulties facing the athletic department.
“While it is disheartening to make a decision of this magnitude that impacts one of our member institutions, the decision was guided through a fair, deliberate, and thoughtful process intended to protect the integrity of the conference and the wellbeing of student-athletes,” said CIAA Board Chair Aminta Breaux. CIAA Commissioner McWilliams Parker echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Saint Augustine’s remains an important part of the CIAA legacy and expressing hope for the university’s eventual return to full membership.
Competing as an independent presents a tough road ahead for the Falcons. Without conference affiliation, Saint Augustine’s athletes are deprived of the benefits of structured competition, including eligibility for CIAA championships and the exposure that comes with conference play. Scheduling games will be more complex, and recruiting may be hindered by the absence of traditional rivalries and postseason opportunities.
The Falcons’ historic prominence in track and field makes this period of uncertainty especially stark. The program that once dominated NCAA Division II athletics, producing multiple Olympians, now faces a rebuilding phase amid administrative and financial instability. Yet inside the SAU community, there is a resilient spirit. Interim President Marcus Burgess has called on alumni and supporters to stand united in strengthening the university’s foundation and ensuring its mission endures.
Looking ahead, Saint Augustine’s must navigate a challenging path to restore stability. This includes addressing accreditation status, improving compliance with NCAA and CIAA requirements, and revitalizing athletic programs across the board. The Falcons’ situation serves as a broader cautionary tale about the fragility of longstanding HBCU athletic programs amid evolving financial and operational pressures.
For fans and alumni, the hope remains that Saint Augustine’s can leverage its storied legacy, passionate community support, and a renewed focus on governance to reclaim its status as a key player in the HBCU sports landscape. The Falcons’ upcoming seasons as an independent will test their resilience but also provide an opportunity to redefine their athletic identity.
Upcoming developments include possible partial participation in select sports as the university works to meet standards, along with strategic efforts to reestablish conference ties. Saint Augustine’s journey will be closely watched by the broader HBCU sports community, serving as a reminder of both the challenges and enduring significance of HBCU athletics.
This pivotal moment underscores the importance of strong institutional leadership, adequate funding, and adherence to compliance in sustaining HBCU sports programs that have shaped not only athletic competition but also cultural pride and civil rights history for generations.
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