Dianne Boardley Suber Ousted as President of Saint Augustine’s University

Dianne Boardley Suber, president of Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, announced on Friday April 4 that she would step down from her post on May 31. But the board of trustees decided to end her presidency sooner and she was relieved of her duties on Monday April 7. Dr. Suber has been president of the historically Black educational institution since December 1999. Dr. Suber was the first woman president of Saint Augustine’s University.

In recent weeks, Saint Augustine’s University has confronted several problems. A federal investigation has been launched on the university’s use of some grant money. Enrollments are down creating a substantial budget shortfall. One high-level administrator at the school was let go and another was placed on leave. Most importantly, the university has notified that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the regional accrediting body, is reviewing the school’s status due to its financial problems.

In a statement released last Friday, President Suber said in part, “The last several months have been particularly challenging. . . . Sometimes we tend to ‘stay too long at the fair.’ . . . I trust that the next president of this 147-year-old institution of historical value with a strong present and promising future will bring the wisdom, experience and tenacity to enable Saint Augustine’s University to stay the course in spite of troubled waters.”

Before being named president of Saint Augustine’s University, Dr. Suber held a series of administrative posts at Hampton University in Virginia. She is a graduate of Hampton University and holds a master’s of education degree in curriculum development from the University of Illinois and an educational doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia.