A latest groundswell of concern from alumni and group members – together with a number of vital monetary commitments – offered hope that Limestone College may thread the needle and stay open.
Nevertheless it was to not be.
The college’s board of trustees met for a number of hours on Tuesday and introduced that in-person and on-line programs could be discontinued following the present educational 12 months.
This signal greets guests on the entrance entrance of the Limestone College campus.
“Phrases can’t totally categorical the sorrow we really feel in having to share this information,” stated President Nathan Copeland in a information launch. “Our college students, alumni, school, employees, and supporters fought tirelessly to save lots of this historic establishment. Whereas the end result will not be what we hoped for, we’re ceaselessly grateful for the fervour, loyalty, and prayers of our Saints household.”
Two weeks in the past, Copeland introduced to college students and employees that Limestone confronted a $6 million finances shortfall which may result in its closure.
On April 22, the board met and postpone a remaining resolution in regards to the college’s destiny. Up to now week, greater than $2 million was raised via the “Collectively for Limestone” marketing campaign.
It wasn’t sufficient.
“Regardless of exhaustive efforts to safe the funding essential to proceed our operations, now we have come to the troublesome conclusion that Limestone College has not been in a position to safe the mandatory funding to maintain its operations,” stated board chair Randall Richardson.
Limestone was based in 1845. It was South Carolina’s first single-gender school serving females.
About 1,000 college students at present attend lessons on campus. One other 750 take programs on-line.
The college employs near 500 school and employees members.
Copeland estimates that Limestone has a $150 million native financial affect every year.
The Curtis Administration Constructing stands within the heart of Limestone College’s historic Gaffney campus.
Suzanne Lindley, dean of the School of Well being and Sciences, was being interviewed by the Herald-Journal when she noticed the information on Yik Yak, a social media platform that caters to school pupil communities.
“Nicely, relaxation in peace, Limestone,” she stated.
Lindley had hoped for a special end result, however she was ready for the worst.
“I shed my tears after the announcement the primary time (that the college may shut),” she stated. “I really feel a way of closure if that is true.”
Lindley stated she and her colleagues have been working exhausting to put college students into packages at different schools and universities.
Commencement ceremonies will happen on Might 3 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“Our Limestone spirit will endure via the lives of our college students and alumni who carry it ahead into the world,” Richardson stated within the information launch. “Although our doorways might shut, the affect of Limestone College will reside on.”
This text initially appeared on Herald-Journal: Limestone University board votes to close on-campus, online programs
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