A recent groundswell of concern from alumni and community members – along with several significant financial commitments – provided hope that Limestone University might thread the needle and remain open.
But it was not to be.
The university’s board of trustees met for several hours on Tuesday and announced that in-person and online courses would be discontinued following the current academic year.
“Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel in having to share this news,” said President Nathan Copeland in a news release. “Our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters fought tirelessly to save this historic institution. While the outcome is not what we hoped for, we are forever grateful for the passion, loyalty, and prayers of our Saints family.”
Two weeks ago, Copeland announced to students and staff that Limestone faced a $6 million budget shortfall which could lead to its closure.
On April 22, the board met and put off a final decision about the university’s fate. In the past week, more than $2 million was raised through the “Together for Limestone” campaign.
It wasn’t enough.
“Despite exhaustive efforts to secure the funding necessary to continue our operations, we have come to the difficult conclusion that Limestone University has not been able to secure the necessary funding to sustain its operations,” said board chair Randall Richardson.
Limestone was founded in 1845. It was South Carolina’s first single-gender college serving females.
About 1,000 students currently attend classes on campus. Another 750 take courses online.
The university employs close to 500 faculty and staff members.
Copeland estimates that Limestone has a $150 million local economic impact each year.
The Curtis Administration Building stands in the center of Limestone University’s historic Gaffney campus.
Suzanne Lindley, dean of the College of Health and Sciences, was being interviewed by the Herald-Journal when she saw the news on Yik Yak, a social media platform that caters to college student communities.
“Well, rest in peace, Limestone,” she said.
Lindley had hoped for a different outcome, but she was prepared for the worst.
“I shed my tears after the announcement the first time (that the university might close),” she said. “I feel a sense of closure if this is true.”
Lindley said she and her colleagues have been working hard to place students into programs at other colleges and universities.
Graduation ceremonies will take place on May 3 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“Our Limestone spirit will endure through the lives of our students and alumni who carry it forward into the world,” Richardson said in the news release. “Though our doors may close, the impact of Limestone University will live on.”
This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Limestone University board votes to close on-campus, online programs
Limestone University, President Nathan Copeland, community members, faculty and staff
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