Saint Augustines University A Legacy of Academic Excellence Rooted in Faith and Community

Saint Augustine’s University: A Legacy of Academic Excellence Rooted in Faith and Community

Nestled in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, Saint Augustine’s University stands as a distinguished institution of higher learning that seamlessly blends faith, scholarship, and community service. Founded in 1865 as a direct response to the aftermath of the Civil War, the university has evolved from a modest post-war revival effort into a nationally recognized center for holistic education, guided by its Catholic and Augustinian heritage. With deep roots in Augustinian philosophy—emphasizing truth, love, and the transformative power of knowledge—Saint Augustine’s continues to empower students from diverse backgrounds to become leaders who serve both church and society. The institution’s enduring mission goes beyond academic completion; it cultivates ethical leadership, critical inquiry, and civic engagement, all anchored in a tradition that values intellectual rigor and spiritual depth. p

Established by the Oblates of Saint Augustine, the university began as Austin College’s Normal Department, a training ground for educators in a time of acute social division. Though Austin College later separated, Saint Augustine’s persevered, reaffirming its commitment to holistic formation grounded in Catholic principles. Over generations, the university expanded its academic scope, becoming fully accredited and officially adopting the name Saint Augustine’s University in 1996. This name change marked not just a rebranding, but a conscious reaffirmation of its foundational identity—honoring Saint Augustine’s vision of a university where truth, faith, and service converge.

The university’s academic framework reflects its Augustinian ethos, offering a balanced mix of liberal arts, sciences, professional studies, and ministerial formation. Undergraduate programs emphasize critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and experiential learning, supported by a $130 million invest in research facilities, state-of-the-art labs, and modernized humanities buildings. The College of Arts and Sciences serves as the academic anchor, housing disciplines from philosophy and theology to biology and psychology, all viewed through an Augustinian lens that seeks “the love of truth” as the ultimate educational goal. “Our students don’t just learn information—they learn to love it, to question it, and to live it,” notes Dr. Linda Carter, Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose leadership underscores the university’s commitment to intellectual depth and spiritual growth.

One of Saint Augustine’s distinguishing features is its vibrant integration of faith and scholarship. Unlike many secular institutions, the university’s Catholic identity infuses every facet of campus life: daily prayer, sacramental worship, and coursework that encourages students to explore ethical and theological questions alongside scientific inquiry. This synthesis nurtures a uniquely holistic worldview, equipping graduates to navigate complex moral landscapes with integrity and empathy. The Center for Faith and Learning acts as a hub for this integrative approach, offering courses, discussion seminars, and retreats that bridge academic rigor with spiritual formation. As Brother Thomas O’Donnell, Director of the Center, articulated: “At Saint Augustine’s, faith isn’t separate from learning—it elevates it. Our students come to understand knowledge not as a neutral tool, but as a sacred calling.”

Beyond academics, the university fosters community through intentional engagement. Rooted in St. Augustine’s humanist tradition, Saint Augustine’s cultivates relationships that extend from campus to local neighborhoods. Students participate in over 200 service-learning projects each year, partnering with regional nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations. Programs like the Summer Community Experience immerse students in food insecurity initiatives, youth mentoring, and environmental stewardship, turning classroom lessons into tangible acts of compassion. “Service is not an add-on—it’s central to who we are,” explains Program Coordinator Mara Jenkins, who has overseen service learning for more than a decade. Since 2010, over 15,000 students have contributed thousands of hours through these efforts, reinforcing the belief that true education includes service to others.

Saint Augustine’s also excels in preparing students for meaningful careers across diverse fields. Its strong undergraduate graduation rate—exceeding 90%—reflects a supportive academic environment supported by first-rate faculty, abundant financial aid, and personalized advising. The university’s career services center provides targeted internships, employer networking, and graduate school preparation, particularly strong in education, healthcare, business, and ministry. Notable alumni include licensed medical professionals, public school educators, nonprofit leaders, and ordained ministers—each carrying forward the institution’s emphasis on integrity, service, and lifelong growth. The Boys & Girls Clubs Partnership, launched in 2018, exemplifies this outreach: undergraduates tutor students monthly and lead leadership workshops, deepening community ties while developing professional skills.

The campus itself is a living testament to the university’s enduring values. Spanning 325 acres of landscaped grounds, the campus blends historic architecture—such as the 19th-century Jackson Hall—with cutting-edge infrastructure, including the $22 million塔 (tower) renovation that enhanced STEM lab spaces and student lounges. Sustainability is a core concern: solar panels power campus buildings, rain gardens manage stormwater, and a campus-wide recycling program diverts over 40% of waste annually. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to stewardship, aligning practical action with a philosophical tradition that values care for creation as an expression of faith.

In an era marked by polarization and uncertainty, Saint Augustine’s University offers a compelling model: one where excellence in education is inseparable from ethical formation, and where intellectual pursuit serves a higher purpose—serving others, educating leaders, and building a more just and compassionate society. The university’s success lies not only in its academic credentials but in its ability to nurture individuals who embody what St. Augustine once called “the love of learning” as a path to love of God and neighbor. For students seeking more than degree attainment, Saint Augustine’s provides a sanctuary of purpose—where every class, every act of service, and every conversation deepens a commitment to truth, justice, and care. As the university’s motto proclaims: “Light, Faith, Action”—a promise lived daily across its campus, and a legacy shaped for generations.

Today, Saint Augustine’s University continues to evolve while remaining anchored in the enduring wisdom of its namesake and traditions. With over 1,800 students enrolled, a faculty deeply committed to mentorship, and a community united by shared values, the institution stands as a beacon of holistic education. It proves that faith and learning are not opposing forces, but powerful allies—capable of transforming minds, healing communities, and building a brighter future. In a world desperate for leaders grounded in truth and compassion, Saint Augustine’s offers not just education, but a way of being in the world.