St. Andrews University announced this week that it will permanently close its Laurinburg campus at the end of the spring 2025 semester.
In a letter titled “St. Andrews University to Cease Operations — A Heartbreaking Goodbye” shared with community members, St. Andrews President and Provost Dr. Tarun Malik said the decision came under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Ongoing financial challenges were cited as the reason for the closure.
“This outcome follows years of effort to preserve our presence in this community while delivering an affordable, high-quality education and meaningful student experience,” Dr. Malik wrote. “Despite those efforts, we have reached a point where financial sustainability is no longer attainable.”
The final day of operations is scheduled for May 5, when the spring semester comes to a close.
The university, a branch campus of Webber International University, pledged to support students with teach-outs or transfer options and to assist faculty and staff in securing new opportunities. Officials also plan to work with local leaders on the future of the property.
St. Andrews traces its roots back to 1896, when Flora Macdonald College for Women was founded in Red Springs. In 1958, the college merged with Presbyterian Junior College, located in Maxton, to establish St. Andrews. When plans for the merger were made, trustees also chose Laurinburg as the site for a new campus—one designed to be accessible to students with physical disabilities decades before the ADA became law.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support you have shown us—as neighbors, employers, healthcare providers, public officials, church leaders, business partners, and friends–as we have educated thousands of students over the years,” stated Dr. Malik. “In doing so, St. Andrews has been proud to contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of Laurinburg and Scotland County for generations.”
~Article by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021. Photo via St. Andrews University.
