Saint Augustine’s College President Dianne B. Suber today announced that the school will transition to university status, effective Aug. 1. Dr. Suber announced the new classification at the school’s Prezell R. Robinson Library, in front of more than 200 students and community members.

“This isn’t just a name change,” said President Suber in a release. “We’re committed to changing the way we do business. Our guiding principle will continue to be the training of leaders and change agents. All of our curricula, student organizations and student life will have leadership training as its backdrop – the common thread that runs through and drives, all of our standing programs and new initiatives.

With the transition, the university will also offer its first master’s degree program beginning in 2014, a physician assistant’s advanced degree specifically designed to increase qualified health care professionals in rural and underserved communities. Officials say that the university’s rebranding effort will take place this summer, with a new website and paraphernalia to be available by the fall 2012 semester.

Saint Augustine's University