Limestone University, a private Christian liberal arts college in Gaffney previously known as Limestone College, is a liberal arts university in South Carolina that has been operating for nearly two centuries.
But the college is now under threat of closure if it doesn’t find $6 Million in emergency funds by Tuesday April 22.
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The university was founded in 1845
Limestone University was founded in 1845 and has been in operation for 179 years. It was one of the first women’s colleges in the country.
The university might have to move to online-only teaching or close altogether on April 22. This would be before the semester ends.
The board of trustees issued a message
The university board of trustees issued an urgent message last week about the imminent issue.
They spoke about the financial difficulties causing it, including rising costs, nationwide enrollment decreases, and other structural challenges disproportionately faced by liberal arts schools.
The chair of the board spoke on behalf of everyone
Randall Richardson, chair of the Limestone University Board of Trustees, said, “The Board’s priority is to preserve the Limestone mission of education and service on our campus in addition to online. But without this financial lifeline, we will have no choice but to move all operations online, which means closing our physical campus.”
The $6 million is needed to recover costs
The press release says that the money currently needed would help cover operational costs as well as resources to create long-term solutions.
According to ProPublica, Limestone University faced a particularly difficult time in the 2022-2023 fiscal year when it operated on a $12.6 million deficit. That’s $10 million more than its previous cycles.
Locals are panicking about the situation
The situation has sent panic across Gaffney, with students and locals worrying about losing their centuries-old local university.
Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins wrote on Facebook, “The psychological and emotional toll will be equally profound. Limestone has been a point of pride, tradition, and inspiration for our residents.”
The Mayor spoke well of the university
He continued about the university, “It has opened doors for countless local students and families. Many of them were first-generation college students and helped shape dreams into realities. As a proud alumni, I will forever love and honor Limestone University.”
Some were blindsided by the news
Students and university staff were blindsided by the news.
Sophomore Annabelle Dougherty told WJBF, “I’m just a bit scared. We don’t really know like the next steps of what’s gonna happen or fully what’s going on but we just have to take it one step at a time and figure out what we’re gonna do for ourselves and how we’re gonna say goodbye to each other if we have to.”
Some took to social media to try and save the situation
Many students took to social media to try to save the situation by asking for donations to be made by influencers like Mr. Beast.
Limestone University said it will be hosting a ‘reverse college fair’ on April 25 that would help its current students explore other university options.
