Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) hosted its inaugural Legacy Building Summit to explore ways the university and its students can build on its history of addressing health disparities and launching new programs in their community. The summit is the first of many, with future sessions focusing on Criminal Justice, Technology, Business and Industry, Education and the Humanities. 

“Since our founding, St. Agnes has played an important role in bridging the gap for Black Americans,” said Dr. Christine McPhail, President of Saint Augustine’s University. “Today, SAU stands on the precipices of creating new opportunities to fill the health gap at our university, in our city, and across our state. Our students have the knowledge and talent to address these challenges, but excellence requires resources and support.” 

The forum centered around the needs for supporting health on campus, strategic goals for helping students succeed in the healthcare field, and how SAU can implement their own vision by benchmarking pre-health academic programs. Emerging opportunities at SAU are anchored through collaboration with partners in the Raleigh community that build on collective knowledge and support. 

“Today’s Pre-Health Forum sets the stage for Saint Augustine’s University to become a true catalyst and cornerstone in the trajectory of Raleigh’s higher education and healthcare agenda — again. As a member of this initial conversation, Advance Community Health is committed to unifying and leveraging education, research, and medical assets. I truly believe we have a responsibility to craft sustainable economic growth and civic engagement across Southeast Raleigh through “Eds and Meds”,” said Scott McCray, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Community Health. 

Dr. McPhail and SAU leadership see the opportunities to expand pre-health at SAU across multiple avenues, including establishing and using the facilities on campus to enhance health, enrich the pre-health curriculum, stabilize enrollment, strengthen business practices, and build internal trust within SAU’s Pre-Health programs. These priorities all center around the goal of increasing student success, both at the university and after graduation in various health-related fields. 

Presently, SAU is on track to combine multiple certificate programs in its undergraduate programs. Beyond academics, SAU is uniquely positioned to equip students of color with the skill and knowledge to shrink the gap in health disparities and racial discrimination in healthcare. This forum positions SAU to establish programs that fulfill the needs of the world today and save lives in the 21st century.