The name change of Saint Augustine’s College to Saint Augustine’s University is official today, August 1, 2012. From Saint Augustine’s Normal School, to Saint Augustine’s College, Saint Augustine’s University is building upon a 145-year legacy of academic excellence.

Campus signage has been updated, major construction projects are in progress and the new branding package is complete. Cosmetic updates will continue throughout the academic year. University administrators have been hard at work preparing for not only the physical change, but also the shift in mentality that is required when any significant organizational change is implemented. “It’s more than just a name change” became a mantra of faculty and staff and drilled home the declaration that Saint Augustine’s University will not be business as usual.

"The expectation is that students will return to campus and know that something is different," states President Dianne Boardley Suber. "The change is not only aesthetic, but also in mindset. Moving to the next level will require commitment from students, faculty and staff and I am confident that we will rise to the challenge. We have the right people in the right place and this is the right time.”

The athletic program expects to benefit from the name change. Saint Augustine’s College has thrived in sports over the years, but Saint Augustine’s University will enhance the athletic and academic image even more, according to George Williams, the athletic director and legendary track and field coach.

“The recruits will be twice as good,” said Williams, who has directed Saint Augustine’s University to 31 NCAA Division II track and field championships over a 36-year coaching career. “Student-athletes want to go to a university. I want to thank the president and the administration for making this a new day.”

Head men’s basketball coach Lonnie Blow Jr. agrees with Williams. There is a different perception between university and college to prospective recruits, Blow says.

“It seems like a small thing but kids are really in tune to the name of a college or university,” said Blow, who led the Falcons to the 2010 CIAA title during his first stint as St. Aug head coach. “They look at college as being small and university as being big. This will be a big help recruiting-wise as the basketball program goes forward.”

Head football coach Michael Costa is thrilled to be the first team to play a home game under the new name. The Falcons open against Wingate on Sept. 1 starting at 1:30 p.m.

“To me, this is a great way to start off the year under a new status,” said Costa, who guided the Falcons to the 2010 Pioneer Bowl crown. “We will kickoff the football season as a university.”