Limestone University, a 180-year-old Christian liberal arts college in Gaffney, South Carolina, has announced it’s closing its doors — both on-campus and online programs. The university will officially close at the end of the semester.
The university, despite efforts to keep the school open, released the following statement April 30:
With deep sadness, Limestone University announced today that its Board of Trustees voted to discontinue both its on-campus and online programs, leading to the closure of the institution at the end of the current academic semester.
“Despite exhaustive efforts to secure the funding necessary to continue our operations, we have come to the difficult conclusion that Limestone University has not been able to secure the necessary funding to sustain its operations,” said Randall Richardson, Chair of Limestone’s Board of Trustees. “We want to thank the almost 200 recent supporters in the last two weeks who committed a collective $2.143 million. We had hoped that would be enough to sustain our institution. But in the final analysis, we could not continue operations on-campus or online without a greater amount of funding.”
Founded in 1845, Limestone has served generations of students, offering transformative educational experiences both on its Gaffney campus and through its online degree programs. However, long-standing financial pressures, declining enrollment trends, and rising operational costs made it impossible for the institution to remain sustainable without the immediate influx of substantial funding.
“Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel in having to share this news,” said Dr. Nathan Copeland, President of Limestone University. “Our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters fought tirelessly to save this historic institution. While the outcome is not what we hoped for, we are forever grateful for the passion, loyalty, and prayers of our Saints family.”
The University will proceed with an orderly wind-down process. It will continue to assist current students with transferring to other institutions and to support faculty and staff during the transition. More detailed information about the closure timeline, academic records, transfer assistance, employment impact, and other support services will be provided in the coming days.
For nearly two centuries, Limestone University has been a cornerstone of education and economic development in South Carolina and beyond, impacting thousands of lives and leaving a profound legacy.
“Our Limestone spirit will endure through the lives of our students and alumni who carry it forward into the world,” Richardson added. “Though our doors may close, the impact of Limestone University will live on.”
Despite today’s announcement, Limestone will hold its final commencement ceremonies at Fullerton Auditorium on Saturday, May 3, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The President of Limestone University sent the following email to students after reaching a decision late Tuesday night:
Dear Saints Family,
Words cannot fully express the sorrow I feel in having to share this heartbreaking news. Tonight the Limestone University Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to close our university for both in-person and online classes going forward.
know the past few days gave us great hope fueled by generous commitments of meaningful donations, but our board carefully reviewed all options and arrived at the painful decision that even with those kind donations, we do not have a viable financial path forward.
All of you fought tirelessly to save our historic institution.
While the outcome is not what we hoped for, we are forever grateful for the passion, loyalty, and prayers of our Saints family.
In the coming days you will receive more information about how we will proceed with winding down our operations and supporting those impacted by this change. Tonight, let’s just pause and remind ourselves that God is still in control, and He will guide each of us through this time of transition.
-Nathan Copeland
Thank you,
Brandi
Brandi P. Hartman, MBA
Chief of Staff
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was compiled by The Baptist Paper.
