Limestone University to Close

Photo provided by Limestone Univ

Limestone University in Gaffney will close after 179 years in operation.

The university announced April 29 the institution will close at the end of the semester. Limestone University Board of Trustees voted to stop all in-person and online programs immediately due to the college’s financial challenges. 

Limestone University needed to obtain $6 million to stay fully operational. Board Chair Randall Richardson said the university could not secure the necessary funding despite “exhaustive efforts.”

“We want to thank the almost 200 recent supporters in the last two weeks who committed a collective $2.143 million,” Richardson said. “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.”

Financial pressures, declining enrollment rates and rising operational costs were listed as causes for Limestone University’s financial troubles. The university first announced its financial struggles on April 16.

According to the April 29 press release, Limestone University will assist students with transferring to other institutions and offer support to faculty and staff throughout the transition. The university will provide more information about the closure timeline and support services in the upcoming days. 

“Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel in having to share this news,” said 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.”

Limestone University will hold its final commencement ceremonies May 3 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Fullerton Auditorium.