There has been a great deal of debate surrounding whether university campuses should re-open their doors considering where we are in the coronavirus pandemic, as some districts choose to reopen despite warnings from health experts. This week, it was revealed that Dr. Irving Pressley McPhail, president of Saint Augustine University in Raleigh, North Carolina, has passed away after contracting the COVID-19 virus. The school made the announcement on its social media pages to alert students and faculty of the death.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the 12th President of Saint Augustine’s University, Dr. Irving Pressley McPhail. President McPhail began his tenure on July 15, 2020,” wrote the university on its Instagram page.
“In the short time he was the university’s chief executive officer, he made a memorable and positive impact in moving the University in the direction of being a ‘Learning Centered’ campus. The Saint Augustine’s University community deeply mourns the loss of President McPhail and we wish to extend to his wife, Dr. Christine McPhail; his children, Dr. Kamilah McKissick and Mr. Ralph Bessard; family and friends left to cherish his memory our deepest condolences and prayers.”
Members of the university community have come to campus to pay their respects to the late president since the news broke. A formal ceremony will be held in his honor on Oct. 27th.