Limestone University to close after announcing financial crisis

GAFFNEY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Limestone University announced plans to close following a board meeting Tuesday night.

Limestone University sent an email to students that the Board of Trustees has decided to close it’s doors. The email also stated that the university will not be offering online classes.

The university received more than $2 million dollars in donations after announcing their financial crisis two weeks ago. According to the university, the donations will be given back to those contributors.

FOX Carolina spoke with some students who said they feel betrayed by the decision and are uncertain about their next steps.

Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins III gave the following statement:

Cherokee County officials also released a statement after learning the news:

“It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the announcement of Limestone University’s closure. For 179 years, Limestone has been a defining part of our community — educating generations, supporting local businesses, and enriching our culture. Today we mourn!"

This is more than the closing of a school; it’s the loss of a cornerstone that has touched thousands of lives. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and families across the region are feeling the deep emotional and economic impact of this news.

Let us stand together in this moment. Whether you’re a graduate, a neighbor, a business owner, or simply someone who has benefited from Limestone’s presence, we urge you to support one another as we navigate the challenges ahead. The legacy of Limestone University lives on in each of us.”

Congressman Ralph Norman also released a statement:

“This is a devastating loss for our community. Limestone University, located right here in South Carolina’s 5th District, has been a cornerstone of higher education and economic vitality for generations. The impact of this closure will be felt far beyond the classroom--from the students and faculty to the small businesses and families that relied on the university’s presence.

For over 180 years, Limestone has shaped lives and strengthened our local economy. Its contributions to Gaffney and Cherokee County cannot be overstated.

This closure is a wake-up call on the importance of financial transparency and long-term planning in higher education. Our students and communities deserve better."

Governor Henry McMaster reacted to the closing with the following statement:

“Limestone University is a prestigious institution with a long and proud tradition of educating generations of South Carolinians. Its closure marks a sad day, not just for Gaffney and the Upstate but for all of South Carolina. The impact it has had on our state and countless students will live on long after its closure.”