GAFFNEY, S.C. — In a decision that will leave a lasting impact on the Gaffney community and beyond, Limestone University announced Tuesday night that it will permanently close its doors, ending nearly 180 years of academic tradition.
The news came in a letter to students and staff from University President Nathan Copeland shortly after 10 p.m., following a vote by the Board of Trustees to cease operations for both in-person and online classes. The emotional message acknowledged the heartbreak surrounding the decision and thanked the community for its tireless efforts to save the school.
“Words cannot fully express the sorrow I feel in having to share this heartbreaking news,” Copeland wrote. “Tonight the Limestone University Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to close our university for both in-person and online classes going forward.”
Founded in 1845, Limestone University has been a fixture in Cherokee County for generations — not just as an academic institution, but as a cultural and economic pillar. The campus, the students, and the Saints spirit have shaped the identity of Gaffney for decades.
In recent weeks, hope had emerged through community-led donation efforts, which brought in generous commitments from alumni and supporters. However, the Board ultimately determined that even with those gifts, the university lacked a viable long-term financial path.
“I know the past few days gave us great hope… but our board carefully reviewed all options and arrived at the painful decision,” Copeland said.
The gravity of the announcement was only heightened by the manner in which it was delivered. Students reported receiving the email with no prior warning, and multiple sources say that trustees and university officials left the building quickly, avoiding emotional students gathered on campus.
This abrupt exit left many students and faculty stunned and heartbroken. For a school that has meant so much to so many, the silence from leadership in the wake of the decision has only deepened the sense of loss.
The closure is expected to have a devastating ripple effect across Cherokee County. Limestone has long been a source of jobs, economic activity, and local pride — a symbol of higher education in a small, tight-knit town.
“This is going to hurt. It’s not just a college; it’s part of who we are,” one local resident said late Tuesday night.
As the university begins to wind down its operations, further details on student transfers, staff transitions, and campus property are expected in the days ahead. For now, the community mourns the loss of an institution that shaped lives, built futures, and stood tall in Gaffney for nearly two centuries.