GAFFNEY, S.C. (WSPA) — A nearly two-century-old institution is facing a crossroads that could change its legacy. Limestone University in Gaffney may soon become an online-only school — or worse, close its doors completely.

After 179 years of educating students in person, Limestone University is facing severe financial uncertainty. The university’s board of trustees said without an immediate $6 million in support, they may be forced to shut down all in-person learning operations or even close the university for good.

“It was devastating. I didn’t know what to do,” said Limestone University freshman Desean Jenkins.

“I think no one really saw this coming,” said Jaziyah Hamilton.

“Where do we go from here?” asked Rasheed Harris, a sophomore from Jamaica at the university.

Like many small, private universities across the country, Limestone is grappling with a harsh reality: fewer students, higher costs and structural challenges.

Closing campus could mean letting go of a $150 million annual economic impact in Cherokee County, which affects local businesses, restaurants and countless employees who could feel the ripple effect.

Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins III shared a post on social media, which read in part: “The psychological and emotional toll will be equally profound.”

Students, faculty and staff are faced with an immense amount of uncertainty. They told 7NEWS that Limestone was home and a long-time legacy for many families.

“My cousin went here, my dad went here, my grandmother went here so it’s been a thing of following in their footsteps to continue building a legacy here,” said Jaziyah Hamilton, Limestone University student-athlete.

For the athletes, the pride of competing for the university could also dissolve.

“As soon as I came in I felt like I found my family,” said Desean Jenkins, Limestone Track & Field. “I felt like we were building something. You know, from my freshman year, we were building on.”

Student-athletes said they met with athletic leaders Thursday to discuss their fate, which, for some, could mean entering the transfer portal.

“I came to run track but I also came because I really like the school,” said Franky St. Louis, also a member of Limestone’s Track & Field program. “Everybody kind of has the same mindset right now. Contact coaches; contact other schools. A lot of athletes don’t really know if they’re going to be athletes anymore.”

While a full closure is a last resort for the university, Limestone’s leaders said their online degree programs have grown significantly and may offer a path for long-term stability if the physical campus cannot be sustained.

“It would feel like COVID all over again for me and I wouldn’t want to do online. It just wouldn’t be the same,” said St. Louis.

Students said the COVID years posed a challenge they don’t wish to relive, but together they’re hopeful Limestone leaders will find a way to keep the campus alive.

“I’m not sure what’s in store for me but I think that I do want to continue track for the next couple of years but if that’s not possible, probably just a full-time student,” said St. Louis.

The fate of the university is seeing support on campus from a community that calls it home.

“We have some really good people on campus. Everyone knows everyone. If you don’t see someone at class, you check on them. That’s Limestone,” said Hamilton.

“We’re all a family, so don’t forget that,” said St. Louis.

The board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, April 22, to determine the future of Limestone University. If emergency funding does not come through in time, the university could eliminate all on-campus academics, athletics and student life, which will end a legacy for many families.

“They’ve got to get it done. I wouldn’t mind staying here,” said student Dwayne Weiters.

Students and families with questions are encouraged to reach out directly to university officials through the contact information listed on their website.