January features

• 56. 39. 350 - Message from SCICU President & CEO Jeff Perez
• SCICU Legislative Spotlight - Rep. Tim McGinnis
• Dominion Energy renews $105,000 investment for merit scholarships at SCICU member institutions
• State update
• Federal update - 'Simplified FAFSA not so simple
• SCICU co-sponsors major S.C. Chamber event – 2024 Business Speaks
• SCICU's Guide to Private Colleges and Universities in South Carolina - Your best one-stop resource for easy college decisions!!
• Campus news from SCICU's 21 member colleges and universities
• SCICU Business Partner spotlight
• SCICU calendar



56, 39, 350

Message from SCICU President and CEO Jeff Perez

No, these numbers weren’t randomly generated by some mischievous AI program. So what connects them?

Click here to read more...

SCICU Legislative Spotlight - Rep. Tim McGinnis

S.C. Representative

Tim McGinnis

SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities are deeply grateful for the tremendous support we receive from the South Carolina General Assembly. In our newsletter we feature members of the General Assembly who are leaders in setting higher education policy in South Carolina.

We are honored to feature S.C. Representative Tim McGinnis (R-Horry) in this month's SCICU Legislative Spotlight.

We asked Rep. McGinnis seven questions about himself, his career, and the role higher education played in it.

Click here to read more...

Dominion Energy renews $105,000 investment for merit scholarships at SCICU member institutions

Extending its nearly seven decades-long relationship with South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU), Dominion Energy is renewing its $105,000 scholarship investment – 105 $1,000 scholarships for eligible students attending SCICU’s 21 member institutions in fall 2024.

Click here to read more...

State update

The South Carolina General Assembly is back in town for the 2024 session, and the House has begun the process for developing its version of the state budget.

Click here to read more...

Federal update

"Fiasco." "Debacle." "Snafu."

These and other more colorful words have been used to describe the U.S. Department of Education’s roll-out of the new website for the “simplified” Federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Click here to read more...

SCICU co-sponsors major S.C. Chamber event – 2024 Business Speaks

SCICU joined with major corporations and other state-based nonprofits in sponsoring 2024 Business Speaks, the S.C. Chamber’s annual legislative session kick-off event held January 10 at the USC Pastides Alumni Center.

Click here to read more...

SCICU Guide to Private Colleges and Universities in South Carolina

The best one-stop resource for easy college decision-making is HERE! SCICU's College Guide links you to 21 independent colleges and universities in South Carolina and their resources for applying for admission, scholarships, campus life, athletics, and more! Click here or on the picture below to access the SCICU College Guide.

SCICU College/University Campus News 

SCICU presents news from its 21 member colleges and universities. Click here to read college news in the newsroom on the SCICU website.

The following is a sampling of recent news from SCICU campuses:

Allen University

Allen University hires Cedric Pearl as new football coach

Anderson University

Anderson University Center for Cybersecurity prepares graduates to face ever-changing digital landscape

Benedict College

Benedict College names Ron Dickerson Jr. as Head Football Coach

Bob Jones University

Bob Jones University Division of Nursing Simulation Center achieves full accreditation status

Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern’s partnership in Community Research Institute wins corporate training award

Claflin University

Claflin announces third annual PAWS UP Boots and Blazers Empowerment Lunch

Coker University

Coker University remembers Gloria Bell, alumna and long-serving trustee

Columbia College

Columbia College hosts diversity, equity, and inclusion events to address growing community need

Columbia International University

Dr. Bill Jones named new president of Columbia International University

Converse University

Title IX trailblazer: Margaret Moore has unrivaled athletics legacy at Converse University

Erskine College

Erskine College welcomes debate students for multi-state competition

Furman University

Furman University education alumna Melissa Wells receives Virginia’s highest faculty honor

Limestone University

Limestone University receives initial approval to begin offering pre-licensure nursing program

Morris College

Celebrating Morris College alumna Autum McElveen

Newberry College

Newberry College launches online professional certifications

North Greenville University

Major grant supports new home for North Greenville University business programs

Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy planning new accelerated online pathway

Southern Wesleyan University

SWU announces virtual info sessions for graduate programs in education and business

Spartanburg Methodist College

Spartanburg Methodist senior gains practical experience in Sheriff’s Office internship

Voorhees University

Congressman James Clyburn announces nearly $2 million in funding for Voorhees University

Wofford College

Wofford alumna becomes the first woman appointed as Georgia governor’s chief of staff on a permanent basis

Click below to access important information from each of the SCICU member colleges and universities:

Allen University | Anderson University | Benedict College | Bob Jones University | Charleston Southern University | Claflin University | Coker University | Columbia College | Columbia International University | Converse University | Erskine College | Furman University  | Limestone University | Morris College | Newberry College | North Greenville University | Presbyterian College | Southern Wesleyan University  | Spartanburg Methodist College  | Voorhees University | Wofford College

SCICU Business Partner Spotlight

The SCICU Business Partners program provides a convenient marketplace in which SCICU member colleges and universities can preview offerings tailored to the needs of the higher education community in South Carolina. Please click here to review the entire SCICU Business Partners Directory.



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Aramark Higher Education is an organization dedicated to service excellence in dining, facilities and conference center management. We create living and learning environments that foster healthy growth, build loyalty and create lasting connections to more than 600 campuses across North America.

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Put students at the center of their unique higher ed journey by elevating the information that matters and backgrounding the rest. Pathify’s student Engagement Hub makes it super simple for students to discover and engage with the opportunities your institution provides.

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SCICU Calendar of Events

January

29 - Governor's Economic Summit - S.C. Department of Commerce

30 - SCICU Development Committee Meeting

February

04 - 07 - NAICU Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day

14 - SCICU Presidents meeting

15 - SCICU Chief Financial Officers meeting

15 - SCICU Chief Academic Officers meeting

22 - SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Symposium

28 - SCICU Title IX Coordinators Meeting

News & Notes is published by the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc. Please send all comments or questions to SCICU President & CEO Jeff Perez at [email protected] or 803-799-7122. Mailing address: 1706 Senate St., Columbia, SC 29201.