Volume 17, Issue 2 | August 2025


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August 2025 News and Notes

What's inside...


  • SCICU President's Message
  • Updates State & Federal
  • Leadership Conference Recap
  • SCICU Fall Board of Trustees Meeting
  • Giving to SCICU
  • Campus News
  • SCICU College Guide
  • Business Partner Spotlight

Message from the SCICU President

Dr. Robert Lloyd

SCICU President and CEO

As summer draws to a close, I hope each of you has found some time for rest and reflection before the demands of a new academic year begin. At SCICU, we’ve spent the past few months visiting our campuses and engaging with leaders across the state. These visits are always a powerful reminder of the unique value that South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities bring to their students and communities—offering high-quality, student-centered education rooted in mission and service.


While our focus remains on supporting students and campuses, SCICU has also been closely monitoring state and federal policy developments that impact our institutions. A summary of these updates is included in this newsletter.


SCICU has also expanded its programs and services this summer. In June, we held our inaugural Leadership Conference, which brought together campus leaders for a day of discussion, learning, and connection—an event we hope to continue annually. We’re also exploring ways to reduce costs for our members, including a 403(b) multiple employer plan (MEP) aimed at streamlining retirement plan administration. Several institutions have already expressed interest.


Within the SCICU office, we’ve begun refining operations to enhance how we serve our members and more effectively communicate the value of independent higher education in South Carolina. I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making and look forward to the opportunities ahead. It’s an honor to support this remarkable community.

South Carolina State & Federal Budget Updates

South Carolina Legislative Update


The first year of the 2025-2026 legislative session ended on May 8th. The South Carolina General Assembly passed a $14.5 billion spending plan for 2025-26. Both the House and Senate adopted the budget conference committee report that was approved earlier. When fully approved (the governor has veto power over line items) the budget will take effect when the new fiscal year begins on July 1. (Read More)

Federal Legislation Brings Major Changes to Higher Education Policy


On July 4, President Trump signed into law a sweeping piece of legislation passed through the reconciliation process by both the House and Senate. While the new law includes some welcome provisions for private higher education, it also introduces significant changes to student loan programs and institutional policy oversight.

(Read more)


SCICU Leadership Conference Recap- June 18, 2025

SCICU hosted its inaugural Leadership Conference on June 18, 2025, bringing together leaders from South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities for a full day of collaboration, insights, and inspiration. The day began with a light breakfast and opening remarks, followed by two rounds of engaging breakout sessions that covered a range of timely topics in higher education.


A highlight of the conference was the lunchtime presentation by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), providing a national perspective on policy and advocacy efforts supporting private higher education. Attendees also gained valuable insights during the afternoon session, The State of Higher Education in South Carolina, culminating in an inspiring address from South Carolina Speaker of the House, Murrell Smith. The conference concluded with closing remarks, leaving participants energized and informed as they continue to lead and advocate for higher education across the state. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive—we hope to continue this event in future years.

SCICU Fall Board of Trustees Meeting to be held at Furman University

We are excited to announce that the 2025 SCICU Fall Board of Trustees Meeting will be held on the beautiful campus of Furman University in Greenville, SC on October 8 and 9.

Support SCICU Before August 31!


As the fiscal year draws to a close, your support is more vital than ever. A financial contribution to SCICU helps sustain and strengthen South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities, ensuring students have access to high-quality, affordable education. Every gift—large or small—makes a meaningful difference. Please consider making your contribution before August 31st to help us continue our mission of championing independent higher education in South Carolina.

 

For more information, please visit our website, or contact Emma Reabold, the Vice President for Development & Campus Services (emma@scicu.org). 

SCICU College/University Campus News 


SCICU presents news from its 21 member colleges and universities.


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


Allen University

Allen University Announces Mr. Marques Graham as New Director of Bands


Anderson University

Anderson University’s Welcome Week


Benedict College

New accreditation and specializations for Benedict College’s MBA program


Bob Jones University

Dr. Bruce McAllister Elected President of Bob Jones University


Charleston Southern University

CSU announces new dual enrollment partnership with CCSD


Claflin University

Theta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Establishes the Mary Louise Layton Memorial Scholarship at Claflin University


Coker University

Coker University Launches NursingCAS for Spring 2026 Applications


Columbia College

Recap: Columbia College Biomedical Research Program Summer Research Symposium 2025


Columbia International University

Solidifying Hearts for Medical Missions


Converse University

Provost Will Case Spotlighted on SC Biz News


Erskine College

Alumni participate in ceremony for Palmetto Innovation & Technology Center project


Furman University

Two Furman students explore economics in UChicago summer program


Morris College

Message from the Chairperson Cornelius B. Leach, Ed.D.


Newberry College

Newberry College launches four new fully-online Bachelor of Science degree programs


North Greenville University

University Board Approves NGU2030 Strategic Plan at Summer Meeting


Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy graduate Dr. Audra Butler ’25 honored with National Public Health Award


Southern Wesleyan University

SWU to Host Global Methodist Church of South Carolina’s 2026 Behold Conference


Spartanburg Methodist College

Criminal Justice Students Put Fingerprints on Trip to Spartanburg PD


Voorhees University

Voorhees University Awarded $1.5 Million TRIO Student Support Services Grant


Wofford College

The search for the 12th president of Wofford College begins


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 | Morris College | Newberry College | North Greenville University | Presbyterian College | Southern Wesleyan University  | Spartanburg Methodist College  | Voorhees University | Wofford College

SCICU can help you make the best college decision with the 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 20 independent colleges and universities in South Carolina and their resources for applying for admission, scholarships, campus life, athletics, and more! Learn more and download the College Guide on the SCICU website.

SCICU Business Partners

SCICU Business Partners: Save the Date! Annual Business Partner renewals and sponsorship information for our Excellence in Teaching Dinner and Board of Trustee Meetings will go out in December 2025, and will be due by January 15, 2026. Have questions about sponsorship opportunities? Contact Emma Reabold, our Vice President for Development & Campus Services; emma@SCICU.org

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.


Review the current Business Partners Directory HERE



Please follow SCICU on social media for breaking news:


LinkedIn

SCICU - SC Independent Colleges and Universities


Facebook

South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities - SCICU



SCICU is a member of the Coalition for College Cost Savings (The Coalition). The Coalition is comprised of 31 member organizations in 29 states, serving approximately 900 higher education institutions across the United States. The Coalition is dedicated to helping private higher education institutions improve processes and reduce costs through participation in collaborative programs..


All SCICU member colleges and universities have access to The Coalition's national contracts and services. More information on this important benefit is here.

News & Notes is published by the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc. Please send all comments or questions to SCICU President & CEO Dr. Robert Lloyd at robert@scicu.org or 803-799-7122. Mailing address: 1706 Senate St., Columbia, SC 29201.

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