Volume 17, Issue 1 | May 1, 2025 | | |
What's inside...
- SCICU President's Message
- 2024 Annual Report
-
South Carolina Update — State Budget
- SCICU Research Symposium
- Higher Ed Day
- SCICU Spring Board of Trustees Meeting
- SCICU Excellence In Teaching Awards Recipients
- Giving to SCICU
- Campus News
- SCICU College Guide
- Business Partner Spotlight
| | Message from the SCICU President | | |
Dr. Robert Lloyd
SCICU President and CEO
| | Over the past few months, SCICU has been actively engaged in a variety of significant events aimed at supporting our member institutions. Three events, in particular, stand out. In February, SCICU, in collaboration with Milliken & Company of Spartanburg, sponsored an exceptional event showcasing undergraduate research from students across our member institutions. The depth and breadth of their research, as well as their enthusiasm for their subjects, were truly remarkable. In early April, students from across South Carolina gathered at the State House to express their gratitude for the financial support provided by the state. During this event, held on the steps of the Capitol building, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette publicly acknowledged and appreciated the students. Subsequently, at the Excellence in Teaching dinner, outstanding faculty members, selected by their respective institutions, were honored for their distinction as exceptional educators. These events have held special significance for me, particularly as I begin my tenure as President and CEO of SCICU. Since assuming my role on January 15th, I have had the privilege of experiencing, for the first time, the activities sponsored by SCICU. Witnessing the exceptional quality of our faculty and students has been a deeply rewarding experience. | | |
Legislative advocacy has also been a primary focus of my efforts. With the South Carolina state legislature currently in session, I have dedicated a substantial amount of time to engaging with legislators at the State House. At the federal level, I participated in Advocacy Day, organized by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. I was honored to join a delegation, which included presidents from four SCICU institutions, in meetings with members of the House and Senate. The congressional delegation demonstrated unwavering support for private higher education in South Carolina.
Additionally, I have greatly valued the opportunity to visit the campuses of our member institutions. I have been consistently impressed by their warm hospitality, steadfast commitment to academic excellence, and genuine dedication to student success. I look forward to continuing my visits to the remaining campuses.
A significant transition within SCICU is the retirement of Brenda Torrence, who has served in various capacities for an impressive 37 years. Her knowledge, wisdom, and good humor will be sorely missed. At the same time, we are pleased to welcome Ashleigh Hohmann as our new Director of Finance and Administration. Since joining SCICU in mid-January, she has already made a meaningful and positive impact on our organization.
It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the news of Limestone University's closure. Located in Gaffney, South Carolina, Limestone has been a cornerstone of academic excellence, innovation, and community leadership for nearly two centuries. Its unwavering commitment to the intellectual and personal development of students has left an indelible mark on higher education throughout our state. SCICU extends its heartfelt gratitude to Limestone University for its remarkable contributions to education and the lives of countless students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The legacy of Limestone's influence will endure as a testament to its dedication and vision. We honor the storied history of Limestone and express our deepest appreciation for its invaluable role in shaping the future of our state.
| |
The digital version of the 2024 SCICU Annual Report is available for your review and downloading on the SCICU website.
In addition to recognizing the many donors, friends, and partners who have given so generously to SCICU this year for scholarships and programs, the annual report presents the organization’s audited financial condition for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, salutes the SCICU McLean-Smith Student of the Year and the Excellence In Teaching award winners, and celebrates SCICU’s other accomplishments related to promoting independent higher education.
Please click here to download a digital copy of the 2024 annual report.
| | South Carolina Budget Update | |
-
State Budget Highlights:
- The total state budget is approximately $38 billion, reflecting a $2 billion decrease from the previous year. This marks the first overall budget reduction in over a decade.
- State reserve funds are fully funded at $1.2 billion.
-
Education Lottery Account:
- Proposed amendments include the addition of the South Carolina Education Trust Fund (ESTF) as an approved use of lottery proceeds.
- If passed, lottery funds could be utilized not only for higher education scholarships and programs but also for K–12 education through the ESTF program.
-
Higher Education Excellence Enhancement Program (HEEEP):
- The House initially cut funding for HEEEP, but the Senate restored funding at $9 million.
- The budget has been returned to the House, which may:
- Concur with Senate amendments (unlikely).
- Further amend the budget, leading to the appointment of a conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions.
-
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs:
- H3927 proposes the elimination of DEI programs across all state offices, departments, political subdivisions, institutions of higher learning, and school districts.
- A provision requires contractors or grant recipients, including private colleges receiving public funds, to certify that their programs promoting DEI do not violate civil rights laws.
| | |
Federal-Level Updates
- The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) reports that:
- Funding for Federal Work-Study and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants will remain consistent with current-year levels.
- The maximum Pell Grant award will remain at $7,395 for eligible students.
- The administration has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the federal aid form as a congressionally mandated responsibility.
-
Executive Orders on Higher Education:
-
Accreditation:
- Accelerate the recognition of new accreditors.
- Refocus existing accreditors on improving student outcomes.
- Foster a competitive marketplace for higher education accreditors.
-
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs):
- The White House has reaffirmed strong support for HBCUs.
- There is an expressed interest in expanding partnerships and positioning HBCUs as hubs of opportunity and economic engines for their regions.
| | SCICU 2024-2025 Research Symposium | | |
2024-2025 SCICU Research Presenters
On February 20, 2025, twenty-four students and twenty-two faculty mentors from 14 SCICU member institutions showcased their research at Milliken & Company in Spartanburg, South Carolina. SCICU awarded $71,733.84 in research funds thanks to generous donations from BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Belle W. Baruch Foundation, The Daniel-Mickel Foundation, South Carolina Student Loan:Power Ed, Mills B.Lane Foundation, and the SCICU Endowment Fund.
| | Higher Ed Day at the South Carolina State House | | |
After a months-long, statewide “Thanks for my Tuition Grant!” letter-writing campaign, SCICU students gathered at the South Carolina Statehouse on April 1 to express their gratitude for the General Assembly’s continued strong support of the S.C. Tuition Grants program, which provides need-based financial aid. During Higher Education Day at the Statehouse, SCICU students joined their peers from the S.C. Technical College System and the state’s public four- and two-year institutions to meet with state senators, representatives, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, thanking them for their commitment to funding the need-based aid that helps thousands of South Carolinians achieve their dream of earning a college degree.
| | The SCICU Spring Board of Trustees Meeting was held at Converse University on April 10 | | |
SCICU Presidents Breakfast (from left to right): Dr. John Dozier, Columbia College; Dr. Evans Whitaker, Anderson University; Dr. Boone Hopkins, Converse University; Mr. Keith Faulkner, Charleston Southern University; Dr. Anita Gustafson, Presbyterian College; Dr. Gene Fant, North Greenville University; Dr. Robert Lloyd, SCICU President; Willis Cantey, SCICU Board Chair.
| | SCICU 2025 Excellence in Teaching Awards | | |
Each year, SCICU celebrates outstanding faculty members from our 21 member institutions through the Excellence in Teaching Awards. Each college and university selects one professor who exemplifies a passion for teaching and dedication to student success. Honorees each received a $3,000 professional development grant and were recognized during the awards dinner held on April 22.
Excellence in Teaching Awards Recipients
From bottom left: Mr. Jordan A. Jakubek, Allen University; Mr. Jer Nelsen, Anderson University; Dr. Hong Jiang, Benedict College; Dr. Marc Chetta, Bob Jones University; Mr. Daniel Leach, Charleston Southern University; Dr. Abdullah Khan, Claflin University; Ms. Natalia Schradle, Coker University; Dr. Alexandra Szarabajko, Columbia College; Dr. Timothy Dunn, Columbia International University; Dr. Amanda Mangum, Converse University
From top left: Dr. Matthew Campbell, Erskine College; Dr. Margaret Oakes, Furman University; Dr. Frederick Lux, Limestone University; Dr. Michiko McClary, Morris College; Dr. Lindsy Boateng, Newberry College; Mr. Joshua Styles, North Greenville University; Dr. Kendra Hamilton, Presbyterian College; Dr. Jonathan Sircy, Southern Wesleyan University; Dr. Taylor Brickley, Spartanburg Methodist College; Ms. Alicia Davis, Voorhees University; Dr. Yongfang Zhang, Wofford College
| | |
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 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 21 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. | | |
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
| | SAVE THE DATE — Furman University to host SCICU Fall 2025 Board of Trustees meeting October 9 | | |
Furman University will host the SCICU Fall 2025 Board of Trustees meeting on October 9.
More information will be sent to trustees closer to the event date.
| | |
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. | | | | |
