Volume 18, Issue 5 | November 2025


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November 2025 News and Notes

What's inside...


  • SCICU President's Message
  • Updates State & Federal
  • SCICU Launches a New Look
  • SCICU Welcomes a New Board Chair, Vice-Chair
  • Campus Spotlight: Anderson University
  • Campus News
  • SCICU College Guide
  • Business Partners

Message from the SCICU President

Dr. Robert Lloyd

SCICU President and CEO

As we reach the midpoint of the fall semester, our campuses are alive with the familiar rhythm of midterms, homecomings, and the gradual shift into cooler autumn days. It’s a season of transition—academically, socially, and even emotionally—as students settle into routines, faculty guide them through challenges, and communities come together to celebrate tradition and progress.


At a recent SCICU Board meeting hosted at Furman University, I had the privilege of engaging with the presidents of our member colleges and universities. Despite the diversity of their institutions—large and small, urban and rural, faith-based and secular—I was deeply moved by their shared commitment to the success of their students, faculty, and staff. Their leadership is grounded not just in strategy, but in heart. And at the center of that heart is a belief in the transformative power of a liberal arts education.


In a time of tremendous change across higher education—shifting policies, evolving technologies, and growing pressures—it’s easy to lose sight of the daily moments that truly shape our campuses. The laughter between classes, the breakthroughs in learning, the relationships that form in residence halls and labs—these are the threads that weave together a meaningful college experience. They remind us that education is not just about outcomes, but about the journey.


SCICU remains steadfast in its mission to support and advocate for South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities. We continue to champion their value, amplify their voices, and foster collaboration across campuses. And as we move deeper into the semester, we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and purpose that define our institutions.


Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you're a student, faculty member, trustee, or supporter, your role in shaping the future of independent higher education is vital—and deeply appreciated.


— Dr. Robert Lloyd

South Carolina State & Federal Budget Updates

South Carolina Legislative Update



Federal Legislative Update


SCICU Launches a New Look!


We’re thrilled to unveil SCICU’s new logo! Every element tells a story about South Carolina and our mission in higher education:



·        Waves – Celebrating our vibrant Lowcountry institutions

·        Mountains – Representing the strength of our Upstate institutions

·        Crescent Moon – Honoring our state flag and heritage

·        Torch of Knowledge – Lighting the path of learning


Our new logo reflects SCICU’s mission to strengthen South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities through collaboration, governmental advocacy, fundraising, and public engagement so that every student may choose, afford, and earn an independent college education that fits their personal values, professional and social aspirations, and approach to learning.


We are especially grateful to the Council of Independent Colleges for the generous grant that helped fund this new logo and Infinity Marketing for their design, enabling us to visually represent the heart of SCICU and the students we serve.



Read the full news release here and stay tuned for more as we roll out our new look across SCICU!

Wofford Graduate Ben Porter to Lead SCICU Board of Trustees


Ben Porter, Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at First Citizens, has been named Chair of the Board of Trustees for South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU). A Wofford College graduate, Porter has been actively involved with SCICU since joining the board in 2018.


“I am honored to serve as Chair of SCICU’s Board of Trustees,” Porter said. “This organization plays a vital role in supporting South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities, and I look forward to helping advance its mission.”


In his new role, Porter will guide the board’s efforts to shape SCICU’s strategic priorities, support member institutions, and strengthen the organization’s advocacy work. His expertise in commercial banking, combined with his longstanding commitment to higher education, brings valuable insight to the board’s leadership.


Porter succeeds outgoing chair Willis Cantey and begins his tenure with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and advancing the impact of South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities.


Spartanburg Methodist College President Scott Cochran Named SCICU Vice Chair and Council of Presidents Chair


Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) President Scott Cochran has been appointed Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Council of Presidents for South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU).


“I appreciate the opportunity to serve SCICU in these positions,” Cochran said. “We are grateful for all that SCICU does for its members and I look forward to putting my experience and skills to work for the organization.”


In his new roles, Cochran will help steer SCICU’s priorities for the year ahead. Leading the Council of Presidents, he will collaborate with fellow college and university presidents to address common challenges and align on advocacy efforts. He will also serve on the organization’s finance, audit, and investment committees.


With his extensive experience in business and higher education, Cochran is poised to make a meaningful impact on SCICU’s initiatives and the broader South Carolina academic community.



Anderson University Recognized Among Best Colleges in the South


Anderson University, South Carolina’s largest private university, has earned top rankings from both U.S. News & World Report and Niche. AU is now #31 among regional universities in the South and ranks highly in multiple categories, including Best Undergraduate Teaching (#6), Best Colleges for Veterans (#14), and Most Innovative Schools (#15).


Niche also highlighted AU’s strengths, naming it the #1 Christian college in South Carolina, #2 for best campus, and #3 among private universities in the state. These accolades reflect AU’s ongoing growth and reputation as a leading private Christian university.


With a commitment to academic excellence and student success, Anderson University continues to set the standard for higher education in the region.


To read the full article click here.


If you have a story about your campus that you’d like us to highlight in our newsletter, please email Ashleigh Hohmann at ashleigh@scicu.org.


SCICU College/University Campus News 


SCICU presents news from its 20 member colleges and universities.


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


Allen University

Allen Grad becomes Lab Scientist at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions


Anderson University

College of Education Receives Leadership Award


Benedict College

Benedict College Named The State’s Best College for 2025


Bob Jones University

BJU Communication Grad Students Present at 2025 CCA Conference


Charleston Southern University

Computer science professor awarded prestigious National Science Foundation grant


Claflin University

Impressive National Rankings Validate Elevation and Transformation at Claflin University


Coker University

Class of 1975 Commissions Campus Painting for 50th Reunion


Columbia College

Columbia College Student Lenayah Rayford Welcomed to Stormwater Studios


Columbia International University

Columbia International University Awarded $1 Million Lilly Endowment


Converse University

Converse University Celebrates 136th Opening Convocation


Erskine College

Career Fair presents students with employment, internship, and networking possibilities


Furman University

Furman alumni present at National Land Conservation Conference


Morris College

CAEP Recognition


Newberry College

Newberry Speech and Debate Team Earns Multiple Awards at Hub City Swing Tournament


North Greenville University

NGU Announces Enrollment Growth, Rankings Recognition


Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College hosts annual Career and Graduate School Fair


Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University Announces Record-Breaking Fall 2025 Enrollment


Spartanburg Methodist College

SMC Partners with SAM to Help More High Schoolers Pursue a College Degree


Voorhees University

The 2nd Cohort of The 10 White Coats Scholars Initiative


Wofford College

World-class performers on Wofford’s stage


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


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.

This month, SCICU welcomes three new Business Partners! These organizations are joining a strong network of over 40 organizations who are committed to supporting the work of South Carolina's independent colleges & universities while building meaningful connections across our campuses.

Please join us in welcoming our newest partners: Collegiate Financial Group, Corpay, & E&I Cooperative Services. We look forward to the collaboration ahead!

Interested in learning more about this opportunity? You can find more information, including a current list of all Business Partners, on our website or reach out to Emma Reynolds Reabold, Vice President for Development and Campus Services (emma@SCICU.org).

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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