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SCICU Hosts 2nd Annual Legislative Conference for Higher Education Leadership
SCICU welcomed higher education leaders from across South Carolina to the 2nd Annual Legislative Conference for Higher Education Leadership on June 4, 2026 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The conference provided an opportunity for college and university leaders to engage in professional development, discuss emerging issues in higher education, and strengthen connections across the independent higher education community.
The day began with a series of breakout sessions led by Wade Kolb III of Wyche, P.A., Carolyn Mata, Ph.D., SCICU Coordinator for Data & Research, and representatives from CapinCrouse, LLC. Attendees gained valuable insights on legal, financial, and data-related topics affecting higher education institutions. Participants also had the opportunity to earn up to 4.5 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit through sessions presented by CapinCrouse.
The conference concluded with a luncheon program featuring keynote speaker Stephanie T. Giesecke of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU). Giesecke provided an update on the federal policy landscape and discussed issues affecting independent colleges and universities nationwide.
Additional presentations were delivered by Katie Stevens, Executive Director of the South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission, who highlighted the history and impact of the Tuition Grants Program, and Macey Webb, Counsel for the South Carolina House Education and Public Works Committee, who shared a legislative update on issues impacting higher education in South Carolina.
SCICU extends its sincere appreciation to the conference sponsors—CapinCrouse, LLC, Collegiant Financial Group, PrimeSource, NFP, TIAA, Protocall, and Instructure—whose generous support helped make the event possible.
Thank you to all who attended and contributed to a successful conference focused on advancing independent higher education and student success throughout South Carolina.
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