South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
A Voice for Independent Higher Education in South Carolina
Message from SCICU President and CEO Jeff Perez – Last month I shared the five most popular majors at SCICU member colleges and universities, which were surprising for liberal arts institutions in that they tended to be more career oriented. Of course, every student at an SCICU institution receives a grounding in the liberal arts, …
COLUMBIA, S.C. — SCICU has renamed its emergency funding to students the “Student Lifeline Grants Program” to more accurately capture the initiative’s capacity to help students whose unexpected financial challenges might result in their dropping out. “The COVID-19 pandemic has rendered students and their families even more financially vulnerable, making Student Lifeline Grants all the …
Following five decades of dedicated service to Presbyterian College, Robert (Bob) Staton will retire as the college’s 18th president on Dec. 31. In addition to his five-year presidency, Staton’s roles at the college include executive vice president for external relations (2007-2012) and member of the PC board of trustees 1997-2006. Staton’s broader service to independent …
Presbyterian College has named Matt vandenBerg, an accomplished leader and fundraiser in independent higher education, as its 19th president. He will start his leadership at Presbyterian on February 1. VandenBerg will succeed Bob Staton, who will retire as PC president on Dec. 31. “Dr. vandenBerg embraces the Christian faith and is a lifelong member of …
COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy benedict.edu) — Benedict College is partnering with Blaze Fire Games to launch a new eSports Club on the Midlands campus. The Tigers join a large and growing world of electronic sports, and they recently hosted the first eSport Madden and NCAA College Football Tournament with two first-place winners. “Esports is one of …
CHARLESTON, S.C. (courtesy charlestonsouthern.edu) — The challenges of the year 2020 did not hold the Charleston Southern University campus back from achieving another record-setting goal. Last night, students, faculty and staff packed Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes until every last stuffed animal, pencil, jump rope and toothbrush had a home. This year’s goal was set at …
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (courtesy claflin.edu) — Claflin University’s Pathways from Prison Program was recently awarded a one-year $40,000 planning grant from the Laughing Gull Foundation. The Laughing Gull Foundation “is a progressive family foundation rooted in the U.S. South.” The organization’s programming efforts are in the areas of Higher Education in Prison, LGBTQ Equality, and Climate …
HARTSVILLE, S.C. (courtesy coker.edu) — John Florence, Jr., vice president for human resources, general counsel, and secretary for Sonoco Products Company, was recently elected to the Coker University Board of Trustees. He will serve a three-year term. “Mr. Florence brings thoughtful experience and unique perspectives to the board,” said Dr. Natalie Harder, president of Coker …
COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy columbiasc.edu) — Columbia College has announced the appointment of Dr. Jeff Bowe as Dean of Online Education. He begins his role on November 9, 2020. “Dr. Bowe brings extensive experience in all facets of online education—including the development of high-quality programs and teaching, recruiting students, forging partnerships with two-year institutions, and much …
