South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
A Voice for Independent Higher Education in South Carolina
Columbia, S.C. — South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) is pleased to announce a $42,000 gift from The Sonoco Foundation, Sonoco in Action, in support of the Scholars Program. The SCICU Scholars Program provides named scholarships to undergraduate students from SCICU institutions across the state. This renewed commitment deepens the program’s ability to invest in …
Columbia, S.C. — South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) honored 20 outstanding faculty members from its member institutions at the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Awards Dinner on April 21. The annual event recognizes professors whose commitment to student learning and enthusiasm for teaching make a lasting impact on their campuses. Each of SCICU’s 20 …
For over thirty years, the SCICU Undergraduate Student and Faculty Research Program has opened doors for undergraduate students across South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities. What began as a way to expand research opportunities has grown into one of SCICU’s most meaningful and impactful initiatives, empowering students to ask big questions, test new ideas, and …
First Citizens Bank Donates $25,000 to Support South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities Columbia, S.C. — South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) is pleased to announce a $25,000 investment from First Citizens Bank in support of the Student Lifeline Grants Program. This renewed commitment significantly expands the program’s ability to provide emergency financial assistance …
SCICU Unveils a New Look: A Symbol of South Carolina’s Spirit and Knowledge South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) is excited to share a fresh new logo and branding, capturing the essence of South Carolina and the heart of our mission in higher education. Each element of our new logo tells a part of …
South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) is proud to announce Caleb Erkens as the 2025 McLean-Smith SCICU Student of the Year. This prestigious scholarship honors the legacy of J. Lacy McLean, SCICU’s first president, and Sterling L. Smith, who served as Executive Vice President for 29 years. Both men played key roles in establishing …
SCICU Announces Board of Trustees and Executive Committee Leadership for 2025–2028 South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) has announced its slate of trustees, officers, and college presidents for leadership positions on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for the 2025–2028 term. Re-elected Trustees:The following trustees have been nominated for a second three-year term …
South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities mourns the loss of former President & CEO Mike LeFever who died earlier this week. LeFever served for more than a decade as President & CEO of SCICU before serving as interim executive director at the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education in 2019. During his time at SCICU, …
The digital version of the 2024 – 2025 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 …
