SCICU News Releases
2023 – 2024 SCICU Annual Report
The digital version of the 2023 – 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 …
SCICU Honors Outstanding Faculty with 2025 Excellence in Teaching Awards
Columbia, S.C. — South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) proudly recognized 21 exceptional faculty members from its member institutions at the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Awards Dinner held on April 22. These annual awards celebrate professors who demonstrate a profound …
Welcome to SCICU
It is my privilege to serve as the President and CEO of the South Carolina Independent College and Universities, Inc. (SCICU). Since our founding in 1953, SCICU has been dedicated to representing 21 independent colleges and universities, each with its own unique historical, cultural, and often …
SCICU Names Dr. Robert Lloyd as Eighth President & CEO
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Dr. Robert Lloyd as its eighth president, effective Thursday, January 16.
Dr. Lloyd succeeds Jeff Perez, who recently joined the Commission on Higher Education as …
SCICU Receives $15,000 Scholarship Challenge Grant from Council of Independent Colleges
COLUMBIA, SC – December 9, 2024 — South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (SCICU) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $15,000 Scholarship Challenge Grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). The proceeds of this grant will support SCICU’s Lifeline Grant Program, …
First Citizens Bank Donates $10,000 to Support South Carolina Independent Colleges’ Student Lifeline Grant Program
COLUMBIA, SC – November 4, 2024 — South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) is thrilled to announce a generous gift from First Citizens Bank in the amount of $10,000. This contribution will go toward SCICU’s Student Lifeline Grant Program, which provides financial relief to …
North Greenville University senior named 2024 SCICU Student of the Year
Karah Barry (center), a senior at North Greenville University, is the 2024 McLean-Smith SCICU Student of the Year. Barry was honored at SCICU’s Fall 2024 Board meeting held Oct. 10 at Columbia College. Accompanying Barry in the award presentation were Dr. Gene Fant (left), North Greenville …
U.S. News Best Colleges 2024-25 rankings recognize strengths of SCICU colleges & universities
SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities are recognized for their many strengths and superlatives in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Colleges rankings. Click on the name of your favorite SCICU institution to learn about their new #BestColleges rankings.
Allen …
Power:Ed awards SCICU 3rd annual $25,000 HBCU undergraduate research grant
Pictured L to R: Dr. Larry Lowe, Benedict College Department Chair – Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Health Science; Emma Reabold, SCICU vice president of development and campus services; Trissania Lawrence, Benedict College student researcher; Claire Gibbons, Power:Ed executive director; …
SCICU announces new Business Partners
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Emma Reabold, vice president of development and campus services, is proud to announce the addition of the following companies to the SCICU Business Partner program:
Advancement EDU
The Budd Group
Collegiate Financial Services
Concept3D
FortifyData
GRP …
Palmetto Fellows, LIFE scholarship enhancements expanding to education and accounting majors at SCICU institutions
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Education and accounting majors receiving Palmettos Fellows and LIFE scholarships at SCICU member institutions may be eligible to receive up to $2,500 in additional scholarship funding starting their sophomore year. The enhancements are available beginning Fall 2024.
Earlier …
Nursing faculty tuition reimbursement program extends to four SCICU institutions, offers up to $90k in aid
COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy che.sc.gov) – The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education announced Aug. 20 that students in eligible programs at South Carolina-based independent institutions can now receive up to $90,000 in tuition reimbursement to pursue graduate-level nursing educator …
South Carolina update
South Carolina’s 2024-25 budget bill was ratified by the General Assembly on June 26. With no challenges to Governor McMaster’s July 3 vetoes, the bill was enacted. Thankfully the budget preserved SCICU’s legislative priorities:
The S.C. Tuition Grants Commission retained $20 million in lottery …
Federal update
FAFSA problems persist —
While Congress is on recess through early September, financial aid teams at SCICU member institutions and other colleges and universities throughout the United States are dealing with the ongoing FAFSA fiasco.
Rollout delays for the new FAFSA continue to be compounded …
SCICU back to campus photo highlights – August 2024
Fall is in the air and SCICU campuses from the S.C. mountains to the sea are again full of smiling students! Scroll to see back to campus photos from SCICU’s 21 member campuses. Learn more about each campus through their respective campus newsrooms, Facebook pages, Instagram accounts, and …
Power:Ed awards SCICU $50,000 for student completion grants
Commemorating Power:Ed’s fifth completion grant award to SCICU are (L-R) Trey Simon, President & CEO, S.C. Student Loan Corporation; Emma Reabold, Vice President for Development and Campus Services, SCICU; Claire Gibbons, Executive Director, Power:Ed; and Dr. L. Jeffrey Perez, President …
‘No rest for the weary ‘ — FAFSA woes and more
Message from SCICU President and CEO Jeff Perez —
Everyone who works at a college looks forward to graduation because it means the campus will be quiet for a couple of months, allowing time to rest, catch up, and prepare for the fall semester.
Not this year. It’s all storm and no calm.
First, …
South Carolina update – Progress on the state budget
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The legislative session ended May 9 without the General Assembly having passed a state budget, but they’ve made progress.
The Senate and House have approved their own versions of the budget. Now a conference committee will be formed with three senators and three representatives. …
2024 Commencement photo highlights
It’s a wrap! Although Spring 2024 commencement exercises at SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities are done and in the books, the happiness and friendships always remain. Please enjoy these photo highlights from the 2024 graduation ceremonies.
Allen …
SCICU celebrates S.C. College and Career Decision Day
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Thousands of South Carolina high school seniors converged on the S.C. State House for the third annual College and Career Decision Day. The May 7 celebration, organized by the S.C. Commission on Higher Education and modeled after National Signing Day for college-bound athletes, …
John I. Smith Charities makes new gift to SCICU Student Lifeline Grants Program
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Thanks to a new gift from the John I. Smith Charities, more students at South Carolina’s private colleges and universities can weather unexpected financial challenges and stay in school to finish their degrees.
A Greer, S.C.-based philanthropic organization focusing on education, …
Campus News
Greetings and message from Dr. Said Sewell, new president of Morris College
SUMTER, S.C. (courtesy morris.edu) — With great pride, I step into the role of the eleventh president of Morris College. My aim is to serve Morris College with the utmost dedication.
I sincerely appreciate the Board of Trustees and each student, alumnus, and faculty or staff member for your …
Wofford College’s historic Kilgo-Clinkscales House becomes first dedicated alumni house
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (courtesy wofford.edu) — A new chapter is beginning at Wofford’s historic Kilgo-Clinkscales House.
This fall, the 132-year-old campus landmark, which has been a home for more than 10 Wofford leaders and their families, will become the college’s first dedicated alumni …
Voorhees University provost appointed to SC EPSCoR State Committee
DENMARK, S.C. (courtesy voorhees.edu) — Voorhees University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Angela Peters, provost and vice president of academic affairs, to the South Carolina Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (SC EPSCoR) State Committee. Dr. Peters, who previously …
Spartanburg Methodist to join Appalachian Athletic Conference for 2025-26 season
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (courtesy smcsc.edu) — Continuing the transition to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) will become a full member of the Appalachia Athletic Conference (AAC) beginning with the 2025-26 season.
“We are excited to join …
Southern Wesleyan University announces new head coach for golf teams
CENTRAL, S.C. (courtesy swu.edu) — Southern Wesleyan University and Director of Athletics Julia Reininga are pleased to announce the return of Men’s and Women’s Golf to Southern Wesleyan University. Leading the revitalized programs will be Matt Smith, who has been appointed as the head …
Presbyterian College announces new Visual and Performing Arts Department
CLINTON, S.C. (courtesy presby.edu) — Presbyterian College is pleased to announce that it is combining its art, music, and theater departments into a new Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
PC president Dr. Anita Gustafson said the reorganization is designed to strengthen the college’s …
North Greenville University Named Teaching Fellows Institution
TIGERVILLE, S.C. (courtesy ngu.edu) — North Greenville University (NGU) has been named a Teaching Fellows Institution, according to the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA).
Established in 1999, the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program awards funds for up to 230 …
Newberry College awarded grant for bariatric simulation lab
NEWBERRY, S.C. (courtesy newberry.edu) — Once again establishing itself as a leader in health care education, the Newberry College Division of Nursing & Health Sciences has announced the launch of a new bariatric simulation lab. Funding for the lab was made possible through a grant from the …
Limestone University names new vice president for institutional advancement
GAFFNEY, S.C. (courtesy limestone.edu) — Limestone University has appointed Stacy Aldrich as its new vice president for institutional advancement, assigning her the role of leading Limestone’s fundraising into the future.
Aldrich came to Limestone from Novant Health, where she had most recently …
Erskine College Athletics announces the Flying Fleet Hall of Fame Class of 2024
DUE WEST, S.C. (courtesy erskinesports.com) — Erskine Athletics officially announced its Flying Fleet Hall of Fame Class of 2024 on August 28.
The five honorees to be inducted into the Flying Fleet Hall of Fame are Ford Blanchard (Golf, 2015), George Goudelock, Jr. (Tennis, 1972), Lisa Jackson …
Furman professor receives grant to advance research in prebiotic atmospheric chemistry
GREENVILLE, S.C. (courtesy furman.edu) — Furman University’s George Shields, professor of chemistry, has received a 2024 SEED Award from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement. The $60,000 grant will advance his research in prebiotic atmospheric chemistry to study how life-giving proteins …
Converse University student becomes OneSpartanburg’s first Re:Degree graduate
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (courtesy converse.edu) — This August, Converse University achieved a new milestone: recognizing student Kimberly Anderson as the first graduate from OneSpartanburg Inc.’s Re: Degree Initiative. This is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to empowering students …
CIU Rams named NAIA Champions of Character
COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy ciu.edu) — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has named Columbia International University a Five-Star Champions of Character® Institution at the Gold Level. The Rams were among 107 NAIA institutions to achieve a perfect score of 100 for the …
Columbia College welcomes 11 new faculty for 2024-2025 academic year
COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy columbiasc.edu) — Encouraged by continued increasing enrollment, Columbia College is proud to introduce 11 new faculty in the 2024-2025 academic year. The team in Academic Affairs has worked tirelessly throughout the spring and summer to seek out the best and brightest to …
Coker University’s APEC Named Registered Apprenticeship Program by U.S. Dep’t. of Labor
HARTSVILLE, S.C. (courtesy coker.edu) — Coker University’s Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification (APEC) program was recently named a registered apprenticeship program for K -12 teachers by the U.S. Department of Labor. As a Registered Apprenticeship Program, APEC will change traditional …
Claflin University extends degree program access to employees of partners in Workforce Edge Network
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (courtesy claflin.edu) — Claflin University is proud to announce it has joined Workforce Edge, a full-service education benefits administration solution for employees powered by Strategic Education, Inc. Workforce Edge allows employers to offer their workforce higher education …
Charleston Southern University partners with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology
CHARLESTON, S.C. (courtesy charlestonsouthern.edu) — Charleston Southern University is honored to begin a partnership with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology in Lae, Papua New Guinea, as part of the Charleston Sister Cities International initiative to add Lae, Papua New Guinea, as …
Bob Jones University accredited by National Association of Schools of Music
GREENVILLE, S.C. (courtesy bju.edu) — Bob Jones University has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the recognized accreditor of college and university programs in music.
The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) was founded in 1924 to secure a better …
Office of Naval Research awards Benedict College and Integer Technologies $7.9 million contract for research and workforce development
Benedict College and Integer Technologies were pleased to host Rear Admiral Kurt J. Rothenhaus, Chief of Naval Research, to discuss how this partnership will augment cybersecurity research and STEM workforce diversity for the military. Pictured above from left to right: Gurcan Comert, Ph.D., …
Anderson University celebrates inaugural graduates of South Carolina’s first Pathologists’ Assistant Program
Graduates of South Carolina’s first Pathologists’ Assistant program were recognized August 2 at Anderson University. Pictured from left are Aubrey Chinners, McKenzie Rice, Jennifer Wilson, Elizabeth Velandia and Alexandra Nelson.
ANDERSON, S.C. (courtesy andersonuniversity.edu) — August 2 marked a …
Allen University appoints new vice president for student affairs
COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy allenuniversity.edu) — Allen University has appointed Dr. Andre S. Richardson as vice president for student affairs. Dr. Richardson brings 27 years of dedicated service in education, with a robust background in both higher education and P-12 settings. His career includes …