SCICU meets with trustees, presidents, and business leaders throughout SC

SCICU President and CEO Jeff Perez addresses the participants at the Columbia trustee reception on Jan. 17. — President and CEO Jeff Perez addresses trustees, college presidents, and business leaders at the Columbia reception on Jan. 17.

COLUMBIA, SC — SCICU President and CEO Jeff Perez hosted receptions throughout SC in January and February that gave trustees, college/university presidents, and business leaders the chance to meet in a more informal setting.

“Board meetings are important for conducting business, but they don’t give our trustees and presidents sufficient time to associate with each other and develop as a team,” said Perez.

Following the findings from strategic planning studies that indicated trustees wanted more time to build and deepen relationships outside formal board meetings, SCICU held receptions in Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Charleston.

The tour of receptions began in Columbia on Jan. 17. The Columbia event was followed by gatherings in Greenville (Jan. 24), Spartanburg (Jan. 31), and Charleston (Feb. 7).

“I’m delighted we gave our trustees and campus presidents the opportunity to spend time together,” said Perez. “As I walked around the receptions I heard great conversations and saw colleagues becoming friends with a common interest in a bright future for SCICU and its member colleges and universities.”

Jerry Cheatham, SCICU board chair-elect; Russell Cook, SCICU board chair; and Jim Reynolds, SCICU past board chair. — Current, past, and future board chairs attended the Columbia reception.
(L-R) Jerry Cheatham, SCICU board chair-elect; Russell Cook, SCICU board chair; and Jim Reynolds, SCICU past board chair, at the Jan. 17 Columbia trustee reception.

Board leaders Russell Cook (current board chair), Jerry Cheatham (board chair-elect), and Jim Reynolds (past board chair) helped host the meetings. SCICU is thankful for the participation of college and university presidents, including Dr. Ernest McNealey (Allen University), Mr. Scott Cochran (Spartanburg Methodist College), Dr. Darrell Parker (Limestone College), Mr. Bob Staton (Presbyterian College), Dr. Dondi Costin (Charleston Southern University), and Dr. Todd Voss (Southern Wesleyan University).

Business leaders with significant stakeholder interest in independent higher education also participated in the receptions. The businesses represented at the receptions include Ameris Bank, BB&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC, Colonial Life, Comporium, Duke Energy, Find Great People, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., Insurance Advantage, Milliken & Company, SC Chamber of Commerce, SC Student Loan Corporation, Synovus, TD Bank, Total Comfort Soutions, and Wyche, P.A.