South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities

A Voice for Independent Higher Education in South Carolina

SCICU President & CEO
Welcome

Mr. Smith goes to Columbia

By

SCICU President and CEO Jeff Perez

Jeff Perez, Ph.D.
SCICU President and CEO

Message from SCICU President and CEO Jeff Perez –

With the September 2022 edition of the SCICU Newsletter we kick off a new feature: The SCICU Legislative Spotlight.

Every month we’ll learn more about a member of the General Assembly who attended a SCICU member institution or has a close relationship with one.

We are honored our first Spotlight is S.C. House Speaker Murrell Smith, who, as you’ll read, is a proud graduate of Wofford College.

Speaker Smith’s experience at Wofford set him on a path to professional success and public leadership. He will share with you in his own words how Wofford professors inspired his love history and interest in politics. He may not have realized it at the time but his work in the classroom and extracurricular activities were preparing him to run for S.C. House of Representatives and manage the challenges of elected office.

You might say that Speaker Smith’s path from his hometown of Sumter to the Statehouse passed through Wofford.

What I found fascinating was that, while a History major, it was an art history professor that encouraged his political engagement.

But don’t take my word for it, read the Legislative Spotlight and let Speaker Smith tell you himself.

SCICU Legislative Spotlight: Speaker Murrell Smith

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S.C. House of Representatives Speaker Murrell Smith is a 1990 graduate of Wofford College.
Speaker Murrell Smith
Republican – Sumter
Elected Speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives in 2022
First elected to the S.C. House in 2001

SCICU connection:
Wofford College
B.A. in History and Government, 1990
Wofford Alumni Executive Committee 2003-2005


For many in South Carolina their success began by choosing to attend one of SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities – that includes numerous legislators and public officials. We think they deserve some special attention. Each month we will be featuring a member of the South Carolina General Assembly who graduated from a SCICU member institutions or has a close affiliation.

We are honored to inaugurate our SCICU Legislative Spotlight with S.C. House Speaker (and Wofford grad) Murrell Smith. We asked Speaker Smith a few questions about himself, his career, and the role Wofford played in it.

1. Why did you decide to attend Wofford?

I grew up with a deep admiration and respect for Wofford College, as I had many family members like my father and grandfather who were alumni. More importantly, when the time came, I knew I wanted a smaller, more intimate college education and experience. I did not want to get lost among the masses or sit in classes of 200+ students. Wofford’s size was an attractive selling point as I made a decision. Looking back, it was certainly the right one! I could not have been happier with my experience.

2. How did attending Wofford prepare you for your successful career?

Attending Wofford prepared me for a successful career in many ways. As previously mentioned, Wofford provided not only a more intimate educational experience through small class sizes but the opportunity to form relationships with faculty. Being a liberal arts institution, Wofford also exposed areas of learning that I may have avoided at other colleges. Some of those areas proved to be ones that I enjoyed and thrived at the most. This environment allowed me to be more engaged in my classes, interact with those around me, and gain experience speaking publicly. Specifically, being encouraged to think critically and gaining debate experience would prove to be extremely useful skills as I pursued law school and then in my eventual career both as a lawyer and a legislator.

3. Do you have a particular professor or class that made an impression on you? If so, how?

There have been many professors and classes that left a mark on me from my time at Wofford – two that come to the top of my mind in particular. I took a history course with Professor Brooks Simpson, where I developed a true love for history beyond just the facts. Prof. Simpson’s classes were full of engaging discussions, almost like a precursor to the courtroom or to the Statehouse chamber. His classes made me excited to be a History major, and consider the eventual career path I would take. I also had a professor of art history whom I admired greatly and who left an indelible mark on my life. Dr. Constance Armitage Antonsen, while a professor of art history, she was heavily involved in politics. She was a National Republican Woman of the Year, and had a personal relationship with many prominent politicians of the time. With her encouragement and help, I went to the Young Americans Foundation conference in Valley Forge, Pa. That began my political involvement and truly sparked my interest in politics beyond just academically.

4. Why did you decide to become a state legislator?

I always had an interest in politics, so when the opportunity arose to run for an open seat in the SC House of Representatives for my hometown, I took it! While I definitely felt fear and anxiety by taking this risk, I was encouraged by my family and friends and felt comforted by their support.

5. Of what achievement in the S.C. House are you most proud?

First and foremost, I am most proud to be Sumter’s elected representative for (going on) 22 years. There is no greater honor than to serve my hometown, and to have instilled a level of trust and support from my own community. Another great honor is having my colleagues elect and entrust me to important leadership positions within the House of Representatives, namely the Chairman of a Committee (Ways and Means) and (recently) Speaker of the House. When it comes to legislative achievements, I am extremely proud of this past year’s budget. Our budget was monumental and made truly transformational investments in important priorities that will positively affect our state and its people far into the future.

6. You’re a successful lawyer, but if you could pick another job, what would it be?

If I could pick another job, I think I would love to be a professor …maybe at Wofford!

7. What advice do you have for students attending Wofford and other SCICU member institutions?

My advice to students at Wofford and other SCICU institutions is this: take full advantage of the opportunities this type of education offers you. Find what interests you, pursue your passions even as you develop them, and build relationships. Work hard, but enjoy this special time! Know that if you embrace opportunity, your future is limitless.

U.S. News Best Colleges rankings recognize strengths and achievements of SCICU colleges & universities

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SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities are recognized for their many strengths and superlatives in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings. Click on the name of your favorite SCICU institution to learn about their new #BestColleges rankings.

Allen University

Anderson University

Benedict College

Bob Jones University

Charleston Southern University

Claflin University

Coker University

Columbia College

Columbia International University

Converse University

Erskine College

Furman University

Limestone University

Morris College

Newberry College

North Greenville University

Presbyterian College

Southern Wesleyan University

Spartanburg Methodist College

Voorhees University

Wofford College

Federal update

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Title IX —

Monday, September 12 marked the end of the period for public comments on the Biden administration’s proposed changes to Title IX, the federal regulations which direct how colleges and universities address sexual discrimination, harassment, and violence.

The U.S. Education Department has submitted for review 700+ pages of proposed Title IX regulations to replace those implemented during the Trump administration, which were a reaction to Obama administration Title IX regulations. A fact sheet and summary are also available.

Proposed major changes include:

  • Extend prohibition on discrimination based on sex to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Live hearings would no longer be required in college sexual misconduct cases.
  • Cross-examination would not be required in hearings.
  • Schools would be allowed to investigate and punish assaults that take place off-campus.
  • Allow investigators to decide the outcomes of cases but require that all Title IX coordinators, investigators and decision-makers not have conflicts of interest or biases for or against complainants or respondents.
  • Allow schools to investigate and sanction sexual misconduct without formal complaints.

The proposal also retains aspects of the Trump administration Title IX regulations:

  • Require schools to presume accused students to be innocent until grievance procedures end.
  • Continue to permit informal resolutions of sexual misconduct complaints if both accuser and the accused agree.

It is important to note the proposed regulations don’t affect the existing exemptions for religious institutions that are enshrined in law.

As of September 12, a whopping 185,000 comments had been received. Compare that to the 125,000 comments received in response to the Trump administration proposed regulations, which took well over a year to process. Considering nearly 50% more comments were received for this round, we don’t expect to hear from the Education Department any time soon.

SCICU exceeds fundraising goals for fiscal year 2021-22

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — With donations totaling nearly $600,000, generous contributors helped SCICU eclipse fundraising goals for fiscal year 2021-22. Along with adding proceeds from its endowment income, the total amount distributed to its 21 member colleges and universities surpassed $700,000.

SCICU flagship fundraising programs supporting student scholarships, need-based emergency grants, and student research all surpassed goals for the year.

“We are proud to report 100 percent SCICU team participation – both trustees and employees – in this year’s fundraising campaign,” said Jeff Perez, SCICU president and CEO. “Most importantly, 100 percent of all funds raised by SCICU are used for scholarships and programs that directly benefit our 21 member colleges and universities. None of the funds raised are used for administrative costs.”

Higher education supporters gave nearly $400,000 to SCICU for donor-designated scholarship programs that have specific academic, leadership, geographic location, and/or financial need qualifications. Campus financial aid directors select students to receive scholarships based on donor criteria.

The SCICU Student Lifeline Grants program provides emergency funding for students who are faced with unexpected financial needs. During fiscal year 2021-22, donors provided more than $125,000 that financial aid directors can access to help students persist through financial difficulties and complete the semester.

“There are many opportunities for companies, philanthropic organizations, and individuals to support independent higher education in South Carolina through SCICU,” said Eddie Shannon, SCICU Executive Vice President. “We are already busy working on our fiscal year 2022-23 fundraising campaign, and welcome any and all support.”

Interested in learning how you can support independent colleges and universities in South Carolina? Email Eddie Shannon (eddie@scicu.org) or call him at 803-799-7122. Donations are also accepted via PayPal (no PayPal account necessary – custom billing available by credit card, debit card, or electronic check draft) at scicu.org/donate/.

SCICU Business Partner spotlight — September 2022

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SCICU salutes the businesses that participate in the SCICU Business Partner program. For September 2022, we are spotlighting CapinCrouse, S.C. Student Loan Corporation, and Wyche. Please see the links below to learn more about these partners. The SCICU Business Partner directory lists all partners currently participating in the program. Eddie Shannon, SCICU executive vice president, is always available for businesses interested in learning more about SCICU’s Business Partner program (email: eddie@scicu.org / office: 803-799-7122).

As a national full-service CPA and consulting firm devoted to serving nonprofit organizations, CapinCrouse provides professional solutions to organizations, including colleges and universities, whose outcomes are measured in lives changed.
 
SCICU Business Partner profile
Company website: capincrouse.com

 

S. C. Student Loan Corporation helps South Carolina students and their families with student loans and planning to help make college education more affordable.
 
SCICU Business Partner profile
Company website: scstudentloan.org

 

For more than 100 years Wyche has served South Carolina and participated landmark litigation, served as counsel on cutting-edge transactions, provided community leadership that has helped shape and drive our region’s growth and success, and advised a number of our state’s private colleges and universities, along with public and private secondary schools.
 
SCICU Business Partner profile
Company website: wyche.com

 

SCICU distributes $67,200 in CIC/UPS scholarships to 21 S.C. private colleges and universities

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) has distributed $67,200 in CIC/UPS scholarships to assist 21 students at private colleges and universities in South Carolina. The scholarships were made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, D.C., through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment.

“The UPS Foundation has been a long-time and generous supporter of independent college higher education, not only in South Carolina, but nationwide,” said Jeff Perez, president and CEO of SCICU. “We are very appreciative of their support and recognize that the lives of many worthy students have been changed for the better.”

Nationally, CIC provided more than $1.4 million in student scholarships through state-based associations to make private colleges and universities more affordable and accessible to underserved students.

The 21 colleges in South Carolina that received CIC/UPS Scholarships this year from SCICU include Allen University, Anderson University, Benedict College, Bob Jones University, Charleston Southern University, Claflin University, Coker University, Columbia College, Columbia International University, Converse University, Erskine College, Furman University, Limestone University, Morris College, Newberry College, North Greenville University, Presbyterian College, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Methodist College, Voorhees University, and Wofford College.

“The Council of Independent Colleges is proud to support nearly 450 low-income, first-generation, minority, and new American students in 26 states through the CIC/UPS Scholarships,” said Marjorie Hass, president of the Council of Independent Colleges. “Through our partnership with SCICU, these scholarships help individual students pursue their education at one of South Carolina’s superb independent colleges and universities.”

The CIC/UPS Scholarships Program has made a private college education possible for more than 21,000 low-income, first generation, and minority students and has had a transformative impact on individuals, families, and communities across the country.

About the Council of Independent Colleges
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of 758 nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils of independent colleges, and other higher education affiliates, that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. CIC is the major national organization that focuses on services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility. CIC also conducts the largest annual conferences of college and university presidents and of chief academic officers in the United States. Founded in 1956, CIC is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.cic.edu.

About The UPS Foundation
Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, the UPS Foundation leads its global citizenship programs and is responsible for facilitating community involvement to local, national, and global communities. The foundation’s philanthropic approach centers on four focus areas: health & humanitarian relief, equity and economic empowerment, local engagement, and planet protection. To UPS, giving means combining employees’ skills, passion and time with the company’s logistics expertise, transportation assets, and charitable donations to make a measurable difference in society.