South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities - SCICU

05/11/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the 20 outstanding faculty members recognized at the 2026 SCICU Excellence in Teaching Awards Dinner!

These educators exemplify excellence in undergraduate teaching, mentorship, and student engagement across SCICU’s member colleges and universities. Each recipient received a $3,000 professional development grant in recognition of their dedication to shaping future leaders.

Read the full story: https://scicu.org/39832-2/

04/16/2026

Today, students from across SCICU member institutions—including Allen University, Anderson University, Benedict College, Bob Jones University, Charleston Southern University, Columbia College, SC, Columbia International University, Converse University, Erskine College, North Greenville University, Presbyterian College, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Methodist College, and Wofford College gathered at the SC State House for Higher Education Day.

We are especially grateful to Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for speaking and for reading the proclamation in support of this important day. Continued support of the South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission helps make higher education more accessible and affordable for students across our state.

04/06/2026

SCICU is excited to share a new partnership with E&I Cooperative Services, bringing additional value and support to our member institutions.

This collaboration builds on an existing connection many of our colleges and universities already use, while creating a more unified and strategic approach to accessing vetted purchasing solutions tailored to higher education. The goal is simple: help institutions operate more efficiently, make informed decisions, and stretch resources further.

Together, SCICU and E&I will focus on increasing awareness, offering training opportunities, and providing helpful insights so members can take full advantage of available resources.

This is another step forward in our ongoing work to support independent colleges and universities across South Carolina with practical tools that strengthen operations and reduce unnecessary complexity.
Learn more:

E&I Cooperative Services (E&I) is the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative focused exclusively on education. For more than 90 years, and as former procurement officers, we’ve helped our membership of more than 6,400 education institutions with best-in-class contracts, strategies, ...

03/27/2026

SCICU is a proud member of the Coalition for College Cost Savings, a network of 32 organizations across 29 states that collectively serve over 900 higher education institutions nationwide. Through this partnership, the Coalition supports private colleges and universities by helping streamline operations and reduce costs through collaborative programs and shared services.

The Coalition is pleased to share this ROI estimate for the 2025 calendar year. These savings, reported by Coalition program partners, reflect the value realized by member institutions as well as their employees and students who participate in Coalition programs.

All SCICU member colleges and universities have access to the Coalition’s national contracts and services, providing meaningful opportunities to enhance efficiency and generate savings. More information on this important benefit is available here: https://scicu.org/business-partners/strategic-partnerships/

03/05/2026

Exciting news! Morris College is launching a small business incubator supporting entrepreneurs across Sumter County, Clarendon County, and Lee County made possible by a $1,250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and leadership from James Clyburn.

Morris College announced a new project to establish its small business entrepreneur incubator center.

02/20/2026

For over 30 years, the SCICU Undergraduate Student and Faculty Research Program has opened doors for students at South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities to ask big questions, test new ideas, and make meaningful contributions to their fields.

On February 19, 2026, student researchers presented their work at the 2025-2026 Research Symposium at Milliken & Company in Spartanburg, showcasing innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. Thanks to generous support from the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, the Daniel-Mickel Foundation, and the SCICU Endowment Fund, 21 projects involving 29 students across 11 institutions received funding this year.

Proposals for 2026-2027 are due March 3, 2026. We can’t wait to see what comes next!

Read more, including student and faculty interviews:

Celebrating Student Research Across SCICU Campuses February 20, 2026 by SC Independent Colleges & Universities 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 universiti...

02/18/2026

The South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus hosted HBCU Day on February 17 at the South Carolina State House, bringing together leaders, students, and legislators to highlight the powerful impact our Historically Black Colleges and Universities have on South Carolina’s economy, workforce, and future.

We’re especially proud of the SCICU HBCUs who showed up and represented with excellence:

🎓 Allen University
🎓 Benedict College
🎓 Claflin University
🎓 Morris College
🎓 Voorhees University

Thank you to the presidents, faculty, staff, students, and alumni who continue to lead with purpose and pride. Your impact reaches far beyond campus walls and continues to strengthen communities across our state.

02/06/2026

Proud to see SCICU President Dr. Robert Lloyd representing our member institutions at the NAICU Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day in Washington, DC, February 1-4.

Joining him were Dr. Anita Gustafson (President, Presbyterian College), Mr. Keith Faulkner (President, Charleston Southern University), and Liz Seman (Chief of Staff, Furman University).

📸 Pictured with Rep. Ralph Norman and also with Rep. Sheri Briggs. Important conversations and strong advocacy for independent higher education in South Carolina.

12/18/2025

🎉 Congratulations to several of our college and university presidents for being recognized as 2025 Honorees in Education on the South Carolina 500 list! 🎓

Dr. Roslyn Artis, Benedict College
Mr. Scott Cochran, Spartanburg Methodist College
Dr. Elizabeth Davis, Furman University
Dr. John Dozier, Columbia College, SC
Dr. Gene Fant, North Greenville University
Mr. Keith Faulkner, Charleston Southern University
Dr. Nayef Samhat, Wofford College

We are incredibly proud of the leadership, dedication, and impact our presidents continue to bring to higher education in South Carolina. This recognition is well-deserved and highlights the important work our institutions are doing to support students, communities, and the future of our state.

Read more about the full list here:
👉 https://scbiz.com/south-carolina-500/education/

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders. From K-12 innovators to university researchers, these education professionals are preparing the next generation of South Carolinians to lead and succeed in an evolving world.

12/11/2025

Great news from the South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission!

The Commission has launched its new Data Center — a comprehensive hub for FAFSA completion data, annual and accountability reports, and historical program information. With interactive dashboards and easy access to key resources, the Data Center offers a clearer look at how the Tuition Grants Program expands educational opportunity across South Carolina.

SCICU appreciates the Commission’s continued leadership and its commitment to transparency and service to students across the state. Thank you for your hard work on this important resource!

👉 Explore the Data Center: https://sctuitiongrants.org/data

🚨 New Resource Alert! 🚨

The South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission has launched its new Data Center webpage — a one-stop hub for FAFSA completion data, annual reports, accountability reports, and historical program information.

With interactive dashboards and easy access to reports, the Data Center makes it simpler than ever to explore how the Tuition Grants Program opens doors to opportunity across South Carolina.

💬 Katie Stevens, Commission Executive Director: “Launching the Data Center is an exciting moment for our agency. We’re bringing together years of work in a format that is transparent, accessible, and genuinely useful.”

💬 Zachary Christian, Deputy Director: “Interactive data visualizations allow for clearer review and understanding… enabling students and stakeholders to explore the impact of the Tuition Grants Program.”

👉 Explore the Data Center today: https://sctuitiongrants.org/data
📖 Read the full news release: https://sctuitiongrants.org/sc-tuition-grants-commission-announces-the-launch-of-data-center-webpage/