Higher education in South Carolina

[clt29301]

College magazine rankings are fairly worthless as schools often report statistics with little guidance, some with less integrity than Enron, and some schools do not participate at all. But, according to Forbes, Southern Conference Schools are represented well, here are the latest rankings for SC schools.........Wofford #58, Furman #90, The Citadel #265, Converse #270, USC # 284, Clemson # 338, North Greenville # 365 & CofC # 423.

[CorgiMatt]

USC ranks as a Tier 1 university at #111 in US News & World Report's just-released 2011 rankings. The school gets a very nice write-up. I think this is a pretty good ranking considering USC's broad mission in such a poor state. The article sets the school's stronger programs apart, presenting them as special opportunities. The historic charm of the original campus, the urban setting and the modern attitude are mentioned.

http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/columbia-sc/university-of-south-carolina-3448

[GvilleSC]

And.... Clemson University ranked at 23 among public universities. I guess that's pretty good in such a poor state.

Furthermore, Clemson was recognized for its commitment to students and teaching. I think it helps that Clemson gets to appoint more trustees to its board than the state, making it a 'private public university.'

[CorgiMatt]

Here's a public service announcement from USC about the rankings. Their international business school remains number one. Also, their first year experience program is highly rated. The undergraduate insurance program is number 10. And USC-Aiken is the number one public regional college in the South. USC-Upstate is number 4. And USC overall moved up three places this year in the rankings. They are now number 52 among public schools. May the mission remain broad as SAT scores rise.

http://www.sc.edu/news/newsarticle.php?nid=1179

Edited August 18, 2010 by CorgiMatt

[Spartan]

Because of South Carolina's backwards thinking legislature, higher education is going to probably loose out on $143 million in federal stimulus funding. The all knowing general assembly cut funding to higher education once again this fiscal year, leaving a $110 million gap to meet the funding requirements to be eligible for the federal money.

Meanwhile, Gov Sanford and Sen Leatherman are complainingabout the fact that tuition rates have been rising too much.

How is South Carolina supposed to maintain high level universities without raising tuition when the legislature keeps cutting funding, and the governor opposes stimulus funding?

It's really no wonder things are the way they are in South Carolina.

[krazeeboi]

Obviously, SC doesn't put a high premium on education, but this seems to be a new low. It's just so sad that even in the 21st century, the state acts like it's the 19th in terms of priorities.

Oh, but let some company express interest in locating a manufacturing facility in the state, and legislators will scramble to find tens to hundreds of millions of dollars in incentives to give away.

[Spartan]

Exactly.

[GvilleSC]

Clemson University announced today the public phase of its "Will to Lead" capital campaign. The $600 million campaign is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2012. To date, the campaign has raised over $433 million (since 2007), creating 224 new scholarships and fellowships, funding 79 faculty positions such as endowed chairs and professorships and new facilities are planned, under renovation or have been built.

It's great to see Clemson University continue to raise the bar for public education in the state of South Carolina. Not only is it nice to see the University realizing its goals (both long-term and near), but it's great to see the alumni and community supporting the school and its agenda, which includes attracting, growing, and retaining both high quality students and faculty.

[Spartan]

The students at USC-Beaufort seem to be interested in a name change for their campus. Some want to change "Beaufort" to something that has a more regional appeal to it. Some options that have been discussed include:

• USC-Sea Islands
  
• USC-Atlantic
  
• USC-Lowcountry
  
• USC-Palmetto Coast
  
• USC-Southern
  
• USC-Hilton Head
  

This is an interesting contrast to USC-Spartanburg, which had its name forcefully changed to USC-Upstate.

If a change is to be made, I would support USC-Lowcountry since it would be a logical counterpart to USC-Upstate. That said, I still prefer the 'city-based' naming approach, as I have never been a fan of the change from USCS to USC-Upstate.

The State

[goodbye]

TechReadySC - TechReady SC

TechReadySC, a collaboration of five Upstate South Carolina technical and community colleges and the S.C. Technical College System office, has begun the “Dream it. Do it.” initiative. The mission of the program is to engage, educate and employ a skilled and proficient work force in advanced manufacturing careers.

Source: Effort aimed at building skilled work force in Upstate » Anderson Independent Mail

While I'm not sure how this effort will increase the productivity of our tech/community schools, collaboration in education is always positive.

Edited October 14, 2010 by Skyliner

[Spartan]

Agreed. I wish they were more specific about it.

[GvilleSC]

Clemson University ranks 3rd among public research universities whose alumni give back to the school. 28% of Clemson's alumni donate money to the school, tying it with Georgia Tech for the 3rd spot. This is great to see, especially in a down economy!

This also comes during Clemson's ambitious "Will to Lead" campaign that aims to raise $600 Million by July 2012. The running total currently sits at $456 Million as of today. The money raised, will go directly toward recruiting and retaining the most promising students, attracting and keeping leading teachers and researchers, and supporting initiatives that make Clemson's education exceptional and builds a knowledge-based economy that drives innovation (clemson.edu).

Edited December 16, 2010 by GvilleSC

[CorgiMatt]

USC ranks in the top 50 for best value on this year's Princeton Review/USA Today list. Carolina is movin' on up.

http://www.thestate.com/2011/02/24/1709783/usc-ranked-a-best-value.html

[krazeeboi]

The Centers of Economic Excellence, which many people called the Endowed Chairs program, is now called SmartState. The program’s chairwoman said the new identity will better reflect the program’s purpose: transforming South Carolina into a “smart state” that can compete for high-paying jobs based on the value of its knowledge and innovation.

[Spartan]

I didn't know South Carolina had such a group. Interesting.

[krazeeboi]

You didn't know about the Endowed Chairs program???

[Spartan]

Not specifically. After reading that article, I've heard about their research funding initiatives- I've just not made the connection that it was all tied to that one group.

[GvilleSC]

Clemson University's "Will to Lead" fundraising campaign has hit the $500 million mark! This was their initial goal, but raised their aspirations to $600 million after a strong initial phase and enthusiasm among the volunteer leaders. The goal's deadline is June 30, 2012, leaving only $100 million to raise in the final year!

Since its beginnings in 2006 (while it was in the "quiet phase" of fundraising), 273 scholarships and fellowships, and 89 endowed chairs, professorships and other funded faculty support programs have been established!

More than half of the "major" gifts received during this fundraising effort have been first time gifts.

This is our state's private-public university at work!

[CorgiMatt]

The University of South Carolina's Master's of Fine Arts Program is now ranked in the top 50 nationally. I have a B.A. in English from Carolina, and if I went into the MFA program I'd opt for the nonfiction creative writing track. At any rate I'm proud of the ranking.

http://www.pw.org/files/topfifty_secured.pdf

[GvilleSC]

The Journal has reported that The University of South Carolina Moore School of Business will move into a building in downtown Greenville in January. This has been rumored on here for a little while, but we're finally seeing some snippets in the media about it. I'm sure additional details will emerge soon. No word yet on exactly what will be offered or where exactly this will be located (other than being "off Main"- which is not really a surprise). USC will join the presence of Clemson University's MBA program and the Renaissance Center, as well as Brown Mackie College as educational opportunities in the immediate Central Business District.

[krazeeboi]

USC's recent expansions in the Upstate (med, business schools) is quite beneficial to the region and to the state as a whole. As long as resources aren't spread too thin, this should continue to pay dividends into the future.

On a related note about state universities having widespread state impact, a Clemson official says that SC is poised to take a leadership position in the wind energy industry because of manufacturers in the state, its offshore wind capacity, and the Clemson Restoration Institute. GE Energy in Greenville builds the most wind turbines in the United States; Santee Cooper’s Palmetto Wind project is studying wind conditions on the coast between Georgetown and Myrtle Beach; and now, the state is adding the largest quality control center in the world for offshore wind turbines. Great combination of factors to have for the state to take a leading role in developing this industry.

[GvilleSC]

USC's recent expansions in the Upstate (med, business schools) is quite beneficial to the region and to the state as a whole. As long as resources aren't spread too thin, this should continue to pay dividends into the future.

The great thing about the medical school expansion is that (as far as I understand it) it will not cost the state anything. I think the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center is the one really pushing for this and is also footing some (or most) of the bill? I'm sure someone knows more and can clarify...

[Spartan]

USC announced today that it has initiated the Carolina's Promise capital campaign with a $1 billion goal. This sets a record fundraising goal in the state of South Carolina. The campaign is a part of the university's Focus Carolina strategic plan.

Specifically, the Carolina's Promise campaign is intended to raise funds to:

• Expand funding for student scholarships, fellowships and financial aid.
  
• Accelerate discoveries and technology transfer via faculty research.
  
• Enhance recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty.
  
• Make USC more competitive with peer universities by improving academic facilities, technologies and living-learning environments for students.
  
• Strengthen the health of individuals and communities in South Carolina and beyond.
  
• Secure USC’s future by building the endowment.
  

This campaign will certainly contribute to the continued excellence of USC in attracting and retaining the best students, faculty, and research.

Edit: Here is the link to USC's Carolina Promise Campaign website:

As an aside, it's interesting that with large capital campaigns, universities and other entities will raise half of the funds before announcing that it exists.

[CorgiMatt]

USC's dean of the College of Arts and Sciences has received a highly distinguished designation.

http://www.columbiabusinessreport.com/news/41731-usc-dean-elected-president-of-council-of-colleges-of-arts-and-sciences?rss=0

[CorgiMatt]

In the first ever ranking of public university honors colleges, USC's is #1.

http://www.sc.edu/news/newsarticle.php?nid=3293#.T3RRz9mFuS6