South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities - SCICU

🎉 SCICU is grateful to announce the renewal of a $42,000 gift from Sonoco In Action in support of the SCICU Scholars Program!

For more than 70 years, Sonoco has been a dedicated partner in advancing higher education in South Carolina, contributing over $2.8 million to SCICU and its students. This latest investment will provide scholarship support to deserving students attending SCICU member institutions across the state, helping them pursue their educational goals and prepare for successful careers.

Sonoco’s continued investment reflects its commitment to strengthening communities, expanding access to higher education, and empowering students to reach their full potential. Through this generous gift, Sonoco In Action continues its legacy of creating opportunities and fostering student success across South Carolina.

Read the full press release here: https://scicu.org/sonoco-in-action-renews-42000-commitment-to-south-carolina-independent-colleges-universities/

Sonoco In Action Renews $42,000 Commitment to South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities Sonoco In Action Renews $42,000 Commitment to South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities June 15, 2026 by SC Independent Colleges & Universities Columbia, S.C. — South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) is pleased to announce a $42,000 gift from The Sonoco Foundation, ...

SCICU was proud to host the 2nd Annual Legislative Conference for Higher Education Leadership on June 4 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, bringing together higher education leaders from across South Carolina for a day of professional development, collaboration, and policy discussions.

Attendees participated in breakout sessions led by Wade Kolb of Wyche, P.A., Carrie Mata, Ph.D., SCICU Coordinator for Data & Research, and CapinCrouse, LLC, with opportunities to earn up to 4.5 hours of CPE credit.

The conference concluded with a luncheon program featuring keynote speaker Stephanie T. Giesecke of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), followed by presentations from Katie Stevens, Executive Director of South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission, and Macey Webb, Counsel, SC House Education and Public Works Committee on issues impacting higher education in South Carolina.

Thank you to our generous sponsors—CapinCrouse, LLC, Collegiant Financial Group, PrimeSource, NFP, TIAA, Protocall, and Instructure—for making this event possible.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a successful day dedicated to advancing independent higher education in South Carolina.

We are excited to announce that South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities received a grant from the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation for our Student Lifeline Program. Lifeline Grants help SCICU students persevere through financial crises, stay in school, and complete their degrees.

🎉 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/

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.

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 | Procurement Solutions for SCICU Members 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, ...

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/

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.

Clyburn presents ceremonial check for $1M investment into Morris College Morris College announced a new project to establish its small business entrepreneur incubator center.

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 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...

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.