Meeting Minutes 12/11/2024
Aiken County Commission for Higher Education
December 11, 2024
Business and Education Building, Room 276
ACCHE Members Present: Teresa Haas, Clarence Jackson, Jackie Busbee, Debra Gantt, Sharon Marra, Sallye Rich, Tim Simmons, Corey Murphy, Dan Heimmermann and Phil Bridgmon.
USCA Staff Present: Mary Driscoll, Brian Enter, Ernest Pringle, Cam Reagin, Ahmed Samaha, Todd Wilkinson, and Julie Radford.
ACCHE Members Not Present: Chip Marvin, LaWana Mckenzie, and Joe Lewis.
Media: Carl Dawson, Aiken Standard
Chair Haas called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. She stated that notice of the meeting had been published in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Motion from Mr. Tim Simmons to approve minutes from the last meeting. Ms. Sallye Rich seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
Chair’s Report: Carl Dawson from the Aiken Standard was introduced and welcomed to the meeting.
Commencement will take place tomorrow evening, celebrating approximately 260 graduates, marking a significant milestone for both the students and the university. On January 8, the dinner meeting with the legislative delegation will provide an opportunity to share updates, highlight the university’s accomplishments, and present any requests. Following this, the joint meeting with the Aiken County Council is scheduled for March 19, offering a similar opportunity to engage with local leaders, share information about the university, and discuss any specific needs.
Executive Committee: No Report.
Finance Committee Report: The total portfolio stands at approximately $4.1 million, with $172,000 added since November. Although cash levels are slightly below target, this is not a concern given current market conditions and the absence of significant planned expenditures. All necessary signatures have been completed, allowing updates to the account, including removing Joe Soberowski’s name.
Buildings and Grounds: Progress continues on the AMC, with completion of construction still expected by June 2025. Collaboration with the SC National Guard and Cyber Integration Center is ongoing, focusing on USC Aiken spaces, currently in the design phase. The softball field is complete, ensuring readiness for the upcoming season. A donor-funded addition to Ruth Patrick’s floor for a mineral display has been completed, with displays to be installed in the coming months.
Preparations are underway for significant summer projects, including the Etherredge Center HVAC replacement, updates to athletics locker rooms, and the design phase for a new soccer stadium, which received JBRC approval this month. Additionally, the Science Building restroom renovations face challenges due to the discovery of severe structural corrosion. Structural engineers are addressing the issue, which could impact restroom funding.
The final draft of the master plan was presented for review, and FY23 deferred maintenance funding is still in progress. The new soccer field project has moved through JBRC Phase Two approval without issues, with design completion anticipated in January.
Regarding AMC, initial planning for a ribbon-cutting event has begun, with further coordination scheduled for January.
Chancellor’s Report: This past week, I attended the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) regional accreditation meeting. As you know, higher education institutions undergo reaccreditation every 10 years, and SACSCOC holds an annual meeting, which this year took place in Austin.
The legislative season is approaching, and preparations are underway for the delegation meeting in January. Legislative requests are being finalized, with key areas of focus including $3.5 million for tuition mitigation and funding to refurbish the science building. This refurbishment is particularly critical given the upcoming completion of the AMC and the South Carolina Guard Cyber Integration Center. The growth of STEM programs, including newly approved degrees in mechanical and process engineering and a proposed Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, highlights the urgent need for modern facilities. The electrical engineering proposal, approved at the campus level, still awaits system and state approval. Letters of support are being collected from various stakeholders, including companies and organizations, to bolster this initiative.
Looking ahead, plans are in place to expand health sciences offerings beyond nursing to include areas such as public health and exercise science. This expansion could eventually lead to the establishment of a College of Health Sciences, requiring the development of additional facilities. Moreover, a federal FY26 request for $1.5 million in equipment for the South Carolina Guard Cyber Integration Center is currently being worked on. This proposal reflects USC Aiken’s progress and ambitions, aligning with priorities outlined in the State of the University address.
The nearly finalized Facilities Master Plan, originating in 2014, presents ambitious opportunities for the next five years. Key highlights include transforming the campus quad into a pedestrian-friendly hub, relocating parking to less visible areas, and improving wayfinding signage to enhance the campus’s functionality and appeal. The plan also identifies potential long-term building sites to support future growth over the next 50–100 years. Public-private partnerships may play a role in these developments, providing amenities for both students and the broader community, following successful models from USC Columbia.
Significant strides have been made in addressing deferred maintenance with state support, though many facilities, including the science building, remain in urgent need of renovation. As STEM and engineering programs continue to grow, ensuring students have access to competitive facilities remains a priority. Efforts are ongoing to refine the university’s vision and prioritize projects based on available funding. Construction on the National Guard Cyber Integration Center is still scheduled to begin in late summer.
In campus events, Dr. Heimmermann expressed gratitude to those who attended last Thursday’s gala and to those participating in tomorrow’s commencement ceremony, which celebrates students and their achievements. Chair Haas commended the men’s basketball team for their historic scoring record and acknowledged the Advancement Office’s efforts, particularly the Pacer Response Fund, which provided $20,000 in financial aid to 138 students for hurricane recovery.
Collaborations with external organizations, such as CNTA and regional entities, were also highlighted. Students developed a comprehensive security policy for CNTA, marking a milestone in applied learning. Additionally, the partnership with Aiken County Public Schools continues to progress, aided by new leadership contacts and promising developments like NDAs for handling sensitive data.
Motion to adjourn meeting by Debra Gantt, second by Corey Murphy. The meeting was adjourned at 5:32 p.m.