Meeting Minutes 1/10/2024
Aiken County Commission for Higher Education
January 10, 2024
Penland Administration Building, Room 110
ACCHE Members Present: Jackie Busbee, Tim Simmons, Teresa Haas, Joe Lewis, Debra Gantt, LaWanna McKenzie, Clearence Jackson, Jackie Busbee, Sallye Rich and Dan Heimmermann
USCA Staff Present: Brian Enter, Mary Driscoll, Todd Wilkinson, Ahmed Samaha, Cam Reagin, Christen Engel, Ernest Pringle, Dan Robb, and Julie Radford.
ACCHE Members Not Present: Sharon Marra, King Laurence, Chip Marvin, Clearance Jackson
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. Jackie Busbee seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
Chair’s Report: Chair Haas wanted to thank everyone who attended the Joint Legislative Delegation Meeting. She thought that there was great attendance from the Commissioners and the Legislative Delegation. The media coverage of the event was great, including a photo of Dr. Heimmermann on the front page of the Aiken Standard. She reported also that Senator Setzler is transitioning out of our district and not seeking reelection. The senator is the most senior member of the state senate with 47 years of service. Chancellor Heimmermann wll cover the Governor’s FT2025 Budget request. There are a few we need to be aware of.
The invitation was sent out for the Aiken County Council Joint meeting for March 6th at 5:30 pm. The goal of the meeting is to continue educating and informing County Council members of the benefit and value of USC Aiken. Gary Bunker agreed the meeting should be an annual event.
Chair Haas reminded all attendees that May is the last meeting until September.
Executive Committee: No Report
Finance Committee Report: Due to Mr. Chip Marvin not attending the meeting, Cam Reagin gave updates on the finances. He shared the only expenditure for the month of December, was for Carmen Williams gift certificates. The markets look very promising throughout the month of December and those results are in the portfolio. Cam Reagin shared that the total value increased to $146,786.69 during the period of November to December. The cash balance is $270,053.96, well above the target of $166,761.20. This means depending on what happens with the market, it may be necessary to reinvest.
Chair Haas shared the winner of the Sherri Jenik Endowed Scholarship fund is Kelly Mobley. Haas also shared information regarding Ms. Mobley, such as she is going to school for Special Education.
Buildings and Grounds: Brian Enter shared the AMC building is progressing on schedule. He mentioned information was sent out regarding the cyber disciplinary plans. The softball field construction is about to be sent out to bid participants. The renovation of the first floor of the library is being sent out to bid for renovation to start. It may continue through the summer and the plan is to be opened before fall semester starts. Currently, a new road is being put in for the Athletic complex, along with a curb and gutter. The new administration offices are almost complete, the current plan is to move faculty or staff in the second week of February.
Brian shared other larger projects are coming up such as HVAC renovations and new roofs. The machine shop is complete, but the only issue is, waiting on a transformer from Dominion. The question arose about if there is an update regarding the water line, and if there is not one.
Chancellor’s Report: Dr. Heimmermann thought the Joint Delegation Meeting was a success and thought the legislative funding requests were ambitious but tactical. The reoccurring requests were $4.9 million in tuition mitigation, $1.8 million for cyber and engineering program enhancements. There were new requests such as $50 million for the engineering and cyber building. The Chancellor shared this was based on his meeting with the House Speaker, but we have received help from others such as Senator Graham. Other requests include The Pacer Collaboration Research Center for $2.85 million, expanding Nursing/Health sciences building for $20 million, Penland building welcome center for $2 million, student activities Renovation and expansion for $20 million, and student recruitment enrollment marketing support for $1 million. The governor did submit his budget request for tuition mitigation, it was $940,000 and $3 million for deferred maintenance. Another request was for $3 million to do a study of the universities and colleges in the state of South Carolina. Dr. Heimmermann is optimistic that our legislative delegation will assist with our requests. On January 24th, we will present it to the House Ways and Means Committee.
The Chancellor mentioned Dr. Thayer McGahee is looking into increasing cap sizes on courses, not by much. A serious issue is salary compression, certain professors are making the same as a 10-year professor, which should not be the case. There is a budget planning committee currently being put together to find a way to be more efficient and appeal for faculty.
Motion to adjourn meeting by Mr. Tim Simmons, Seconded by Mr. Joe Lewis. Meeting adjourned at 5:32 p.m.