University of South Carolina Aiken: An Overview 2012-2020
University Recognitions and Awards
2012-13
- 2013 US News Best Colleges: Regional Colleges South (Public) #1
- Chronicle of Higher Education, 2013 Great Colleges to Work For
2013-14
- 2014 Military Friendly School
- 2014 US News Best Colleges: Regional Colleges South (Public) #2
- 2014 US News Best Colleges for Veterans: Regional Colleges South
- 2014 US News Best Colleges Undergraduate Business Programs
2014-15
- 2015 Military Times Best For Vets Colleges
- 2015 Military Friendly School
- 2015 Military Advanced Education & Transition Top School
- 2014 Tree Campus USA Recognition
- 2015 US News Best Colleges: Regional Colleges South (Public) #1
- 2015 US News Best Colleges for Veterans: Regional Colleges South
- 2015 US News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- 2015 US News Best Online Graduate Education Programs
- Chronicle of Higher Education, 2014 Great Colleges to Work For
2015-16
- 2016 Military Times Best For Vets Colleges
- 2016 Military Friendly School
- 2016 Military Spouse Friendly School
- 2016 Military Advanced Education & Transition Top School
- 2015 Tree Campus USA Recognition
- 2016 US News Best Colleges: Regional Colleges South (Public) #1
- 2016 US News Best Colleges for Veterans: Regional Colleges South
- 2016 US News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- 2016 US News Best Online Graduate Education Programs
- 2016 US News Best Colleges Campus Ethnic Diversity: Regional Colleges South
- 2016 US News Best Colleges Economic Diversity: Regional Colleges South
2016-17
- 2017 Military Times Best For Vets Colleges
- 2017 Military Friendly Silver School
- 2017 Military Advanced Education & Transition Top School
- 2016 Tree Campus USA Recognition
- 2017 US News Best Colleges: Regional Colleges South (Public) #1
- 2017 US News Best Colleges for Veterans: Regional Colleges South
- Chronicle of Higher Education, 2016 Great Colleges to Work For
2017-18
- 2018 Military Times Best For Vets Colleges
- 2017-18 Colleges of Distinction
- 2018 Military Friendly Bronze School
- 2018 Military Advanced Education & Transition Top School
- 2017 Tree Campus USA Recognition
- 2018 US News Best Colleges: Regional Colleges South (Public) #1
- 2018 US News Best Colleges for Veterans: Regional Colleges South
2018-19
- 2019 Military Times Best For Vets Colleges
- 2018-19 Colleges of Distinction
- 2018-19 Colleges of Distinction Field of Study Recognition: Business
- 2018-19 Colleges of Distinction Field of Study Recognition: Education
- 2018-19 Colleges of Distinction Field of Study Recognition: Nursing
- 2018-19 Military Friendly Bronze School
- 2018 Tree Campus USA Recognition
- 2019 US News Best Colleges: Regional Colleges South (Public) #1
- 2019 US News Best Colleges for Veterans: Regional Colleges South
- 2019 US News Best Colleges Undergraduate Business Programs: Overall
- 2019 US News Best Colleges Best Value Schools: Regional Colleges South
2019-20
- 2020 Military Times Best For Vets Colleges
- 2019-20 Colleges of Distinction
- 2019-20 Colleges of Distinction Field of Study Recognition: Business
- 2019-20 Colleges of Distinction Field of Study Recognition: Education
- 2019-20 Colleges of Distinction Field of Study Recognition: Nursing
- 2019-20 Career Development Colleges of Distinction
- 2019-20 Military Friendly Bronze School
- 2019 Tree Campus USA Recognition
- 2020 US News Best Colleges: Regional Colleges South (Public) #2
- 2020 US News Best Colleges for Veterans: Regional Colleges South
- 2020 US News Best Colleges Undergraduate Business Programs: Overall
- 2020 US News Best Colleges Campus Ethnic Diversity: Regional Colleges South
- 2020 US News Best Colleges Most Innovative Schools: Regional Colleges South
- 2020 US News Best Colleges Top Performers on Social Mobility: Regional Colleges South
- 2020 US News Best Colleges Best Value Schools: Regional Colleges South
2020-21
- 2020-21 Colleges of Distinction
- 2020-21 Colleges of Distinction Field of Study Recognition: Business
- 2020-21 Colleges of Distinction Field of Study Recognition: Education
- 2020-21 Colleges of Distinction Field of Study Recognition: Nursing
- 2020-21 Career Development Colleges of Distinction
- 2020-21 Military Support Colleges of Distinction
- 2020-21 Military Friendly Bronze School
- 2021 US News Best Colleges: Regional Colleges South (Public) #1
- 2021 US News Best Colleges for Veterans: Regional Colleges South
- 2021 US News Best Colleges Best Value Schools: Regional Colleges South
- 2021 US News Best Colleges Economic Diversity: Regional Colleges South
- 2021 US News Best Colleges Top Performers on Social Mobility: Regional Colleges South
- 2021 US News Best Colleges Undergraduate Engineering Programs: Overall Non-Doctorate
- 2021 US News Best Colleges Undergraduate Business Programs: Overall
(2020-21 is still underway)
New Degree Programs and Concentrations
Program Additions:
- BA Art
- BA Chemistry
- BA Communications & Digital Arts
- BA Music
- BFA Writing
- BS Applied Computer Science
- BS Applied Mathematics
- BS Clinical Laboratory Science
- BS Earth Systems Science
- BS Industrial Process Engineering (now ABET Accredited)
- MEd Educator Leadership
- MBA Masters in Business Administration
Program Upgrades:
- BA Early Child Education – added Sumter campus completion program
- BA Elementary Education – added Salkehatchie completion program
- BA Education – added Sumter campus program
- BA Special Education – added online completion program
- BS Applied Computer Science – added online completion program
- BS Psychology – added online completion program
- BS Business Administration – added online completion program
- BS Nursing – added Sumter campus program
- BS Nursing – added Union campus program
- MEd Educator Leadership – new online program
- MBA – new online program
(2020-21 is still in progress)
University Enrollment
From 2012 to 2020 University Student Enrollment is up 20%, with the largest % of growth in online and graduate programs.
UofSC Aiken is a university committed to access and opportunity. Over the past nine years, under-represented students have increased by 22%.
UofSC Aiken has maintained one of the lowest tuitions in the state.
Veteran and Military Student Enrollment
Between 2012 and 2020 Veteran and Military Student enrollment has increased 2245% (not a typo!).
University Finances
The University’s financial position has improved over the past decade, even though tuition increases have been modest.
State Appropriations have increased by 78.15%.
Fund Balance has increased by 109%.
Fundraising
Dr. Jordan led the university through its first comprehensive campaign.
The University of South Carolina Aiken's current endowment assets have seen a 112% increase since Dr. Jordan started. Our donors have also increased 101% during this time.
UofSC Aiken received the 2016 Council for Advancement in Education (C.A.S.E.) “Overall Improvement” in Fundraising.
Our Family Fund continues to have an average of 85% participation and has been as high as 92% during Dr. Jordan’s tenure.
Projects such as the All Steinway Campaign and the More Than a Game Campaign reached their goal.
During this time, the university’s first multi-million dollar commitment of $3M has been committed as a future estate intent.
University Partnerships
ADP:
- Summer Scholars Institute
Aiken County Economic Development Partnership (EDP): Partnership on Campus
Aiken County Public School System:
- The Scholars Academy
- Call Me Mister
- Dual Enrollment Program
Aiken Regional Medical Centers:
- COVID-19 Testing
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
- Women’s Life Cycle Fund
Aiken Symphony Orchestra:
- Summer Director’s Program
Aiken Technical College:
- MLK Annual Celebration and Diversity Scholarships
- Curricula alignment and several educational grants through the SCCRO
Amentum/Savannah River Remediation:
- College of Engineering and Sciences Innovative Fund
AT&T:
- Future City Program
AAUW:
- Book Fair Partnership and Endowed Scholarship
Bridgestone Americas:
- Bridgestone Environmental Education Program (B.E.E.P.)
- Bridgestone Endowed Professorship
- Bridgestone Endowed Chair in the Sciences
City of Aiken:
- Aiken on the Alley (use of downtown building)
- Oktoberfest Celebration
- Mardi Gras Celebration
- Art Wraps Downtown
- Hope Garden Partnership during the holidays
- Town/Gown Committee
Department of Energy:
- The Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative
Department of Energy Environmental Management (DOE-EM):
- Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers (WORC)
First Tee:
- The More Than a Game project with UofSC Aiken Athletics
Fort Gordon:
- Delivery of programs, including Cyber Security
Gregg-Graniteville Foundation:
- Library Partnership and Scholarships
Kimberly Clark:
- The First Tee Project
South Carolina National Guard:
- Dream Port
- Cyber security
Savannah River National Laboratory (S.R.N.L):
- Science on Tap
- STEM in the Alley
- Collegiate Affiliate Program
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (S.R.N.S.)
- Endowed Chair in Engineering
- Veterans Center – Enhanced Training and Internships
- Emerging Leaders Training Program
- SRNS Scholarships and Internships
Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO):
- WORC program and partnership
SCANA:
- College of Engineering and Science Start-Up
- RPSEC Solar Curriculum
Small Business Development:
- Space on campus
- Consulting services
Steinway & Sons:
- “All Steinway” Partnership
Town and Country:
- Partnership program and Scholarships
University Hospital:
- Collaboration on B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science
International Educational Partners
- Ajeenkya DY Patil University, India
- GOA University, India
- Jamia Hamdard University, India
- Sanjay Ghodawat International School, India
- Swaminarayan Gurukum Vishwavidya Pratishthanam (SGVP), India
- Vidyalankar School of Information and Technology (VSIT)
- IESEG School of Management (IESEG), France
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
- Yokohama City University, Japan
UofSC Aiken: 15 New or Reaffirmed External Accreditation Reviews since 2012
Agency |
Institution or Area Covered |
Last Review |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
University of South Carolina Aiken |
Upcoming in 2021 |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
School of Business Administration degree programs |
2020 |
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) |
School of Education degree programs |
2020 |
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) |
Master of Education in Educational Technology |
2016 |
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) |
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Early Childhood Education) |
2018 |
Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) |
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Elementary Education) |
2020 |
Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) |
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Middle Level Education) |
2018 |
National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) |
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Secondary Education – Social Studies) |
2019 |
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) |
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Secondary Education – English) |
2018 |
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) |
Bachelor of Science in Education (Secondary Education – Sciences) |
2018 |
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) |
Bachelor of Science in Education (Secondary Mathematics) |
2019 |
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) |
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Special Education) |
2019 |
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) |
Bachelor of Arts (Music) |
2015 |
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
School of Nursing degree programs |
2016 |
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Initial Accreditation |
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Process Engineering |
2017 |
Master in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) |
Master of Science in Applied Clinical Psychology |
2014 |
Athletic Accomplishments
- 4 teams reached DII Elite Eight
- 1 team reached DII Final Four
- 31 teams invited to NCAA tournament
- 13 Peach Belt Championship teams
- 24 All-Americans
- 10 Academic All-Americans
Major Renovation Projects: 2012-2020 (selected projects, not inclusive of ongoing repairs)
- Pedestrian Bridge over Bell Highway
- University Blvd Entrance:
- Nat Stetson Circle
- “SPIRIT Fountain”
- New “Achievement” Gates and fencing
- Master Plan, Updated
- Penland Updates and HVAC System
- Humanities Building Interior Renovations
- Outdoor FirePlace Patio, Student Activity Center
- Commuter Lounge, Student Activity Center
- Naming of Campus Roads and New Campus Building and Directional Signs
- Starbucks and new Starbucks Patio
- Bookstore Renovations
- Repurposing Existing Maintence Building for Aiken Scholars Academy and USCA offices (2021)
- Patio and Gardens in honor of the Salley Family
- Business and Education Building Renovations
- Gregg Graniteville Learning Commons
- Convocation Center Roof Replacement
- Ruth Patrick Science Education, Planetarium Renovation
- Relocation of Maintenance and Auxiliary Services Building (will be completed by end of fall 2020)
- Renovations and Updates in Housing:
- New HVAC and tank-less water heaters, Balcony Repairs
- Gaming Center, Pacer Commons
- Updates to technology and wireless services
- Updated fire repression systems
- Ettheredge Center, Stage Rigging (planned for 2021)
- Science Building, Vent hood replacement (planned for 2021)
- Science Department, Greenhouse Constructed, 2015
- Campus Vegetable Gardens Created, 2014
- Major Natatorium/pool renovation and upgrades
- Upgrades to Campus Energy and Building Control Systems
- Various HVAC life-cycle replacements across campus
- New 200 Ton Chiller at Convocation Center
- Comprehensive underground utilities study and documentation for Campus
- Various campus beautification projects and updates within the Quad, Convocation Center, entrance on College Station Road, and across campus
- Fine Arts, Kiln Assembly
Chancellor Jordan’s Current and Recent Service
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Board of Directors (SACSCOC) 2012-2017; and Executive Board
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Chair of the Principles Review Committee
- NCAA Board of Governors, Board Member and Executive Board
- NCAA Division II, Chair of the President’s Council and Executive Council
- Peach Belt Conference, Council of Presidents, Chair and Executive
- South Carolina Women in Higher Education, Board of Directors
- Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization Board
- Nuclear Workforce Initiative (NWI) Task Force
- United Way of Aiken County Board of Directors
- North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
- The Strom Thurmond Foundation Board, (legislative appointment)
- American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Board of Directors
- Aiken Rotary Club, member
- Aiken Corporation, Board of Directors
- Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors and Executive Board
- Southern University Conference (formerly served as President, Vice President, and Sec./Tres)
- Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, Board of Directors
- Aiken Symphonic Orchestra, Board of Directors
- South Carolina Citizens Reuse Organization, Board of Directors (legislative appointment)
- Citizens for Nuclear Technology Education, Board.
- Leadership Development for Presidents and Cabinet Level Positions:
- New President’s Academy, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, faculty.
- Millennium Leadership Institute, American Academic Leadership Institute, mentor.
- Executive Leadership Academy (and New Provost Leadership Development), AASCU, faculty.
- UofSC System Leadership Development Program, presenter.
Chancellor Jordan Recognitions
- Who’s Who Women in South Carolina, 2020, The Community Times.
- Aiken Standard’s Woman of the Year, 2019
- James T. Rogers Distinguished Leadership Award from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), “for extraordinarily distinctive and effective leadership,” 2018.
- Emerald Award Winner, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., for service to the community and commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, Aiken Chapter, 2018.
- Selected as a Riley Diversity Fellow, Furman University, 2017.
Earlier Recognitions
- Selected for 21st Institute Leadership Program by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (national program), 2009.
- Governor Deal appointed Dr. Jordan to the state taskforce to create a new model for higher education funding for Georgia, 2010.
- Governor Patton awarded Dr. Jordan with designation of “Kentucky Colonel,” in recognition of state service, 2003.
- Governor Patton awarded Dr. Jordan with a Certificate for Contributions to the Arts in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, 2001.
- Selected as a “Master Teacher” for BACE (Birmingham Area Consortium of Higher Education, 5 universities, five master teachers selected), 1998.
- Distinguished Teacher Award, College of Fine Arts, University of Montevallo, 1991-1992.
- Distinguished Teacher Award, College of Fine Arts, University of Montevallo, 1996-1997.
- Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, 1992- present (President of UM Chapter, 1995-1996 and 1997-1999). Campus Coordinator, Murray State University, 2005-2007.
- Dr. Jordan has been awarded tenure at several universities: University of Montevallo, 1992; Eastern New Mexico University 1999; Murray State University, 2000; Mississippi University for Women, 2007; Georgia College and State University, 2009; and the University of South Carolina Aiken, 2013. Dr. Jordan holds the rank of Professor at UofSC Aiken.