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

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.