The University

USC System Mission Statement

The primary mission of the University of South Carolina is the education of the state’s diverse citizens through teaching, research, creative activity, and service. Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina system is the largest university in the state, serving more than 41,000 students from its flagship Columbia campus, three senior campuses (Aiken, Beaufort, and Upstate), and four regional campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union).

The University of South Carolina is a public institution offering degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Through the primary method of classroom and laboratory instruction and through a secondary method of distance education delivered via the Internet, teleconference and electronic media, degree programs are offered in the following areas: arts and sciences; education; engineering and computing; hospitality, retail, and sport management; mass communications and information studies; music; public health; and social work, and in professional programs such as business, law, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.

With a flagship campus recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a top research and service institution and nationally ranked in start-up businesses, and an eight-campus system that confers nearly 40% of all bachelor’s and graduate degrees awarded at public institutions in South Carolina, the University has a profound relevance, reach, and impact on the people of the state. The University of South Carolina provides all students with the highest-quality education, including the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for success and responsible citizenship in a complex and changing world through engagement in nationally and internationally ranked research, scholarship, service, and artistic creation.

USC Salkehatchie Mission Statement

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, a regional campus of the University of South Carolina, has as its mission to provide higher education and intellectual leadership for its service area. At the heart of this mission is a teaching faculty of high quality dedicated to excellence in instruction, scholarship, public and professional service and creative endeavor which enrich the classroom experience. USC Salkehatchie offers a varied curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and focused on preparing students to continue their education in the University and throughout life.

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie recruits students prepared to succeed in completing a baccalaureate-level education. While the institution does not offer remedial instruction, it is nonetheless able to admit most students who apply due to the close working relationship between students and faculty. Enrollment varies with community need, but is expected to remain at approximately 950 students.

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie was established to encourage higher education in the counties of Allendale, Bamburg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton. The original design of the institution incorporated a flexibility that has allowed changes in institutional capability with increasing educational demands of constituents.

The institution awards the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and provides for the completion of selected bachelor’s degrees on campus through cooperative agreements and delivery structures with other USC System institutions. USC Salkehatchie also provides general education and upper division coursework applicable to baccalaureate degree programs offered through colleges and universities nationwide. In addition to academic coursework, the mission of the campus includes non-credit courses, seminars, and workshops made available to the community for cultural enrichment and professional development.

The traditions of cultural diversity and freedom of thought are valued at USC Salkehatchie. In a learning environment that develops respect for racial, geographical, intellectual, and economic diversity and an awareness of individual, societal, and global responsibilities, USC Salkehatchie promotes courses, activities, and attitudes which influence the life of the mind in men and women and instill in them a thirst to continue learning throughout life.

USC Salkehatchie emphasizes the development of the whole person and especially seeks to foster in students the disciplines essential to an educated citizenry. Core competencies, including the ability to communicate through effective writing and articulate speech; computational and quantitative mastery; creative and critical thinking; and the duties of citizenship are strategically integrated within the curriculum. Classroom experiences, student activities, and physical education programs also provide opportunities for cultural enrichment, leadership development, intellectual growth and interpersonal relationships, all contributing to a sense of self-reliance and a joy of learning.

Accreditation

The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4501 for questions about the accreditation of the University of South Carolina. The accreditation report of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is available to the public in the Office of the Provost and the Office of Institutional Assessment and Compliance and is on reserve at the Thomas Cooper Library on the Columbia campus. 

USC System Officers

Harris Pastides, Ph.D., President
Michael Amiridis, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Leslie G. Brunelli, M.B.A., Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Christopher D. Byrd, M.Ed., Vice President for Human Resources
Susan D. Hanna, B.S., University Treasurer
William F. Hogue, Ed.D., Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Jancy L. Houck, M.A., Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations
Derrick E. Huggins, B.S., Vice President for Facilities and Transportation
Prakash Nagarkatti, Ph.D., Vice President for Research
Walter H. Parham, J.D., General Counsel and Executive Director of Compliance Programs
Dennis A. Pruitt Sr., Ed.D., Vice President fofr Student Affairs, Vice Provost for Academic Support and Dean of Students
Amy E. Stone, M.Ed., University Secretary and Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Edward L. Walton, B.A., SeniornVice President for Administration and Chief Operating Officer 

Western Carolina Commission for Higher Education

David Barnes, D.D.S., Hampton
Reid Boylston III, Barnwell, Chair
Lee Early, Bamberg
Rad Free,Bamberg
Jimmy Frank, Colleton
Lari Gooding, Allendale
William E. Myrick Jr., Allendale
Holbrook Platts, Hampton
Terrell Tuten, Barnwell
Kelvin D. Wright, Colleton

USC Salkehatchie Administration

Ann C. Carmichael, Ph.D., Dean
Roberto Refinetti, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Jane T. Brewer, M.Ed., Associate Dean for Student Services and Registrar
Mark J. Craig, M.B.A. Director of Budget and Finance
Chrissy Holliday, M.S.Ed., Director of Enrollment Management
William A. Sandifer, Ph.D., Director of Human Resources
Charles H. Phillips, Ed.S., Director of Elementary Education Program
Cindy McClure, M.S.N., Director of Nursing Program
Dan Johnson, M.L.I.S, Head Librarian

USC Salkehatchie Community Outreach

Anne P. Rice, Executive Director, USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute

Full-time Faculty

Maureen C. Anderson, Assistant Professor, English, Ph.D., Illinois State University
Carolyn M. Banner, Instructor, University Life, Ph.D., Walden University
Thomas G. Bragg, Assistant Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Florida
Jane T. Brewer, Instructor, University Life, M.Ed., North Carolina State University
Li Cai, Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Ph.D., Ohio State University
Samuel Downs, Assistant Professor, Psychology, Ph.D., Brigham Young University
John E. Eze, Instructor, Business Administration, M.S., Central Michigan University
Sharon Folk, Instructor, Spanish, M.A., University of South Carolina
Carmela V. Gottesman, Assistant Professor, Psychology, Ph.D., University of Delaware
David A. Hatch, Assistant Professor, English, Ph.D., Florida State University
Eran S. Kilpatrick, Assistant Professor, Biology, Ph.D., Clemson University
Wei-Kai Lai, Assistant Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
C. Bryan Love, Assistant Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Maryland
Martha McKevlin, Instructor, Biology, Ph.D., University of Washington
Conrad C. Mehlenbacher, Professor, Art and Theater, M.F.A., University of South Carolina
Sarah E. Miller, Assistant Professor, History, Ph.D., University of Toledo
Fidele Ngwane, Assistant Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., Auburn University
John Peek, Instructor, Criminal Justice, M.S., University of South Carolina
Roberto Refinetti, Professor, Psychology, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
William A. Sandifer, Instructor, University Life, Ph.D., South Carolina State University
Joseph B. Siren, Instructor, History, M.A., Auburn University
Rodney Steward, Assistant Professor, History, Ph.D., Auburn University
Hussein Zeidan, Associate Professor, Chemistry, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

Emeriti Faculty

Arthur H. Mitchell, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, History, Ph.D., University of Dublin
John D. Spooner, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Biology, Ph.D., University of Florida
Lawrence D. Strong, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Mathematics, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

Part-time Faculty

Shannon S. Belangia, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A., University of South Carolina
Norman A. Brown, Adjunct Instructor, Religion, D.Min., Chicago Theological Seminary
Carl Brunson, Adjunct Instructor, Mathematics, M.S.E., University of Michigan
Ana L. Cueto, Adjunct Instructor, Spanish, M.A., University of South Carolina
Charles Dorman, Adjunct Instructor, Physical Education, B.A., Wofford College
Janet DuBois, Adjunct Instructor, Music, M.M., Northwestern University
Constance D. Ferguson, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A., Ohio State University
Roberta Green, Adjunct Instructor, History, M.Ed., University of South Carolina
Frank Martin, Adjunct Instructor, Art, M.A., CUNY Hunter College
Duncan McDowell, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A., Texas Tech University
Pauline Zidlick, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A.T., The Citadel

History

USC Salkehatchie was established in 1965 as a regional center of the University of South Carolina as a result of local civic commitment initiated by residents from Allendale, Bamberg, and Hampton counties who organized a movement to create a regional campus in 1964. The General Assembly of South Carolina responded to this momentum by creating the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission, which is composed of two representatives from each of the participating counties. Barnwell County joined the compact three years later, followed by Colleton County in 1984.

The commission contracted with the University’s Board of Trustees to provide the facilities for a University center, while the University provided administrative and academic support. The center was named Salkehatchie after the river that runs through all five counties that support the campus.

A former elementary school in Allendale provided the first building for the new campus, and the academic program was initiated in the fall of 1965, with eight part-time faculty and 76 students. Student enrollment nearly doubled the following school year. Political support by community residents persuaded the legislature to provide additional support. Several measures were taken by the University to strengthen the regional campuses throughout the system and, with the appointment of a regional provost, administration was improved. Campus directors were given power to formulate budgets, and the state legislature began to provide a per-student contribution. Thus the task of increasing student enrollment was successfully undertaken, with student numbers increasing in succeeding years. Today nearly 1,000 enroll yearly at the campus.

The first non-University review of the campus came in 1968, when the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools visited Salkehatchie in the fall for an accreditation visit. The committee expressed a positive view of the efforts being made to develop both the program and the facilities at the new institution.

The expansion of facilities began in June 1972 when the Allendale Hut Complex, composed of two historic log cabin structures erected during the WPA movement, was deeded to the campus by Allendale County. USC Salkehatchie now owns facilities adjacent to the original building that now house faculty offices and the Extended Graduate Campus program. To provide for future expansion, the campus commission purchased 65 acres of adjoining land in February 1975. A master plan has been developed for future expansion of the campus. The Science/Administration Building was built in 1981, and in 1983 the campus added the Salkehatchie Civic Arts Center. A 29,500 square-foot Library/Computer Science Building was built in 1991 and is located next to the Science/Administration Building in the central part of campus. Also in 1991, the Sarah T. Winthrop Foundation donated an additional 94 acres adjacent to the original location, bringing the current holdings to over 150 acres.

Students, faculty, and community patrons use the Salkehatchie libraries in Allendale and Walterboro tens of thousands of times each year. To meet the needs of these patrons, the library provides a wide variety of services. In addition to being able to check out any of more than 57,000 books, patrons have access to more then 18,000 ebooks online. Salkehatchie library users can listen to music in the form of records, cassettes, and CD materials or new video, DVDs, and other multimedia and educational materials. They can read more then 150 current magazines and examine local, state, and national newspapers.  Patrons have access to online full-text and citation-based resources, can learn to do research, or utilize Internet access for research and investigation. Computers with word processing, spreadsheet, and powerpoint software are also available.

Beginning in 1978, USC Salkehatchie reached out to Walterboro by offering six courses there for the convenience of Colleton County residents. Today, nearly 100 courses are offered each semester, enabling residents of that area to work toward associate’s degrees. In the fall of 1982, the former Walterboro High School building and support facilities became vacant, allowing Salkehatchie to establish a permanent second location to its campus holdings. In 1991 the campus commission purchased additional acreage, providing a permanent site for USC in the historic district of downtown Walterboro. In 1994, the campus opened the Peden McLeod Library. This library, housed in the building behind the main building, is named after strong USC supporter and Walterboro resident Peden McLeod. In 2004, Colleton County donated two additional buildings to the campus that are now the Walterboro Science Building and the Walterboro Research Center Building.

Salkehatchie is proud of its contributions to the community that supports it. An outreach program offers courses in local high schools for academically talented seniors. An evening program of courses was begun in September 1976 with ten classes, but community response resulted in the rapid expansion of the evening program. The campus also sponsors an annual artist and lecture series, as well as workshops, seminars, and other programs of community interest.

Since 1965 USC Salkehatchie has provided opportunities in higher education to thousands of students who might otherwise have missed the chance for a college education. As the campus has grown, so has its educational, cultural, and economic impact on the community. Today the campus boasts an internationally and culturally diverse faculty dedicated to providing quality educational experiences to students.

USC Salkehatchie is also committed to the economic growth and development of its five-county service area. The USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute opened in 1998 as a result of the cooperative effort of the University of South Carolina, the Allendale County Chamber of Commerce, BellSouth, South Carolina State University, Clemson University, U.S. Rural Development, the S.C. Commission on Minority Affairs, the S.C. Department of Commerce, the S.C. Downtown Development Association, and Leadership South Carolina. The mission of the institute is to provide programs for leadership development and to serve as a catalyst for community and economic development in the region. The center has been instrumental in generating grant funding for county programs and providing leadership training for county officials and citizens of the area. In addition, the Leadership Institute recently developed the USC Salkehatchie Entrepreneurial Development Center to foster small business development and ownership in order to stimulate economic progress in the five-county service area. The EDC establishes relationships with existing entrepreneurs and cultivates new business ownership. It provides the research and training necessary for successful micro-business ownership in an ever increasingly competitive economic environment.

The Salkehatchie Healthy Communities Collaborative began in March 2005. The mission of the collaborative is to enhance community wellness through education, prevention, and intervention. The primary purpose is to provide to adults and children in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, and Hampton counties who are living at or below poverty level the same health care opportunities that other citizens currently enjoy. Because the mission of USC Salkehatchie is twofold, to provide quality higher education opportunities and to serve as a resource to the communities it serves, USC Salkehatchie serves as the convener for the collaborative, providing facilities for meetings and a campus site for the wellness center.

The Salkehatchie Consortium, an organization of school districts in partnership with USC Salkehatchie, was organized during the 1979-80 school year by representatives of surrounding school districts and Salkehatchie personnel. The consortium provides staff development activities to meet the needs of the member districts with graduate courses, workshops, networks, and recertification credits for teachers employed in the districts. The office of the director is located in the Education Building on the West Campus.

Academic Organization

The highest academic officer on the Salkehatchie campus is the associate dean for academic affairs (“academic dean”). The faculty is organized in four divisions: Social Sciences, Arts and Languages, Mathematics and Science, and Professional Studies.

The division of Social Sciences includes the disciplines of geography, government, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology. Arts and Languages includes the disciplines of art, English, foreign languages, music, speech, and theater. Mathematics and Science includes biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and statistics. And Professional Studies includes accounting, business administration, computer science, economics, education, nursing, office administration, and physical education.

Current officers are:

Academic Dean: Roberto Refinetti, Ph.D
Chair of Social Sciences: Carmela V. Gottesman, Ph.D
Chair of Arts and Languages: C. Bryan Love, Ph.D
Chair of Mathematics and Science: Eran Kilpatrick, Ph.D
Chair of Professional Studies: John Peek, M.S.

General Education Goals

Upon completing core curriculum requirements, USC Salkehatchie degree-seeking students will possess the following skills and demonstrate knowledge in the following content areas.

Skills

1. Oral and Written Communication
   • orally communicate clearly and effectively
   • write compositions that are sufficiently coherent, unified, and developed
   • write prose that is clear, understandable, and free from such errors in grammar and mechanics as would obstruct reader comprehension
   • have knowledge of library research methods and mechanics
   • read with understanding
2. Computational and Numerical
   • make good consumer decisions
   • read and interpret mathematical information contained in newspapers and magazines
   • demonstrate calculator competency
   • solve problems using the basic properties and operations of mathematics
   • demonstrate computer competency
3. Critical Thinking
   • use inductive and deductive reasoning to draw conclusions
   • recognize bias in reasoning
   • recognize inconsistencies in reasoning

Content Areas

1. Humanities
   • understand the basic elements of fiction, poetry, and drama
   • analyze works of literature in the three major genres of fiction, poetry, and drama
2. Natural Sciences
   • understand the scientific method
   • understand the application of scientific principles to daily life
3. Social and Behavioral Sciences
   • understand and critically analyze the behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions in society
   • understand the cultural, political, economic, or social contexts and developments that shape people’s lives

Students who attend USC Salkehatchie with the intent of transferring to a baccalaureate degree granting institution without earning an associate’s degree will possess the knowledge and skills to do upper-level work at those institutions.

Service Goals for USC Salkehatchie

• to increase the availability of a variety of cultural and recreational experiences to students and the community
• to provide increased opportunities to community members for enrollment in credit and noncredit continuing education offerings
• to increase links between USC Salkehatchie and the area business community
• to encourage increased usage of library services by members of the community

Special Programs and Opportunities

Branch Program

The Branch Program is a specially designed course of study for students who do not meet regular admission requirements because of test scores or other circumstances. These students may be admitted to the Branch Program at a regional campus by the local admissions committee. Students interested in this program should contact the admissions office at USC Salkehatchie for further information about entrance and progression requirements.

Students who participate in the Branch Program do not enjoy free movement to the Columbia campus. Upon completing 30 hours with a 2.00 grade point average, branch students may change to regular student status. At the end of 30 hours, if branch students do not have the requisite 2.00 GPA, they must continue in this category until they have a 2.00 average. Students in the branch category wishing to change campuses to Columbia must have a minimum 2.00 GPA or permission of the Columbia admissions committee and must meet the entrance requirements of the particular college of the Columbia campus to which they are changing.

Nondegree Seeking Students

Students who wish to take courses for personal interest and who are not interested in pursuing a degree may apply to USC Salkehatchie as nondegree seeking students and be admitted for no more than 30 credit hours through a simplified admissions process.

Extended Graduate Campus Program

The Extended Graduate Campus (EGC) serves the greater University community by administering graduate programming (course work as well as degree programs) offered by USC Columbia anywhere away from the Columbia campus, regardless of delivery mechanism. Programs offered through the EGC are designed to meet the needs of traditional and nontraditional students, businesses/organizations, and the community at large.

Credits toward graduate degrees in business administration, education, engineering, journalism, library and information sciences, nursing, public health, and social work may be earned on the USC Salkehatchie campus through the EGC. Graduate credit meeting other requirements (such as certification and licensure) may also be earned through the EGC.

Utilizing the entire range of educational technology, from live instruction to Web-based instruction, television, and videotaped course work, residents of the region are able to take advantage of the resources of a much larger university without leaving their home area. Students interested in additional information regarding the programming opportunities available in their region should contact the Extended Graduate Campus Program Office at USC Salkehatchie, located in the Extended Graduate Campus Program building.

Palmetto Programs

Palmetto Programs are baccalaureate completion programs housed in the division of Regional Campuses and Continuing Education and taught by the faculties from the University’s four regional campuses of Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union, with invited participation from the Aiken, Beaufort, Columbia, and Upstate campuses. The name of the program is noteworthy in that it incorporates South Carolina’s official tree as a symbol for service and outreach to the state.

Independent Learning by Correspondence

Independent learning courses are designed for students who are unable to attend classes on campus. Teachers and persons in business fields often find these courses useful for professional development, and many take courses for self-improvement.

Admission. Independent learning courses may begin at any time. Formal admission to the University is not required. However, degree-seeking students are responsible for determining that courses are applicable for their purposes. An application must be completed for enrollment. Textbooks may be ordered from the University bookstore. A textbook order form and price list are included in the Independent Learning Bulletin.

Academic Regulations. The courses offered through independent learning meet the same University standards of prerequisites and sequence that are required in residence work. The maximum time for completion of a course is 12 months from the date of enrollment. The minimum time limit for completion for a college-level course is two months from the date of enrollment.

University of South Carolina students who wish to enroll in independent learning courses must secure the approval of the dean of the school or college in which they are registered. Students planning to transfer independent learning credits to another institution should secure the approval of that institution prior to enrollment.

A maximum of 30 semester hours earned through independent learning may be applied toward a degree. Students who wish to take independent learning courses during the last 30 semester hours of degree credits must petition for permission through the dean of the school or college in which they are majoring.

Examinations. Examinations must, when possible, be taken at the University. Otherwise, the examination must be supervised by an official approved by the Office of Distance Education and Instructional Support.

In order to receive credit for an independent learning course, a student must make a passing grade on the final examination. Students are expected to maintain a passing average on all written assignments, but the assignment grades will not be counted toward the final grade unless the student passes the final examination.

Teacher Certification. Independent learning credits may be applicable for educator certificate renewal. Specific questions concerning South Carolina certification or renewal of teaching credentials should be directed to the Division of Teacher Certification, South Carolina Department of Education, Columbia, SC 29201. Teachers in other states should contact that state’s department of education.

For further information, contact the Office of Distance Education and Instructional Support, 915 Gregg Street, Columbia, SC 29208, 803-777-7210 or toll free at 800-922-2577.

Opportunity Scholars

The Opportunity SACholars Program at USC Salkehatchie is a Student Support Services program funded by a federal TRIO grant. The program provides eligible students with services such as tutoring, academic advisement, and financial-aid advisement. The ultimate goal of all these services is to help students earn their baccalaureate degree.

For more information, contact the office at 803-584-3446, extension 251, or stop by the Opportunity Scholars Program office on either campus.

University 101

University 101 is a three-hour seminar course open for credit only to freshmen and other undergraduate students (i.e. transfer students) in their first semester at USC Salkehatchie. This course provides an introduction to the nature and importance of university education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the University.

The course helps new students adjust to the University, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire essential academic survival skills. It also provides students a support group in a critical year by examining problems common in the new-student experience. Extensive reading and writing assignments relevant to the student’s college experience are required.

Organized in small groups of 20-25 students, University 101 is taught by faculty members and administrative personnel who have a special interest in working with new students. The course may be taken as part of a student’s regular load or as an overload. Course credit is awarded on a letter-grade basis. Credit is applicable as elective credit toward almost all baccalaureate degrees offered by the University.

Baccalaureate Degree Course Work

The Salkehatchie campus of the University of South Carolina offers courses that may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree awarded by other institutions. Students may choose from a number of major fields of study. For a complete list of academic programs offered at Salkehatchie, see Academic Programs.

Community Outreach

Salkehatchie Leadership Institute

The USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute was created in 1998 by a collaborative of local, state, and federal entities. The primary mission is to stimulate economic development in the rural counties of Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, and Hampton in South Carolina. The Institute has continued to build partnerships and coalitions locally, regionally, and on a statewide basis to facilitate leadership development, community development, and economic development. Since its inception, the Institute has served over 1700 youth and adults through leadership training and workshops and has been instrumental in generating over $14 million in grant funding for county, community, and economic development programs. The Institute was awarded the “Innovator’s Award” from the Southern Growth Policies Board in 2003 recognition for the cutting edge critical role that it is playing in the region’s development. In 2006, the Institute Director was named Regional Economic Development Ambassador. The Center also serves as an ambassador for rural counties, with representatives serving on numerous regional and statewide boards as a voice for the needs of rural communities. Since 1998, the legislature has provided in recurring below the line funding that partially funds personnel for the Institute. This investment has been extremely beneficial for the area served. Other major funding has been provided by USDA Rural Development.

Goals

• Serve as a catalyst for economic development in the five-county region.
• Provide leadership training for high school students, adults, and local officials.
• Provide small business development training and technical assistance, including assistance with business plan development, identification of market trends, and location of funding sources.
• Provide technical assistance to local governments and non-profit organizations, to assist with sustainability and project development.
• Support economic development through job creation.
• Collaborate with community organizations and USC team leaders to make this a successful model project for other rural communities.

Program Description

The Institute operates through three Centers to carry out its mission.

1. Center for Business Development

Goal - Serve as a catalyst for economic development for the region

Successful small businesses are the basis for a stable and vigorous economy. The Center provides small business training and technical assistance to current and prospective business owners. Services include small business classes, hands-on business counseling, and assistance with

2. Center for Leadership Development

Goal - Strengthen Leadership and Building Human Capacity

Dynamic Leadership is essential for the creation and sustainability of economic development. The Center now provides 9 leadership programs that serve more than 100 people annually. These programs serve both youth and adults ranging from basic leadership training for emerging leaders to advanced training for existing leaders. Basic to these programs is the emphasis on community involvement and connectivity

3. Center for Community Development

Goal - Serve as a resource center for community development

Coalitions and collaborations are essential for the best use of scarce resources. - The center serves as a resource center and a central point of reference for groups and organizations to facilitate community development in the five-county region. The center builds and maintains partnerships and collaborations to work on solutions for community problems and to strengthen fund-seeking efforts.

USC Salkehatchie Healthy Communities Collaborative

Founding Partners

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina (SOC) and the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie (USC Salkehatchie) are founding partners of the Salkehatchie Healthy Communities Collaborative (the Collaborative). The SOC was the first to fund the Collaborative. Since the Collaborative was developed four years ago, the Sisters of Charity Foundation and other private funding partners have brought more than $2.3 million into Allendale and its surrounding communities. A federal diabetes grant has brought an additional $375,000 in diabetes assistance into Allendale County.

Vision

The vision of the Collaborative is to enhance community wellness through education, prevention, and intervention and to provide the same health care opportunities to adults and children in Allendale County and surrounding communities who are living at or below poverty that other citizens currently enjoy.

Structure

The Collaborative is guided by a board of directors and an advisory board. These entities serve as a forum of selected leaders to work collectively to sustain the current Collaborative programs and determine future strategic initiatives that enable the citizens of Allendale County and surrounding communities to be self reliant and less dependent on the state.

Program Partners

By working with program partners like Allendale County Hospital, the Allendale Campaign to Address Teen Pregnancy, Low Country AHEC, Region 5 DHEC, the SMILES Dental Clinic, Welvista, Healthy Learners, Low Country Healthy Start, the Allendale County Schools and the Low Country Health Care Systems, Inc., the Collaborative is able to provide services to citizens that otherwise may go without.

The Collaborative, through its working program partners, funders, and advisory board members, continues to provide health opportunities in an area with challenges, as all struggle against high poverty, a shifting economic base, and limited development opportunities.

Speaker’s Bureau

Salkehatchie faculty and administration have formed a speaker’s bureau, with all members of faculty and administration available to speak on their individual disciplines or special interests. Listings of speakers are available to schools, civic groups, and the general public through the academic dean’s office.