The University

USC System Mission Statement

The primary mission of the University of South Carolina System is the education of the state’s diverse citizens through teaching, research, creative activity, and community engagement. This public university system serves students from its flagship Columbia campus, three comprehensive universities (Aiken, Beaufort, and Upstate), and four regional Palmetto College campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union).

The University of South Carolina System offers degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Through classroom and laboratory instruction delivered in a variety of face-to-face and distance learning formats and modalities, degree programs are offered in the following areas: arts and sciences; business; education; engineering and computing; hospitality, retail, and sport management; information and communications; law; medicine; music; nursing; pharmacy; public health; and social work.

With a flagship campus recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a top research and community engaged  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 System 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 Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus is a branch campus of the University of South Carolina Columbia. Salkehatchie 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. The Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus offers a varied curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and focused on preparing students to continue their education in the University of South Carolina System and throughout life.

The Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus 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. The Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus 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.

Through classroom and laboratory instruction delivered in a variety of face-to-face and distance learning formats and modalities, 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 University of South Carolina System institutions. The Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus 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 the Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus. In a learning environment that develops respect for racial, geographical, intellectual, and economic diversity and an awareness of individual, societal, and global responsibilities, 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.

The Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus 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 Columbia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The regional Palmetto College campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union) are branch campuses of the University of South Carolina Columbia; the branch campuses’ accreditation is dependent on the continued accreditation of the University of South Carolina Columbia. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of South Carolina Columbia.

USC System Officers

Harris Pastides, Ph.D., President
Leslie G. Brunelli, M.B.A., Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Christopher D. Byrd, M.Ed., Vice President for Human Resources
Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., Vice President for System Planning
Douglas R. Foster, M.S., Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Joan T. A. Gabel, J.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
J. Cantey Heath Jr., M.A., University Secretary and Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Jancy L. Houck, M.A., Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations
Derrick E. Huggins, B.S., Vice President for Facilities and Transportation
Patrick M. Lardner, B.S., University Treasurer
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 and Vice Provost for Academic Support 
Edward L. Walton, B.A., Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief Operating Officer

Western Carolina Commission for Higher Education

Reid Boylston III, Barnwell, Chair
Jacqueline Callender, Colleton
Lee Early, Bamberg
Rad Free, Bamberg
Jimmy Frank, Colleton
Lari Gooding, Allendale
Rose Ann Mixson, Hampton
Holbrook Platts, Hampton
Belton O. Sanders IV, Allendale
Terrell Tuten, Barnwell

USC Salkehatchie Administration

Ann C. Carmichael, Ph.D., Dean
C. Bryan Love, Ph.D., Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Jane T. Brewer, M.Ed., Associate Dean for Student Services and Registrar
Jessica W. All, M.B.A., Director of Budget and Finance
Vacant, Director of Enrollment Management
Patricia Fears, Ed.D., Director of Elementary Education Program
April R. Cone, M.S.N., Director of Nursing Program
Dan Johnson, M.L.I.S, Head Librarian

USC Salkehatchie Community Outreach

Heather Judy, Director of USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute

USC Salkehatchie Academic Support Staff

Jessica W. All, M.B.A., Director of Budget and Finance, Maintenance Supervisor
Kenneth R. Bellamy, Head Softball Coach
Jane T. Brewer, M.Ed., Associate Dean of Student Services, Director Walterboro Campus, Athletic Director
Carmen Brown, Director of Admissions and Records 
Margaret T. Carter, Administrative Assistant to the Dean 
April R. Cone, Academic Program Manager, Nursing 
Kevin E. Crosby, Academic Advisor, Opportunity Scholars Program 
Cheasta Scheller, IT Help Desk Manager
Lomattie Hutchinson, Library Assistant
Charles Dorman, Head Baseball Coach
William Glass, Head Women’s and Men’s Soccer Coach 
Suzanne Goodson, Bookstore/Grants Manager, Business Office 
Jessica L. Goodwin, Library Manager, Walterboro
Julie Hadwin, Director of Financial Aid
Lamar Hewett, Jr., Bookstore Manager, Walterboro 
James Herndon, Trades Specialist II, Walterboro
Brenda Hightower, Environmental Health and Safety
Joseph G. Hughes, Jr., Recruiter
Tony Jackson, Regional Admissions Representative, Palmetto College
Dan Johnson, Head Librarian
Heather Judy, Director, Leadership Institute
Trent Kinard, Sports Information Director
Bryce King, Supervisor, Wellness Center 
Glen Mayo, Head Women’s Basketball Coach
Anastasia Montjoy, Counselor Financial Aid
Patricia M. Nesmith, Administrative Assistant, Opportunity Scholars Program 
Kenneth T. Padgett, Maintenance Supervisor, Walterboro
Raymond D. Potts, Information Resource Consultant, Walterboro
Dawn Rizer, Athletic Website
Latoya E. Robinson, Director, Opportunity Scholars Program
Haley Rowe, Coordinator, Human Resources
Stephanie Sanders, Administrative Assistant, Academic Dean and Faculty
Cheasta L. Scheller, Library Assistant, Allendale
Dwight Shabazz,Building/Grounds Specialist III, Allendale
Joyce M. Shaffer, Library Assistant, Walterboro
Eric Simpkin, Director of Student Activities
Sheila Smoak, Administrative Assistant, Director of Walterboro Campus
Amy Stanley, Fiscal Technician, Business Office
Robby Thomas, Assistant Director, Student Services 
Melissa Tomlinson Hooks, Returning Student Enrollment Manager
Sabrina Walker-Padgett, Recruiter, Walterboro 
Gayle S. Walsh, IT Consultant
April C. Williams, Administrative Assistant, Nursing 
Joseph Wayne Williams, Head Men’s Basketball Coach 
Vacant, Volleyball Coach
Vacant, Administrative Assistant, Admissions
Vacant, Director of Enrollment Management

Faculty

Carolyn M. Banner, Instructor, University Life, Ph. D., Walden University
Shannon S. Belangia, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A., University of South Carolina
Jane T. Brewer, Instructor, University Life, M.Ed., North Carolina State University
Norman A. Brown, Adjunct Instructor, Religion, D.Min., Chicago Theological Seminary
Douglas B. Bullock, Adjunct Instructor, Math, M.Ed., The Citadel
Elaine Burdge, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A., The Citadel
Bryan Burnett, Adjunct Instructor, Biology, Doctor of Medicine, St. George’s University
Francis M. Burns, Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Ph.D., University of Toledo
Li Cai, Associate Professor, Chemistry, Ph.D., Ohio State University
Sherry Cawley, Adjunct Instructor, Theater, M.F.A., University of Georgia
Ana Cueto, Adjunct Instructor, Spanish, M.A., University of South Carolina
Charles Dorman, Adjunct Instructor, Physical Education, B.A., Wofford College
Samuel Downs, Assistant Professor, Psychology, Ph.D., Brigham Young University
Janet DuBois, Adjunct Instructor, Music, M.M., Northwestern University
Constance D. Ferguson, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A., Ohio State University
Carmela V. Gottesman, Associate Professor, Psychology, Ph.D., University of Delaware
Stephanie Gruber, Adjunct Instructor, Computer Science, M.A., South Carolina State University
Kenneth Hartzog, Adjunct Instructor, Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic, Life University
David A. Hatch, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., Florida State University
Jeffrey J. Irwin, Adjunct Instructor, Business, M.B.A., University of South Carolina
Vicki Jacobi, Adjunct Instructor, Music, B.S., Northwestern University
Lesley Jamison, Adjunct Instructor, Management, M.A., Webster University
Anna Jonason, Adjunct Instructor, Nursing, Doctor of Philosophy, Medical College of Georgia
Eran S. Kilpatrick, Associate Professor, Biology, Ph.D., Clemson University
Wei-Kai Lai, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
Louis J. Lemacks, Adjunct Instructor, Criminal Justice, M.C.J., University of South Carolina
C. Bryan Love, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Maryland
Magellan Mambou, Adjunct Instructor, Math, M.A., World Education Services
Frank Martin, Adjunct Instructor, Art History, M.A., CUNY Hunter College
Joslyn M. McCully, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A., Clemson University
Duncan McDowell, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A., Texas Tech University
Martha McKevlin, Senior Instructor, Biology, Ph.D., University of Washington
John Reaves McLeod, Adjunct Instructor, Political Science, J.D., University of South Carolina
Conrad C. Mehlenbacher, Professor, Art and Theater, M.F.A., University of South Carolina
Sarah E. Miller, Associate Professor, History, Ph.D., University of Toledo
Daniel W. Milligan, Adjunct Instructor, Sociology, M.S., Indiana State University
Fidele Ngwane, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., Auburn University
Chester Palmer, Adjunct Professor, Political Science, University of Northern Colorado
Curtis M. Parker, Adjunct Professor, Math, M.S., Syracuse University
John Peek, Senior Instructor, Criminal Justice, M.S., University of South Carolina
Melissa J. Rack, Assistant Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Tennessee
Brian Reid, Adjunct Professor, Biology, M.A., The Citadel
William A. Sandifer, Instructor, University life, Ph.D., South Carolina State University
Larry J. Saunders, Adjunct Professor, Criminal Justice, B.A., University of South Carolina
Deborah J. Seabrook, Adjunct Professor, Psychology, M.Ed., The Citadel
Martin L. Shealy, Adjunct Professor, Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic, Life University
Joseph B. Siren, Senior Instructor, History, M.A., Auburn University
Rodney Steward, Associate Professor, History, Ph.D., Auburn University
Tammy B. Washington, Adjunct Instructor, Public Health, Masters of Public Health, University of South Carolina
Ashley-Ann D. Woods, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A. University of New Orleans
Benjamin J. Wooster, Adjunct Instructor, Philosophy, Ph.D., University of Oregon
Margaret B. Young, Adjunct Instructor, Foreign Language, Spanish, M.A., University of South Carolina
Hussein Zeidan, Associate Professor, Chemistry, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
Pauline Zidlick, Adjunct Instructor, English, M.A.T., The Citadel

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
Hussein Zeidan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Chemistry, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

History

USC Salkehatchie was established in 1965 as a regional center of the University of South Carolina.  Its origins lay in the prior year’s passionate, well-organized appeal for greater access to higher education from a group of residents in Allendale, Bamberg, and Hampton counties.  In response, the General Assembly of South Carolina created the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission, composed of two representatives from each of the participating counties. (Over time the commission was expanded beyond the original three counties: Barnwell County joined the compact in 1967, followed by Colleton County in 1984.) The commission contracted with the University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees to provide the facilities for a regional center for the University, while the University provided administrative and academic support.

The center was eventually named USC Salkehatchie after the river that runs through all five counties that support the campus, but initially it was named after its first location, Allendale.  A former elementary school in Allendale provided the first building for the new campus and the institution’s academic program was launched in the fall of 1965 with eight part-time faculty and 76 students. From these beginnings the campus quickly grew. The following school year student enrollment nearly doubled, and soon community leaders persuaded the legislature to provide additional support. The University appointed a regional provost and took several additional measures to strengthen all of its regional campuses.  Campus directors were given power to formulate budgets, and the state legislature began to provide a per-student contribution. At USC Salkehatchie, residents’ needs and dedicated recruiting efforts led to a steady increase in student numbers. Now over 1,100 students enroll yearly at the campus.

The first non-University review of the campus came in the fall of1968, when a team from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools traveled to Salkehatchie for an accreditation visit. The committee expressed a positive view of the efforts being made to develop both the programs and the facilities at the new institution.

Expansion of facilities began in June 1972 when the Allendale Hut Complex, two historic log-cabin structures erected during the Works Progress Administration movement, was deeded to the campus by Allendale County. USC Salkehatchie also took ownership of facilities adjacent to its original building; these facilities now house faculty and administration offices. To provide for future expansion, the campus commission purchased 65 acres of adjoining land in February 1975.  A master plan for expansion of the campus was developed.  The Science/Administration Building was built in 1981, and the campus added the Salkehatchie Civic Arts Center in 1983. Next a 29,500 square-foot Library/Computer Science Building was built near the Science/Administration Building in 1991. That same year the Sarah T. Winthrop Foundation donated an additional 94 acres adjacent to the original location.

Beginning in 1978, USC Salkehatchie reached out to Walterboro by offering six courses there for the convenience of Colleton County residents. 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, located near the main building, is named after strong USC supporter, Walterboro resident, and former state Senator 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. With expansion, USC Salkehatchie’s total holdings surpassed 200 acres.  Today, nearly 100 courses are offered in Walterboro each semester, enabling residents of that area to work toward a variety of college degrees.

Beyond the addition of a second location, USC Salkehatchie consistently has expanded its educational reach.  In September 1976 an evening program of courses began at Salkehatchie with a total of ten classes offered.  Community response resulted in the rapid expansion of evening class offerings.  Additionally, Salkehatchie began a highly impactful outreach program that offers courses in local high schools for academically-talented seniors. 

Moreover, two four-year degrees serving the needs of the region have been offered at USC Salkehatchie though partnerships with other  campuses.  The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program is conducted in partnership with USC Aiken.  The core requirements are completed as USC Salkehatchie courses.  Upper-level courses, administered through USC Aiken and taught by its faculty, can also be completed at the USC Salkehatchie campus.  The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is conducted in partnership with the College of Nursing at USC Columbia. General education and lower-level courses (the first two years of the degree program) are completed as USC Salkehatchie courses.  Upper-level nursing courses are offered on the USC Salkehatchie campus through USC Columbia with most clinical practice in local hospitals and clinics. 

Yet another enhancement in academic opportunities came with the development of a University program called Palmetto Programs, which expanded course offerings across the regional campuses via technologically-advanced “smart classrooms” and provided opportunities for students to work toward select multidisciplinary four-year degrees on the Salkehatchie campus.  Then, in 2012 the University and legislature enthusiastically moved forward with the creation of Palmetto College, an online-degree-completion program.  Palmetto College was envisioned as a way for students whose college work had been interrupted by various life circumstances to complete their USC degrees without having to be near a brick-and-mortar campus, but it also created numerous new avenues for students at or near USC’s two-year campuses to earn four-year degrees without relocating. Soon an administration, headed by a Palmetto College Chancellor, was set up to oversee this innovative effort.   By design, USC’s two-year regional campuses were brought under the umbrella of Palmetto College, with the new administration blended with the regional campuses’ existing administration, governing body, and committees.  With this change, USC Salkehatchie officially became a Palmetto College campus with expanded course offerings and degree opportunities.

One key way USC Salkehatchie fulfills its mission is through its library system.  Students and faculty use the Salkehatchie libraries in Allendale and Walterboro tens of thousands of times each year. Additionally, community residents are permitted to check out books from the print collection.  To meet the needs of all of its patrons, the library provides a wide variety of services. In addition to being able to check out many of the more than 61,000 books, patrons have online access to more than 325,000 electronic books. Moreover, Salkehatchie library users may access music, movies, and other multimedia and educational materials. For example, the library holds a large collection of classical music CDs, and it holds a good collection of classic movies, screen versions of plays, documentaries, and educational materials on DVD.  Patrons have access to numerous print and online journals and magazines, as well as local, state, and national newspapers.  Patrons also have access to various research aids, including online full-text databases and general Internet access for research and investigation.

Beyond the classroom, USC Salkehatchie has thriving intercollegiate sports teams that compete at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) level.  Organized athletics at USC Salkehatchie began in 1972 with club-sport basketball.  By 1976 a basketball team entered NJCAA competition.  Today USC Salkehatchie fields six teams that compete at the NJCAA level: baseball, men’s basketball, men’s soccer, softball, women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball.  These programs contribute to the diversity of the student body, and home games are events to which many local residents enthusiastically rally.

USC Salkehatchie is deeply committed to the economic growth and development of its five-county service area. To this end, the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute opened in 1998 as a result of the cooperative efforts of the University of South Carolina, the Allendale County Chamber of Commerce, BellSouth, South Carolina State University, Clemson University, United States Rural Development, the South Carolina Commission on Minority Affairs, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the South Carolina 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 Leadership Institute has been instrumental in generating grant funding for county programs and providing leadership training for county officials and citizens of the area. Additionally, the institute’s workforce development activities strive to ready workers for tomorrow’s opportunities. Through a grant funded by the United States Department of Energy, the Leadership Institute conducts programs geared toward USC Salkehatchie students as well as K-12 students preparing for higher education. One focus is retaining local talent for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) jobs forecasted to be available over the next 20 years.

USC Salkehatchie is proud of its contributions to the communities that support it. Since 1965 it 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.  Today the campus boasts an intellectually and culturally diverse faculty dedicated to providing quality educational experiences to students. The campus also sponsors lecture series, workshops, seminars, and other programs of community interest.  Through a broad range of activities, Salkehatchie has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting and improving the communities in its footprint.

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: C. Bryan Love, Ph.D
Chair of Social Sciences: Rodney Steward, Ph.D
Chair of Arts and Languages: Thomas Bragg, 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

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.

Palmetto College

Palmetto College is part of the USC system, offering convenient campus locations and online bachelor’s degree completion programs for all South Carolina students

Students  will begin on one of our four Palmetto College campuses, where they will receive their first two years of college credit. USC Lancaster and USC Union in the northern part of the state, USC Salkehatchie in the low country and USC Sumter in between are all options to complete the first 45 credit hours.

Finish Online

Once the student  has  45 credit hours from any accredited college, he or she can complete his or her bachelor’s degree online.  And because Palmetto College is part of the USC system, a Palmetto college diploma will carry the same credibility and weight as any other four-year degree from the University of South Carolina.

This is the complete list of the 14 Palmetto College Majors:

• Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration
• Business Administration with a Management Concentration
• Criminal Justice
• Elementary Education
• Health Informatics
• Health Promotion
• Hospitality Management
• Human Services
• Information Management and Systems
• Information Science
• Liberal Studies
• Organizational Leadership
• RN-BSN Nursing
• Special Education

Opportunity Scholars

The Opportunity Scholars 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 2000 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 Center also serves as an ambassador for rural counties, with representatives serving on numerous local and regional boards as a voice for the needs of rural communities. Since 1998, the legislature has provided 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 through a referral relationship wth the Small Business Administration.
• 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 coordinates 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.

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.