SC State Board of Trustees votes to reaffiliate with Advancement Foundation
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University’s Board of Trustees voted Thursday to reaffiliate with the SC State University Advancement Foundation, a move designed to enhance philanthropic opportunities while maintaining the university’s relationship with the longstanding SCSU Foundation.
University leaders stressed that honoring donor intent remains the first and foremost priority.
“This reaffiliation reflects our commitment to creating more ways for supporters to give back while protecting the legacy of trust that has guided generations of SC State donors,” said SC State President Alexander Conyers. “With the Advancement Foundation focused on the capability for special fundraising, we will have the flexibility to meet urgent needs, fund special projects, sponsor research and invest strategically in our students, faculty and facilities. At the same time, our donors can be assured that their wishes will always be respected.”
Board of Trustees Chairman Douglas D. Gantt said the decision represents a step forward in strengthening the university’s financial foundation.
“The Board acted with one clear purpose: to provide South Carolina State University with the strongest possible framework for philanthropic support,” Gantt said. “By continuing our partnership with the SCSU Foundation and reestablishing the Advancement Foundation, we are expanding the options available to donors while ensuring their intent is honored with the highest level of integrity.”
The decision comes as SC State builds momentum through The Power of SC State Capital Campaign, which is galvanizing alumni, corporate partners and friends of the university. The campaign supports scholarships, academic innovation, faculty research and campus renewal.
In the past year, SC State recorded $11.5 million in private support, the highest annual total in more than a decade. Alumni giving rose 41% year-over-year, with 3,183 alumni contributing to the university. The alumni giving rate climbed to 15.2% surpassing both the national average of 8% and the 10% average among historically Black colleges and universities. Overall donor participation also reached a record 4,218 contributors to the university’s mission.
“This decision builds on the trust we’ve earned with alumni, friends and partners,” said Dr. John M. Lee Jr., vice president for university advancement and strategic communications. “The Advancement Foundation provides new flexibility to meet the university’s most pressing needs while always honoring donor intent. It also positions us to sustain the momentum of The Power of SC State Capital Campaign and the historic growth in giving we’ve seen over the past year.”
Both the SCSU Foundation and the Advancement Foundation are independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that support the university’s mission. The coordinated approach will allow SC State to increase flexibility in the use of unrestricted funds for scholarships, academic programs and campus improvements.
“Donors will see no disruption in their giving experience,” Conyers said. “Instead, they will see a university that is better positioned to serve its students and to carry out its mission as South Carolina’s only public historically Black college or university.”
The SC State Board of Trustees also adopted a new policy regarding affiliated foundations and organizations, establishing minimum requirements, guiding principles and consistency for how independent nonprofit entities may support SC State. The policy affirms that these groups remain legally separate while aligned with the university’s mission, with clear standards to ensure accountability.
Nashiba Boyd, the university’s general counsel, noted that the policy was brought forth as part of an overall effort to update SC State’s policies in all areas of the university. She said the administration will work with each affiliated entity to establish new agreements in keeping with the policy’s details.