South Carolina State University to Receive $8 Million for STEM Research

Orangeburg, South Carolina

South Carolina State University (SCSU) is thrilled to announce that it is slated to receive an $8 million state allocation for STEM research and workforce development in partnership with the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). The administration has stated that this considerable investment will allow the University to take its College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation (STEM-T College) to new heights in both teaching and research.

Revitalizing Hodge Hall

The funds will go toward campus developments, including the employment of new faculty, student internships and scholarships, the establishment of three Centers of Excellence, and updates to the STEM-T College labs. Industry-experienced faculty hired for this initiative will dedicate the majority of their time to STEM research with a portion reserved for classroom teaching.

Hodge Hall, one of the three historical buildings on campus dedicated to STEM instruction and research, is set to undergo extensive renovations funded by alternate sources.

Turning Vision into Reality

Recognizing the importance of STEM education in today’s rapidly evolving world, Dr. Alexander Conyers, President of SCSU, has hailed the state’s commitment as a ‘visionary milestone’ in the University’s development

. Dr. Conyers is aiming to upgrade SCSU to a Research II (R2) status university, making it a more competitive option for federal and corporate funding for research-driven initiatives.

The intended result is not just an uplifted University, but enhanced job prospects for graduates in a booming market for STEM professionals. Dr. Frederick Evans, SCSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, said: “Expanding access to STEM education empowers our youth to innovate, create, and drive our state’s future economic success.”

The Path Towards Future Success

SCSU’s STEM-T College plans to build a robust research infrastructure that will deliver increased national and international visibility. Other key initiatives to look forward to are the placement of faculty jointly appointed at SRNL in mission-relevant areas, and the establishment of two pre-college institutes: the Summer Bridge Program for younger students and the Summer Science Institute for teachers.

SCSU is proud to be the only institution in South Carolina and the only HBCU (historically Black college or university) in the nation that offers a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. The University points out that this fact magnifies the importance of investing in the SRNL project.

As we witness the rise of SCSU in the STEM world, this opportunity promises to take education and innovation to newer, higher level. Insiders say that this is just the beginning of many great things to come from SCSU.