South Carolina Commission on Higher Education Introduces New Advisory Committee

Columbia, S.C.–The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE), in partnership with The Hunt Institute and the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO), will convene education, business and government leaders from across the state for the newly formed South Carolina Higher Education Advisory Committee. Under the new leadership of Dr. Rusty Monhollon, president and executive director of the CHE, the Committee will work to support efforts to drive change in the state’s higher education policy.

The Committee, led by former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges, includes a diverse group of stakeholders who will develop a set of recommendations that will build on the statewide higher education Public Agenda, which was developed by the CHE in 2017.

Meeting for the first time on October 24 in Columbia, S.C., the Committee will discuss strategies to increase dual enrollment opportunities for all students as well as efforts to help families understand and cover the cost of higher education. The Committee will meet for two additional in-person meetings over the next four months before final recommendations are made.

“The Hunt Institute is excited for this partnership with the Committee and the CHE to help South Carolina make progress toward statewide higher education goals,” said The Hunt Institute’s President & CEO Dr. Javaid Siddiqi. “With Gov. Hodges’ experience and leadership, this diverse group of state leaders can build consensus around the topics and policy issues most in need of immediate action.”

In addition to Gov. Hodges and Dr. Monhollon, the Advisory Committee will include Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson and Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, as well as presidents and faculty of institutions of higher education, regional business leaders, student representatives and members of the K-12 education policy community.

“As we focus on strengthening postsecondary education in South Carolina, we must ensure that we are bringing together diverse perspectives to create meaningful change that supports our students in their postsecondary pathways,” said Dr. Monhollon. “I’m looking forward to working with The Hunt Institute and SHEEO in this collaborative effort.”

“South Carolina and its students benefit when leaders come together to discuss long-term higher education policy solutions,” said SHEEO President Rob Anderson. “We at SHEEO are pleased to support these efforts and join in this critical conversation. This broad-based group of state leaders, students and educators will assist in ensuring that quality postsecondary education opportunities that lead to workforce outcomes will exist for all students moving forward.”

The Hunt Institute has developed the Advisory Committee model to bring together diverse voices during periods of state leader transition and to build consensus around pressing education policy issues. The Institute has implemented the model in two states, including in Virginia, supporting the Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. James Lane in establishing the Virginia is for Learners Advisory Committee. Additionally, through a partnership with Dr. Margie Vandeven, Missouri Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, The Hunt Institute adapted this model to coordinate the Commissioner’s Education Policy Committee.  

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About The Hunt Institute
An affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, The Hunt Institute is a recognized leader in the movement to transform public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since it was established in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit: http://www.hunt-institute.org/

About South Carolina Commission of Higher Education
The CHE is committed to access, affordability, and quality in the state higher education system through coordination, regulation, advocacy and oversight, as directed by the South Carolina General Assembly.  The CHE serves as the coordinating board for SC’s 33 public institutions of higher learning.  It acts both as an oversight entity on behalf of the General Assembly and as an advocate for higher education.  The Commission is responsible for assuring a balance between student and taxpayer interests and institutional policies, aspirations, and needs. For more information, please visit: http://www.che.sc.gov.

About State Higher Education Executive Officers Association
The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) is the national association of the chief executives of statewide governing, policy, and coordinating boards of postsecondary education. Founded in 1954, SHEEO serves its members as an advocate for state policy leadership, a liaison between states and the federal government, and a vehicle for learning from and collaborating with peers. SHEEO also serves as a manager of multistate teams and as a source of information and analysis on educational and public policy issues. Together with its members, SHEEO advances public policies and academic practices that enable Americans to attain education beyond high school and achieve success in the 21st century economy.