The fall 2007 semester has signaled a promising start to the academic year for both students and Charleston Southern University as a whole.
“We are grateful to South Carolina Baptists for their continued financial support through the Cooperative Program. Charleston Southern designates the entire $2 million received annually through the Cooperative Program to student scholarships and provides an additional $5.4 million for a total of $7.4 million in scholarship funds. These funds make it possible for many South Carolina Baptist students to receive an excellent Christian education,” said CSU president Jairy Hunter Jr. The university’s current budgeted revenue for this fiscal year totals $52.2 million, with projected expenses of $50.7 million.
Campus ministry organizations and outreach projects continue to bring the gospel to students and members of the surrounding community. These outreach ministries have resulted in 1,336 people accepting Christ as their Savior over the past year. For the seventh year, the university hosted approximately 4,000 teenagers from around the nation who attended LifeWay’s MissionFuge camp. These young Christians raised $68,000 for missions. There were 57 commitments to Christ, 352 recommitments, and 15 vocational calls to ministry, thanks to this year’s summer camps.
Charleston Southern reported in July that student applications were at a record high and, as a result, the university instituted a wait list for the first time. Official data indicates that enrollment is at 3,286 students, up 151 from last year’s total. This boost marks a 4.8 percent increase in enrollment from the previous year.
This year’s summer reading assignment for incoming freshmen was Bob Briner’s book, “Roaring Lambs.” The Student Government Association focused their theme accordingly: “Let’s Roar.” During the first three convocations of the year, the president, alumni and students shared their roles as “Roaring Lambs” prior to the introductions of the keynote speakers.
The alumni tied their speeches into this year’s theme and the university’s vision: to be a Christian university nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving. Amy Nolan ’94, biology professor at CSU, spoke about faith in learning. Danny Nicholson ’84, vice president for advancement at Coastal Carolina University, spoke about faith in leading. Joy Obidike ’04, doctoral student in biomedical science at the Medical University of South Carolina, spoke about faith in serving.
CSU juniors Dustin Bowers and Nick Abercrombie shared their experiences witnessing to children as a result of coaching basketball and shoveling snow over spring break in Cleveland, Ohio. CSU juniors Grace Deal and Regina Bell spoke about serving others for Christ while issuing immunizations and treating medical needs in Sudan during their summer break.
With all students back at school, CSU chief information officer Rusty Bruns conducted a test of the previously adopted IRIS messaging system that notifies students, faculty, staff and parents of emergencies and relays vital information via cell phone, home phone, text message, e-mail and fax.
The Derry Patterson Wingo School of Nursing began the year as a leader in its field. This year’s nursing graduates demonstrated the program’s quality through a 100 percent pass rate of the 2007 National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse. CSU nursing students also made a positive impact during the South Carolina Student Nursing Association annual conference: They won the nursing “Jeopardy” competition, took first place on the Community Health Board, took third place in the spirit luncheon, and junior Michael Jennings was elected as the state SNA’s first vice president. The program will continue to grow and develop outstanding nurses thanks to a recent gift of $225,000.
The School of Business received accreditation in May from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. This accreditation affirms the high quality of CSU’s business programs. Biblical principles are being implemented in all business courses at CSU.
Fundraising continues to increase, with receipts for the third quarter of 2007 topping the same period in 2006, according to executive director for development Bill Ward. So far this year, 39 new members have joined the Board of Visitors organization, bringing total membership to 368. Members of the BOV pledge to give a minimum of $1,000 per year for student scholarships. The CSU BOV includes 37 members who have joined at the presidential, executive and leadership council levels to increase their support for student scholarships to $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 respectively.
“We thank God that CSU continues to grow and graduate students with a Christian vision for life. We are preparing graduates and transforming lives as we promote academic excellence in a Christian environment,” said Hunter.