Historically Black Colleges and Universities hold a special place in the hearts of their alumni and in the hearts of many African Americans throughout the United States. The power of historically black institutions has birthed some of the brightest minds in our culture from Toni Morrison to Spike Lee.
Here in South Carolina, our very own HBCU, South Carolina State University is at risk of being shut down for at least 2 years. Most of the people concerned with the closing would agree that the school should not be closed. However, the confusion comes in as to how to resolve the issues that have plagued this university for the past few years.
Today we learned that some SCSU supporters are suing the state claiming that the State itself has caused the institution’s financial problems by funding competing programs at traditionally white schools. This lawsuit has been used at other HBCUs in the past which claim that their states have violated federal laws by enabling a segregated system. SCSU is claiming by allowing competing white schools to offer duplicate and competing degrees and programs as SCSU, they have caused the enrollment to suffer. In the last seven years, SCSU is claiming that the enrollment of new students has dropped approximately thirty-eight percent. Also for several years, the school was expected to fund 43% of its budget from student enrollment. In an article in the Times and Democrat this week titled, “SCSU Supporters using State” , the author references an instance in 1993 regarding Coastal Carolina becoming a University that eventually offered the same programs and degrees as SCSU.
In listening to both sides, the student/alumni and the SC government, people understand both arguments. However, it appears that both sides are trying to place one-hundred percent of the blame on the other. To be fair, the State has failed South Carolina State University, if it is true that between the years of 2000 to 2007, the SC Commission of Higher Education could not review programs that prevent duplication at competing universities because of their own budget constraints, then that is definitely a failure on the state’s part. However, South Carolina State University has to take the responsibility in its own failures.
The University has stated that 45% of its budget is from student enrollment – yet enrollment has been on the decline for many years. So, if almost half of your budget is dependent on a declining number, this should be an immediate red flag that something is wrong. Also, when it comes to leadership at SCSU, it is apparent that they have not placed leaders in position who are knowledgeable enough about complex financial accounting, budgeting and forecasting; which is the reason why they have gone through multiple presidents within the past 10 years.
Speculations and accusations can continue to fly over who is at fault for the problems hanging over the head of SCSU, however there is still light at the end of the tunnel. In 2009 the government stepped in, and saved GM who needed $51 billion to get out of debt. South Carolina State can combine the power of some of its prestigious alum like Congressman James Clyburn and Senator John Matthews, a sound strategic financial plan, and some creative marketing and fundraising efforts; along with the assistance that it is owed from the State – these efforts can save SCSU from its $17 million debt issues.
In an interview with WLTX in Columbia, Alumna Josephine Evans, a 1954 graduate of SCSU, who has given more than $6000 to her school issued these words of wisdom to her fellow alumni, “We’ve got to first give money, talk is cheap. Put your money where your mouth is. And I say to them and the Board members, put up, give up or shut up”. SCSU should think about putting Ms. Evans on the board!
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