Higher education was in the spotlight at the State House for the fourth annual Higher Education Day on April 1, bringing participants from more than 20 public, technical, and independent colleges and universities together to receive recognition from the state legislature. 

The event also provided students an opportunity to show appreciation to elected leaders for the financial aid they provide students in the form of Need-Based Grants and Tuition Grants. 

“I have a great job here today – I get to tell you that your futures are bright, and they are bright right here in South Carolina,” Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said to student participants and attendees. “When I first became lieutenant governor seven years ago, I was given a very daunting statistic: we only had 41 percent of South Carolinians that had secondary degrees and certifications, far lower than what we needed. Through the General Assembly and the Governor’s plans to get money into our institutions of higher education, I’m proud to say that just this year we’ve upped the needle to 51 percent.” 

To emphasize the importance of higher education, Evette presented and read a Governor’s Proclamation from South Carolina Gov. Henry D. McMaster at the ceremony. 

Evette also emphasized the continuing importance of collaboration and analysis across government to ensure that institutions, educators, and curriculum align to provide students the best and brightest outcomes.  

“When we create the workforce of tomorrow, businesses flock to South Carolina, and they are quick to talk about how we are nimble in making and filling the positions of the future,” Evette added. 

After the proclamation ceremony, students attended a Senate session where they were introduced by Sen. Greg Hembree, chairman of the Senate Education Committee. While introducing the group, Hembree also highlighted to the Senate that state financial assistance “helps our students to pursue a college program that matches their dreams.” 

Over the past five fiscal years the general assembly has increased Need-Based Grants used at public institutions from $20 million to $80 million, and in that same timeframe has also increased Tuition Grants used at private institutions from $10 million to $20 million. 

“We are thankful for this investment in the future of South Carolina and the strong message it sends of our state’s commitment to make higher education attainable and affordable,” said Commissioner Dino Teppara of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. “I have every confidence that our graduates will provide a tremendous return on this investment as they enter the workforce and further strengthen South Carolina’s competitiveness on the world stage.” 

He added that the event is just a small example of the great collaboration and progress taking place among the different sectors in pursuit of the common goal of student success. 

The CHE, South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (SCICU) and the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS) partnered to co-host the event. 

Related content: View our Higher Education Day 2025 photo album on Facebook (no login required)