Commissioners and staff of the CHE would like to express our profound sadness on the passing of South Carolina Sen. John L. Scott, Jr., D-Richland. Our entire CHE family sends its prayers and condolences to Sen. Scott’s family and friends.

Sen. Scott was a great public servant and a steadfast friend of both higher education and the Commission. He was instrumental in the creation of the South Carolina Educational Lottery, which this past year provided more than $600 million to students and higher education.

CHE Board Chair Wes Hayes, who served in both the South Carolina House and Senate with Scott, said the late senator was “truly, a good man” who will be greatly missed. Hayes added that he “was honored to have served alongside" Sen. Scott.

CHE President and Executive Director Dr. Rusty Monhollon called Sen. Scott “a visionary and generous spirit” whose work made a difference in the lives of South Carolinians.