FMU Board of Trustees approve land transfer, new degree
The Francis Marion University Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting Thursday afternoon at The Cottage on FMU’s campus. During the meeting, the Board approved several key initiatives, including a major property transfer, the creation of a new degree program, and a holiday bonus for employees.
The Board approved a resolution to transfer property conveyed to FMU from the South Carolina Office of Resilience and Open Space Institute. Known as “Duck Ponds,” the 8,460-acre tract will be used for instructional purposes primarily related to supporting FMU’s forestry and environmental sciences programs. The property will also provide access to the unique natural resources of the Great Pee Dee River corridor. Once the transfer is complete, FMU’s total campus size will expand to nearly 9,300 acres, making it the second largest university campus in the state of South Carolina.
“This is an extraordinary addition to our university,” said FMU President Fred Carter. “Duck Ponds will serve as a living laboratory for students, faculty and the community, offering unparalleled opportunities for fieldwork, research, and recreation along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pee Dee River.”
In addition, the Board approved the establishment of a new graduate degree – the Master of Education in Educational Leadership – designed to prepare educators for advanced leadership roles within schools and districts.
During his remarks, Dr. Carter announced the creation of scholarships to support FMU’s new Forestry Program, made possible through funding from the Darla Moore Foundation. The Darla Moore Annual Forestry Scholarship will assist full-time Forestry students from South Carolina who demonstrate financial need. This gift will also establish the Darla Moore Endowed Forestry Scholarship, ensuring ongoing support for this program.
“From the moment we first started talking about adding a forestry program, Darla Moore has been enthusiastic and supportive,” said Dr. Carter. “We are all deeply appreciative of this generous gift. It will provide generations of students with remarkable career choices aimed at growing and sustaining our precious resources.”
Carter also announced that Mark Albert will become FMU’s new Chief Information Officer beginning January 5, following the retirement of longtime CIO John Dixon. Vashon Brown has been named Deputy CIO and will assume that role in January.
In closing, the Board unanimously approved a motion at President Carter’s request to provide all full-time permanent faculty and staff with a $2,000 holiday bonus. FMU has awarded holiday bonuses annually since 1999.
