As the temperatures climb and summer is upon us at the University of South Carolina Upstate, I find myself thinking about beginnings and endings. We have experienced both, many times over, during the past academic year. We even call our graduation ceremony a commencement, because though it is an ending, it is truly a beginning.
Some of the endings we’ve experienced have been challenging, emotional, victorious, and perhaps even heartbreaking. Behind the scenes, the administrators, faculty, staff, and other leaders at USC Upstate experienced an ending and beginning of their own: the debut of the Greater 2030 Strategic Plan.
We will talk more about this plan in the pages of this magazine. But, in short, this in-depth report—which came together after many hours of hard work by our leaders, administrators, faculty, and staff—dives into our mission and vision and looks at ways to grow, expand, and Reach Greater Heights in the current economic and employment climate.
With five cornerstone programs — Spartan Distinct, Spartan Recruit, Spartan Success, Spartan Partners, and Spartan Future — the Strategic Plan provides a framework for how we can reach our true potential.
The year also saw the ending of planning, discussions, and legwork, and the beginning of construction on a 22,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art expansion of our library.
This project represents not only physical growth. With $21 million in funding from our state lawmakers, it’s also a significant investment in the intellectual and academic growth of our students and the broader community. Indeed, this is the first time since 2009 that we have received such substantial funding to improve a building.
The library has long been the heart of our campus, serving as a center for knowledge, collaboration, and discovery. Now that we have broken ground on the expansion, we can embark on a journey that will enhance the educational experience for generations to come.
Another expansion, one that will also enrich the educational experience at USC Upstate, is in the works. We are adding new degree programs that reflect the evolving needs of our society and economy. These programs will equip our graduates with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in today's competitive job market and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
USC Upstate also is reenergizing international programs to foster cross-cultural understanding among our students. By expanding opportunities for international exchange and collaboration, we are preparing our graduates to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
As we reflect on our past achievements and look ahead to the future, I am confident that the University of South Carolina Upstate will continue to Reach Greater Heights. We will continue to experience beginnings and endings, and begin again. And that’s how it should be. As the author John Irving once said, “You only grow by coming to the end of something and by beginning something else.”
Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D.
Chancellor