Never before in the University's history have so many positive forces converged, providing Francis Marion University with an unprecedented opportunity for growth and advancement. We see renewed administrative leadership, a new spirit of team-work involving faculty members and students in identifying key priorities, and ambitious planning for academic initiatives across the campus. As the University enters the 21st century, the success of its past bodes well for its future.
February 3, 2004 -
An Introduction to the Capital Campaign
Established as a state-supported institution on July 1, 1970, Francis Marion University was founded in response to an over-whelming need for a public higher education institution in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. The University was named in honor of Revolutionary War hero, General Francis Marion,who was nicknamed the "Swamp Fox" for using the South Carolina terrain to outfox the British. In its short history, the University has grown from a "freshman center" at the Florence County Library to its current status as a growing South Carolina tradition - a liberal arts university comprised of 12 academic departments, more than 30 programs of study, and a variety of cooperative and pre-professional programs structured into three schools: the Francis Marion College of Liberal Arts, the School of Business, and the School of Education.
The majority of students attending the University are individuals who come from positions of promise,not necessarily privilege, and who are taught by faculty members devoted to serving the University's mission. These students become graduates who return to their communities to accept the responsibility and obligation of furthering a higher quality of life for others. Seventy-four percent of alumni continue to live in South Carolina, of which sixty-three percent stay in the region.They give of their time, resources, and themselves. Francis Marion University is,indeed,an institution where professors teach,students learn,and graduates excel.
Under the guidance of Dr. Luther F. Carter, our fourth president, Francis Marion University is poised to take its place as one of South Carolina's premier liberal arts uni-versities. Backed by a rich historical tradition, Francis Marion University will embark on a bold, new path, looking to Dr. Carter's dynamic leadership to guide the University into a new era.
Never before in the University's history have so many positive forces converged, providing Francis Marion University with an unprecedented opportunity for growth and advancement. We see renewed administrative leadership, a new spirit of team-work involving faculty members and students in identifying key priorities, and ambitious planning for academic initiatives across the campus. As the University enters the 21st century, the success of its past bodes well for its future.Yet, the path of continued excellence will not be an easy one.
Francis Marion University stands at the threshold of opportunity, fortified by a respect for the past and visionary leadership for the future. For that reason, we invite your participation in the University's Campaign for Excellence. This five-year effort is about more than just money; it is about celebrating the past as well as instilling hope for tomorrow. The campaign is about the intangible spirit of renewal. With tradition as our inspiration and high standards and ambitions as our beacon, the University looks forward to a celebration of its success.The foundation is in place to make our future happen. Now, the University needs the resources to build on that foundation.Francis Marion University asks for your involvement in the Campaign for Excellence.
