FMU’s Board of Trustees holds quarterly meeting, updates on programs

FMU’s Board of Trustees holds quarterly meeting, updates on programs

Francis Marion University’s Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting and annual retreat on Thursday at the FMU Freshwater Ecology Complex.

During the retreat, the Trustees reviewed the University’s current strategic plan and highlighted recent accomplishments. In the regular meeting, the Board heard reports from the Academic Affairs and Accreditation, Development and Alumni, and Financial Affairs and Facilities committees, along with an update from FMU President Fred Carter.

Dr. Carter shared progress on two forthcoming programs, expansion of the University’s International Study Centers, and the institution’s strong financial standing.

FMU plans to begin two new programs during the 26-27 academic year: a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and an undergraduate degree in Forestry. Both were developed in response to regional and statewide needs and complement existing programs in the health and environmental sciences.

The University also announced the addition of two new International Study Centers (ISCs) following the success of the first ISC at Wildsumaco in Ecuador. Beginning this fall, new Centers will be established at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada and at RPTU University in Landau Germany. The ISCs are designed to provide students with accessible and affordable opportunities to study abroad.

Carter also emphasized the University’s solid financial health. FMU currently has $29 million in unallocated operating reserves and assets totaling $58 million in the Education Foundation.

“I am pleased to report that the University is as sound financially as it has ever been,” said Carter. “Thanks to our many generous donors, we are able to fund more scholarships than ever, making an education possible for so many women and men across this region.”

Carter also announced that Pamela (P.J.) Browning, Publisher and President of The Post and Courier, will serve as FMU’s fall 2025 commencement speaker and receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities. Retiring Athletic Director Murray Hartzler will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities at the December commencement.