FMU Board of Trustees freezes tuition, approves budget and naming of facility

FMU Board of Trustees freezes tuition, approves budget and naming of facility

The Francis Marion University Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting on the university’s campus Thursday afternoon. During the meeting, tuition and fees were frozen at existing levels, the FY 2025-2026 budget was approved, and a facility was named in honor of FMU’s First Lady.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Board voted unanimously to freeze tuition and fees for the upcoming year.

“I am delighted that the Board has once again chosen to freeze tuition,” said FMU President Fred Carter. “The appropriations from the General Assembly, along with generous gifts from our donors, allow us to go another year without increasing the financial burden on our students and their families as they pursue an outstanding education at an affordable cost.”

The Trustees also approved the FY 2025-2026 budget. This year’s budget includes $2.28 million in tuition mitigation funding, $310,000 for a nursing pay supplement, $320,888 for technology support, $5 million for renovations to the Hyman Fine Arts Center, $2 million for renovations to the McNair Science Building and Leatherman Science Facility (an additional $8 million was allocated to this project last year), and $750,000 for the construction of crosswalks across Highway 327.

The budget also includes a pay increase for all full-time faculty and staff. Under the state’s budget, all state employees will receive a 2% pay increase or a salary adjustment to meet the state’s new minimum pay scale. FMU will provide an additional 1% increase.

“I am thankful for the allocations the General Assembly has generously provided to the University,” said Carter. “The non-recurring capital appropriations will allow us to complete renovations for the Leatherman Science Facility, McNair Science Building, and Hyman Fine Arts Center, as well as construct pedestrian crosswalks across Highway 327, greatly improving the safety of our students as they travel between the main campus, the Griffin Athletic Complex, and the future Forestry and Environmental Sciences Building.”

“I am also appreciative that the Board has supported efforts to provide additional pay increases for full-time faculty and staff. Our faculty and staff are the lifeblood of this university, and I’m especially pleased that we can continue to reward their dedication and hard work.”

In his remarks, Carter also highlighted the strength of the FMU Education Foundation’s endowment, which currently stands at $57.9 million.

“Since January 1, 1999, the FMU Education Foundation has raised over $124 million in private funding. This extraordinary amount reflects the deep commitment of our alumni, community partners, and donors to advancing the mission of the university. Their generosity has been instrumental in expanding scholarships, strengthening academic programs, and supporting initiatives that empower our students. The Foundation’s success over the past 25 years is a testament to the enduring value of investing in higher education and the future of our students.”

The Board also passed a resolution to name the Folly Carter Freshwater Ecology Conference Center in honor of FMU’s First Lady.

Since 1999, Folly Carter has served as First Lady of FMU. During this time, she has played a pivotal role in establishing a strong sense of campus community, planning and hosting numerous events for students, faculty, staff, community members, and regional leaders. She has also coordinated efforts to enhance and maintain the landscaping and gardens across campus, including Hanson Park, Wallace House, the Freshwater Ecology Center, and many additional spaces throughout the campus grounds.

In addition to her contributions to the university, she has provided leadership in many organizations, including the Florence Symphony Guild, the Wildwood Garden Club, the Allegro Literacy Club, and the South Carolina Arts Alliance.

“The resolution honoring Folly was a surprise,” said Carter, “I am deeply appreciative that you have chosen to honor her in this way.”