Rachel Hodges International Fund

A unique, new educational fund was unveiled in the spring of 2021 that is already changing the world for some Francis Marion University students.

The Rachel Hodges International Travel Fund, created to honor former South Carolina First Lady Rachel Hodges’ commitment to education, was created in order to expand students’ horizons through international travel.

Along with her husband, former South Carolina Governor James H. “Jim” Hodges, the program supports FMU’s popular study abroad programs. Assisting select FMU students, the fund covers some of the expenses incurred while studying abroad, including the cost of travel.

The Rachel Hodges International Travel Fund gives preference to female, first-generation college students from the Pee Dee who might not otherwise experience international travel.

“Study abroad is an eye-opening experience that creates more confident and well-rounded students and citizens,” the Hodges said in a jointly released statement in April 2021 with the announcement of the program. “Rachel was a first-generation college student who grew up in Hartsville, and we wanted to create an opportunity for young women from the Pee Dee to enjoy the experience of studying abroad. We are pleased to support the great work being done at Francis Marion, and happy for the young women who will benefit from this scholarship.”

The relationship between the Hodges, FMU and the Pee Dee runs deep. Rachel Hodges brought an American Red Cross leadership conference to the university several years ago. Governor Hodges is a long-time supporter of FMU and chair of the University’s McNair Committee, which oversees selection of recipients of the McNair Scholarship, FMU’s most prestigious academic award. Hodges also holds an honorary doctorate from FMU.

Dr. Fred Carter, FMU’s president, lauded the generosity of his long-time friends and praised their commitment.

“Jim and Rachel Hodges are bringing an inspiring vision to life through the creation of this new fund, and at the same time, are enhancing a program that’s already a vital part of the FMU experience,” said Carter. “We’ve worked diligently during the past two decades to build a strong international program at FMU because it can make such a difference in the lives of our students. Travel is life changing.”

“Our faculty understands this dynamic, and our students and families understand it, too,” said Carter. “The only hurdle we’ve ever faced in this area is financial. And now, thanks to the generosity of the Hodges, that hurdle is lower than it was before.”

FMU has study-abroad exchange agreements with 12 different universities in six countries. Additionally, groups of FMU students regularly make short-term trips abroad that include study and other enrichment activities.