The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie recently hosted “Lunch with Leaders” where businesses and civic organizations learned what Palmetto College had to offer the residents of the Salkehatchie region. Additionally, the luncheon provided an opportunity for the university to connect with community leaders to discuss how USC Salkehatchie and Palmetto College could best meet the region’s educational needs through business and workforce development.

 “We wanted to provide information about our expanded online bachelor’s degree programs and show how USC Salkehatchie supports that transition through its two-year program,” said Juliana Glynn, the USC Palmetto College online admissions representative.

Dr. Susan Elkins, chancellor of Palmetto College, shared how an affordable, accessible and flexible university education is available to the Salkehatchie community.  She described Palmetto College as “an innovative, transformative model for higher education that is a collaboration of the former USC President Harris Pastides, current USC President Amiridis, the Board of Trustees, university system leaders, faculty, staff, legislators, and community leaders.”  Elkins also touted USC Salkehatchie’s $5.11 million, ten-year economic impact to the region.

Guests had the opportunity to tour Salkehatchie’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab and the recently opened iCarolina Learning Lab, which provides Apple products and educational programming to students, staff, faculty, and the community at no cost. According to Elkins, the iCarolina labs will provide free training for software and coding certifications, and there are plans to add labs in Clinton, Kershaw and Laurens counties in 2023.

More information about USC Salkehatchie and Palmetto College can be found at uscsalkehatchie.sc.edu or by contacting Juliana Glynn at 843-782-8694.