Acting SC State President Joins Board Meeting

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — Amid legislation calling for their removal, the SC State board of trustees spoke full of honesty and passion during their board meeting Thursday. “I don‘t know if you‘re going to find a more qualified board in the state,” said trustee Gail Joyner-Fleming. The board of trustees met for the first time Thursday since a senate panel approved a bill that would replace them with a 5-member panel. However, despite calls for their ousting, new acting president, Dr. Franklin Evans reassured the board of the importance of their role. “The board that’s still our board, SACS our accrediting agency still expects the board to do what a board is expected to do,” said Dr. Evans. Dr. Evans said one of his main priorities is to tackle the schools current financial crisis and secure the university‘s accreditation. “I’m concerned because we are on probation but we are working in trying to make sure we are in compliance with all of the standards,” he said. The board also went into executive session to discuss the status of president Thomas Elzey, who was placed on administrative leave earlier this week. “The board was informed today that President Elzey has retained legal counsel,” said Joyner-Fleming. The board said they will give a public report on Elzey‘s status next Wednesday. Meanwhile, the board did approve several plans Thursday, including a $20-million, 3-year fundraising initiative. The funds raised will go towards designated categories such as debt retirement.