SC State joins short list of universities to receive prestigious research classification

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Faculty of South Carolina State University joined along with Governor Henry McMaster to announce the school has now achieved what’s known as R2 Carnegie classification for high research activity.

This means on an annual basis, at least $5 million are spent on research and development, and at least 20 research doctorates are awarded to students.

SC State now becomes the only R2 university in South Carolina — joining just 139 other universities out of more than 3,000 across the nation — and one of only 13 HBCUs.

“This is a defining moment in our university’s history, one that reflects our steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovation and impactful research,” says President Alexander Conyers.

He believes the R2 status has been achieved through the school’s high commitment to research and problem solving in areas of education, transportation, agriculture, safety, cancer, and other medical fields.

“This type of strength. This type of variety, of high tech, of futuristic programs will help young people understand more readily that this is the place to be. A lot of us that’ve been around for a while already know that, but a lot of the young people will be finding out too,” says Governor Henry McMaster.

Victoria Jordan is a senior at SC State and a double major in biology and chemistry. She’s researched pancreatic cancer as well as head, neck, and oral cancers.

“It’s really exciting to see the R2 classification happen while in my senior year as I prepare to graduate from SC State. I started my research as a freshman, and now I’m a senior, and in those three years we’ve elevated in our research, and I’m very proud to be a Bulldog,” says Jordan.

The next level to reach will be Carnegie’s R1 status — currently held by 180 schools nationwide including University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.