SC State not alone among HBCUs struggling to survive

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — While decades of leadership strife have contributed to South Carolina State University’s fiscal crisis, it is certainly not alone among historically black colleges nationwide struggling to survive amid sharp drops in enrollment and revenue. Advocates say their collective future may rest on alumni stepping up their giving.

Its endowment is less than $5 million, compared, for example, to USC’s $600 million endowment, according to the latest reports from the schools’ fundraising foundations.

The biggest fundraising problem for SC State has been its revolving door of presidents over the last three decades, said Lew Berry, a 1966 graduate. He said he’s “disappointed” by his status as the school’s most prolific donor.

The school is seeking a commitment of $2 million from alumni over the next three years.