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President's Accomplishments

President Ball with Students
President Daniel W. Ball meets with students
on Lander's Assembly Plaza.

Daniel W. Ball joined Lander University as its 12th president in July 2000. A list of some of the key accomplishments during his tenure follows.

  • Lander's Study Abroad Program and its Honors International Program were resurrected.
  • In January 2008, Lander introduced a master's degree program in Montessori education. Lander has the only university-based Montessori teacher preparation program in South Carolina.
  • Lander became a wireless campus in 2002. Since 2004, students have been required to have laptops. "Smart" classrooms increased from two to 49. The number of faculty with laptops increased from 12 to over 120 in two years.
  • In fall 2007, Lander became the first state college or university in South Carolina to become tobacco-free both indoors and outdoors.
  • Campus revitalization has included the following projects:
    • A $16 million, 300-bed residence hall, Centennial Hall, was completed in 2006.
    • The university dining hall was renovated and an outside dining area was added.
    • A food court was added to the student center.
    • A coffee shop was added in the library.
    • A new entrance boulevard now provides campus access from the main city thoroughfare.
    • A new facilities operations building was completed.
    • The campus bookstore was renovated.
    • Twenty-six acres were acquired for construction of a recreation, wellness and sports complex.
  • Two NCAA Division II sports, men's golf and women's tennis, were added. A women's equestrian team and men's and women's rugby teams were added as club sports.
  • In 2004, a Docent Program utilizing community volunteers was initiated. Now more than 40 docents serve in offices across campus. They volunteer as tutors, writers, data programmers and more.
  • Major revisions to the Faculty Handbook have been completed and new general education goals have been approved. Academic Affairs has been restructured from 11 divisions to four.
  • A $15 million comprehensive campaign was initiated. The six-year campaign surpassed the goal with $15.8 million raised in funds and pledges.
  • The Department of Business Administration achieved AACSB accreditation. The athletic training program achieved CATE accreditation.