As Lander University marks a decade of transformative leadership under President Richard Cosentino, the Board of Trustees has voted to extend his contract through June 30, 2032, with the option for an additional three-year extension at the end of that term.
The announcement following Tuesday’s Board meeting comes at a time of record growth for the University. This fall, Lander welcomed the highest enrollment in its 153-year history, including the institution’s largest-ever group of first-time freshmen, at nearly 22% larger than last year’s freshman class at the same point in cycle. Additionally, student retention hit an all-time high this fall, at 73%.
“The progress Lander has made during President Cosentino’s tenure is remarkable, not only in terms of numbers, but also in student experience and academic reputation,” said Donald Lloyd, chair of the Lander University Board of Trustees. “That kind of sustained success doesn’t happen by accident.”
Since Cosentino’s arrival at Lander in 2015, enrollment has grown an unprecedented 70%, and the University’s endowment has nearly tripled. Supporting this strategic growth has been a priority of the president’s administration. Nearly $65 million in campus projects are either recently completed, currently underway, or fully funded and planned, all focused on enhancing academic spaces, modernizing infrastructure and elevating student life.
And, while costs have climbed at colleges across the country, Lander has kept tuition frozen for ten consecutive years – the longest stretch for any college or university in the state.
These milestones have positioned Lander as the fastest-growing, four-year public university in South Carolina.
“I’m honored by the Board’s continued confidence, and I’m proud of what we have achieved at Lander University. It would not have been possible without the hard work and support of our incredible faculty and staff,” said President Cosentino. “Everything we’ve accomplished, from growing enrollment to expanding facilities, has been driven by a single purpose: preparing our students for success after Lander.”