Pictured are Lander students who participated in Higher Education Day, with Sen. Billy Garrett (center), an alumnus of Lander. Photo by Graham Duncan
Being one of 56 colleges and universities in South Carolina, Lander University was recently invited to participate in S.C. Higher Education Day held April 16 at the South Carolina State House.
The event was hosted by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, in partnership with South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU). Six Lander students, along four faculty and staff members, represented Lander while meeting with members of the South Carolina General Assembly.
Higher Education Day celebrates higher education in South Carolina, and highlights the importance of state merit scholarships, grants and need-based financial aid. These state-sponsored opportunities allow students from across South Carolina to attend state universities, technical colleges and private institutions in the state.
With 98 percent of Lander freshmen receiving some form of financial aid, including scholarships and/or grants, Lander’s participation in Higher Education Day was an excellent opportunity for students to show their appreciation to state lawmakers who help make higher education possible.
Students, faculty and staff representing Lander University at Higher Education Day gathered on the steps of the South Carolina State House just before meeting with other college and university representatives. Photo by Graham Duncan
After a brief introductory meeting, students and faculty from several of the state’s colleges and universities made their way to the steps of the State House to witness the Governor’s Proclamation, issued by Governor Henry McMaster to commemorate the day. The students were joined by Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, who read the proclamation before highlighting the importance of higher education in South Carolina.
Once in the State House, students were able to meet and speak with elected officials from across the state. They had the opportunity to shake hands with Lander alumnus Sen. Billy Garrett – who represents Greenwood – along with Greenwood Representative John McCravy, and several other legislators from around the state.
This was not the first time in the state capitol building for McKenzie Schaupp, a sophomore physical education major from Clemson, South Carolina. Although she has visited the State House in the past, this was her first time attending Higher Education Day. Schaupp is president of Lander Teaching Fellows, which is a state-provided scholarship for those interested in entering the teaching profession in South Carolina.
Lander University students, faculty and staff stand with Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, and representatives of other colleges and universities after the reading of a proclamation by Governor Henry McMaster recognizing April 16 as Higher Education Day. Photo by Graham Duncan
Students also reconnected with Representative Jermaine Johnson, who visited campus earlier in the week while campaigning for governor. Seeing Johnson in the State House was a reminder to students of the opportunities to meet and engage with elected officials and candidates for public office throughout the academic year.
After the event, the students and faculty were invited to attend a luncheon with University leadership, where they shared their experiences studying at Lander. Leading the meeting was Adam Taylor, chief of staff and vice president for strategic initiatives. A former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, and Lander’s chief governmental liaison, Taylor left the students with a meaningful piece of advice for future career success: maintaining relationships will open countless doors in life.
Also in attendance were Dr. Amanda Darden, Lander’s vice president for student experience and quality assurance; Dave Drucker, dean of students; and Graham Duncan, director of communications for University Marketing and Communications.
Higher Education Day 2026 by University Marketing and Communications