Meeting Minutes 12/10/2025
Aiken County Commission for Higher Education
December 10, 2025
Business and Education Building, Room 276
ACCHE Members Present: Phil Bridgmon, Debra Gantt, Teresa Haas, Dan Heimmermann, Clarence Jackson, Chip Marvin, Corey Murphy, Tim Simmons
USCA Staff Present: Dan Elwell, Christen Engel, Brian Enter, Ernest Pringle, Cam Reagin, Nathan Rice, Todd Wilkinson, and Tory Kornreich.
ACCHE Members Not Present: Jackie Busbee, Sharon Marra, and LaWana Mckenzie,
Chair Haas called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. She stated the notice of the meeting had been published in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Motion from Chair Haas to approve minutes from the 10-08-2025 meeting. Mr. Tim Simmons seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
Chair’s Report: No Report.
Executive Committee: No report.
Finance Committee Report:
The meeting opened with a discussion of the ACCHE Asset Balances. Markets have responded favorably, and the investment portfolio is on the rise. Excess funds spending is available, and the Commission remains in compliance with the Asset Allocation Policy (rebalanced last month). Additional cash is on hand for any impending projects with the balance of it invested in bonds as per the investment policy.
Buildings and Grounds:
Mr. Brian Enter gave a brief overview of on-going projects. April 26 is the planned Softball Field demo date. The SAC roof replacement is in process but delayed due to cold weather. The Soccer field is under construction, and SMA approved the start of the 8.3 million dollar Science Building renovation.
Chancellor’s Report:
Chancellor Heimmermann reported Fall enrollment increased by 5%. The largest gains were made in graduate students and transfers which is a testament to USCA’s retention efforts. Spring enrollment is also trending up by 5-6%. Chair Haas inquired as to whether the increase in transfer “in” numbers is common. Vice Chancellor, Nathan Rice, commented that the flexibility Palmetto College provides with online courses has provided double digit growth.
Chancellor Heimmermann mentioned the Senior Celebration lunch will be held at 10:00am Thursday December 11th, the Nurse Pinning at 1:00 p.m., and the VIP Reception at 5:00 p.m.
Chancellor Heimmermann shared how quite a few nurses in 2024 became employed with Aiken Regional and this provided positive momentum within the community. Four Trustees plan to join USCA for December Commencement for the 400 students graduating. Additionally, a new Lieutenant will be commissioned.
Chancellor Heimmermann then shared how USCA will host its first ever CyberWeek. February 2-6, 2026. This special week will include Professional training opportunities, AI seminars, and Community and Cyber events. Chair Haas encouraged the Commission to come out and support USCA during this time. Chancellor Heimmermann noted that USCA has invited Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, the SC House Regulations, Administrative, Procedures, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Committee Members, and SC Nexus Executive Director Cristina Paredes.
Additionally, the university will launch the USCA Innovation and Economic Development Council which will serve as an advisory board to help align research and strategic initiatives. This council will meet Quarterly, and Senator Young will be the honorary Chair. This will assist in promoting the region and provide Aiken with a name in terms of AI and Cyber and will provide a vehicle for continued University promotion.
Next Spring, one of the main projects will be the Quad renovation. In January, Chancellor Heimmermann would like to give a presentation focused on the importance of revitalizing the quad. The Student Government has noted the lack of recreational space and has brought this to Chancellor Heimmermann’s attention. The Quad is primarily pine trees and pine needles, so it is not open for people to utilize. The Quad also lacks a clear line of sight near the fountain which creates a safety concern. With USCA being a tree campus, it is important to revitalize the growth and thus enhance USCA’s tree campus status. There are many plants in poor health on campus. The goal is to create a park-like space with sidewalks that promote pedestrian traffic. This plan will empower USCA to plant more trees than currently stand on campus and enable the University to continue to be a responsible steward of campus vegetation.
The Chancellor then discussed RCLCO. The question arose as to whether it would undermine tax status if the Commission entered a public partnership. It was noted that Attorney Bill Tucker had confirmed that it would not, but that the Commission is still subject to State bidding rules since the Commission is a state entity. Chancellor Heimmermann’s recommendation is that we do not currently bid on this. The vision for the Campus project will be shared with developers who will, in turn, share their ideas. This will be a discussion point at the Delegation Dinner on January 7. USCA will abide by all rules and State processes in partnership with USC Columbia. Brian Enter mentioned that this process is slightly different compared with others, and that processes will be learned through the state fiscal accountable authority.
Lastly, Chancellor Heimmermann mentioned the STEM Workforce handout. Aiken Corporation Chair Buzz Rich recently signed the DOE Downtown Aiken Building contract. This document provides both an understanding of USCA’s role and a way to discuss the bridge between the DOE, SRNL,, USCA and the broader community. Conferences and workshops will be hosted in this space and will showcase the continuum of education in STEM at USCA. The goal is for USCA to be known for supporting the local workforce by actively and more aggressively recruiting USCA students, providing them with internships, and providing them with reasons to remain in Aiken long-term. USCA will take the lead in moderating and scheduling conferences. Workforce development will be done by the University.
Chancellor Heimmermann mentioned that construction costs were involved in outfitting the bones of the downtown building. Vice Chancellor Engel mentioned that Dean Scott McKay might have included the cost in the pamphlet to show the total costs. Chancellor Heimmermann confirmed the University has responsibility for the first floor only. Mr. Tim Simmons asked who will manage the use of the building, and Chancellor Heimmermann indicated that person will be Megan Pruitt.
Additional Announcements:
Chair Haas called attention to the Important Dates listed on the agenda. She noted our annual joint meeting with the Aiken County Legislative Delegation is Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 5:30 pm in the Etherredge Center Lobby.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn meeting by Chair Haas and seconded by Mr. Tim Simmons. The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.