Meeting Minutes 1/14/2026
Aiken County Commission for Higher Education
January 14, 2026
Business and Education Building, Room 276
ACCHE Members Present: Phil Bridgmon, Jackie Busbee, Debra Gantt, Teresa Haas, Dan Heimmermann, Joe Lewis, Sharon Marra, Chip Marvin, , Tim Simmons
USCA Staff Present: Dan Elwell, Brian Enter, Ernest Pringle, Cam Reagin, Nathan Rice, and Tory Kornreich
ACCHE Members Not Present: Clarence Jackson, LaWana McKenzie, Corey Murphy, Sallye Rich,
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.
Chip Marvin moved to approve minutes from the 12-10-2025 meeting. Ms. Sharon Marra seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
Chair’s Report
Chair Haas opened by sharing that the Joint Delegation Dinner hosted on January 7 was a success and highlighted Senator Brad Hutto’s attendance. Chair Haas inquired about the details of the MLK Celebration, and Ahmed confirmed the Celebration will take place on Sunday, January 25, at 3:00pm. Chair Haas inquired if there are any events that should be noted for the Commissioners to attend. Chancellor Heimmermann mentioned the Antares MOU signing on Thursday, February 5 at 11:30am. Chair Haas mentioned that she received an email from Bill Tucker stating that an invoice for the work they did on the tax exempt status will arrive shortly.
Executive Committee: No report.
Finance Committee Report
Chip Marvin opened by reporting that the markets continue to do well. The commission is in compliance with its asset allocation, stock bond, and cash position. There are no anticipated expenses at this point, and the commission is in good shape financially speaking.
Buildings and Grounds
National Guard Readiness enter will move forward with steel established over the next several weeks. The soccer field is progressing, and the science building will have a 2027 construction date. Marvin inquired as to what is below the science building, and Brian Enter confirmed it is the auxiliary building.
Chancellor’s Report
Chancellor Heimmermann opened by describing how the recent Delegation Dinner was a success. Regarding enrollment, Dr. Heimmermann highlighted how enrollment has increased to 8% . The number of new transfer students has increased to 28%. Freshman applications have increased to 42% with an 80% increase from students who live outside the 35 miles campus radius. This increase is a strategic emphasis for USCA as it is a main part of the effort to recruit more students into the workforce. More applications have been received for fall than all of last year. Chancellor Heimmermann then mentioned how USCA Impact & Leadership awards will be held at The Reserve Club at 7 PM on Thursday, January 15. This event will serve to recognize major contributors to USCA.
Chancellor Heimmermann then mentioned that the House Ways & Means Hearing will occur later this month. President Amiridis will present the requests for the entire system.
Chancellor Heimmermann then mentioned that Cyber Week will be held during the first week of February. On Friday, February 6 the Innovation, Economic & Workforce Development Council will hold its inaugural meeting. The purpose of the council is twofold. First, it will ensure that the academic programs and educational mission of USCA are fully aligned with the economic and industrial needs of the state. Second, it is a way for USCA to remain relevant and at the table when things are being discussed regarding Cyber & AI 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.
Chancellor Heimmermann then discussed the Mixed-use building. This building will be a one-stop shop for conferences and workshops. Events will be hosted in this space and will showcase the continuum of education in STEM at USCA. The goal is for USC Aiken 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.
In terms of the mixed-use retail restaurants, this change has been well received. During the next meeting, Dr. Heimmermann hopes to present a formal proposal. Chair Haas mentioned that Representative Melissa Oremus asked about it as Representative Oremus believes it has potential for Graniteville as well.
Chancellor Heimmermann began his presentation on the importance of revitalizing the quad. Chancellor Heimmermann conveyed how the Quad is central to student life and shared how the SGA endorsed this project. Chancellor Heimmermann began by sharing how little space there is on the Quad to accommodate campus activities such as the “Get on Board” day, run by the students who have to set up welcome booths. The idea of providing more space for student life is central to the quad revitalization project. Second, USCA is a tree campus, and while this plan will call for removing some trees Dr. Heimmermann highlighted how this project is truly about being a good steward of nature. Dr. Heimmermann shared a picture depicting the Quad’s current state and noted how it is unlikely to draw people for leisure activities. He also showed how there are overgrown trees and vegetation. Chancellor Heimmermann mentioned that the ideas central to this project include usability, remaining a good steward of nature, and prioritizing student safety. Chancellor Heimmermann presented pictures of the Quads at other universities including Clemson, USC Columbia, USC Upstate, Augusta University, North Georgia University, Rice University, and Southern Methodist University. Chip Marvin inquired as to whether Dr. Heimmermann has hired an architect. Brian Enter responded by noting that Scott Garvin has been hired out of Columbia.
Dr. Heimmermann then shared the new USCA Quad concept. The new model provides an open space with border trees. The current pine trees will be replaced with better quality trees. There will be an open space that provides sidewalks and green space, and a proposed new fountain that is interactive and will change colors at night. This will be able to be enjoyed as a water feature, and it is aligned with the hope for the mixed-use space. Dr. Heimmermann shared how USCA would like for the public to be on campus. The goal is to offer USCA students the option to enjoy nature. The amphitheater construction would enable USCA to host bands and also provide professors with the option to take students outside.
As mentioned previously, one of the requests is 10 million dollars to renovate Penland and provide students and parents with a wonderful first impression. On the way out of the newly renovated welcome center, parents will be able to view all of campus once the Quad is redesigned. The serpentine wall design is an homage to Banksia, and Dan Elwell will assist with acquiring funding for its installation. In the same vein, Dr. Heimmermann mentioned he is working to upgrade the emergency notification system as well. Heimmermann noted that the Chancellor trees will be saved and moved to a more prominent place in a corner of the Quad.
Chip Marvin inquired about the timeline from start to completion and what is needed from the commission. Dr. Heimmermann replied that Summer 2026 is the goal start date. Dr. Heimmermann mentioned that the cost will be 4 million dollars and that USCA has 2 million. Chancellor Heimmermann requested the endorsement of the commission. Heimmermann mentioned that the SGA endorsed this project and mentioned that the third group approached will be the Aiken Partnership board. Heimmermann mentioned the area in the middle of the quad could be further adorned and that donors will be sourced for all these things. This will be the first time USCA has initiated sourcing donors for physical structures since 1962. Heimmermann mentioned that there will be few things the Commission will do that will be more impactful than the Quad revitalization as it impacts the students, faculty and staff, and community each day. Brian Enter shared initial estimates are between 6-8 months. Chancellor Heimmermann mentioned that if everyone is in support of this plan, USCA will move forward. Chancellor Heimmermann mentioned that his goals continue to focus on increasing enrollment and this aligns with critical parts of the strategic plan. Tim Simmons noted that most of the other campuses have a structure that defines their Quad whereas USCA does not. Chancellor Heimmermann mentioned the possibility of further adorning the Quad with a notable structure. Tim Simmons mentioned the importance of subsidizing the trees. Chancellor Heimmermann commented that he is in full agreement and that higher quality hardwood trees would be brought in to ensure the University has a lush appearance. Tim Simmons agreed that the choice to bring in more trees would offset the lack of a signature building.
Additional Announcements
Chair Haas mentioned that the Aiken County Legislative Delegation sent a letter to the governor requesting that RSOC be designated as a South Carolina asset. Chancellor Heimmermann asserted that RSOC is student run and is something USCA provides the region. Additionally, it will be in the SCNG integration center. When USCA students graduate in Cyber Security or some other type of computer science, many of them will already possess security clearance. Additionally, many of these students will be citizens who can contribute back to the workforce locally. All of the delegation signed this initiative, and this will help USCA stake its claim that it has set the standard for RSOC in South Carolina.
Chair Haas announced that the Aiken County Council meeting date is set for Wednesday, March 18 at 5:30 PM in the Etherredge Center Lobby. Chair Haas mentioned Chip Marvin, Lawana McKenzie and herself have met regarding county funding which has decreased in recent years.
Adjournment:
Chair Haas moved to adjourn the meeting. This motion was seconded by Chip. The meeting was adjourned at 6:03pm.