Meeting Minutes 3/11/2026
Aiken County Commission for Higher Education
March 11, 2026
Business and Education Building, Room 276
ACCHE Members Present: Jackie Busbee, Debra Gantt, Teresa Haas, Joe Lewis, Sharon Marra, Chip Marvin, Tim Simmons, Clarence Jackson,
USCA Staff Present: Dan Heimmermann, Phil Bridgmon, Tory Kornreich, Ernest Pringle, Cam Reagin, Ahmed Samaha, and Nathan Rice.
ACCHE Members Not Present: LaWana McKenzie, Corey Murphy, Sallye Rich
Chair Haas called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. She stated the notice of the meeting had been published in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Tim Simmons moved to approve the minutes from the 1-14-2026 meeting. Chip Marvin seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
Chair’s Report
Chair Haas opened by sharing that new name tags were ordered for all commissioners. Senator Graham was contacted regarding the $2 million appropriation for the USCA nursing simulation lab, and the Senate passed it. Senator Graham also secured $10 million in operation maintenance for the AMC. Chair Haas reminded the commissioners about the USCA booth at the upcoming Steeplechase. She also mentioned that USC Aiken came in third overall in the Cleveland Classic, a collegiate golf tournament.
Executive Committee: No report.
Finance Committee Report
Chip Marvin opened by reporting that the Vanguard accounts can now be accessed by Marvin, Reagin, and Chair Haas. Marvin noted that the Commission is in compliance regarding asset allocation.
Buildings and Grounds
Reagin shared that the Readiness Center is in progress. The Cyber Center redesign is still underway. Chair Haas inquired about the redesign of the retention pond. Reagin shared that this has been a bit slower due to issues regarding the lining. The demo of the Softball field is underway, and the soccer field is scheduled for completion by fall 2026. The Science building ECARC is state-funded and in design. It is scheduled for completion in January 2027. The water in the B&E building is off and on due to renovations, which are scheduled for completion in summer 2026.
Chancellor’s Report
Chancellor Heimmermann opened by sharing there has been a 6% increase in enrollment. In Rice’s report, Rice mentioned applications have increased by 48% from Spring 2025. Admits are up by 64% and deposits have increased by 11%. Chancellor Heimmermann noted that the primary capital request is the renovation of the Penland building. Chancellor Heimmermann shared how the Penland renovation will ensure the first impression of USCA is both positive and long lasting for new applicants. USCA requested for $3.8 million for tuition mitigation but currently stands at about $1 million. Tuition will eventually be raised as well as program fees. Faculty have been externally funded due to USCA’s fantastic partnerships.
Chancellor Heimmermann then discussed Cyberweek noting that this week was a huge success for USCA. The Lieutenant Governor attended and USCA hosted several cyber professionals on multiple panels throughout the day. Multiple MOU’s were signed including with the nuclear reactor start-up company, Antares. Additionally, USCA signed an MOU with the SC National Guard. Cyberweek was a wonderful opportunity for USCA to demonstrate its commitment to Cyber initiatives in the CSRA and the state of South Carolina as a whole. Chair Haas noted that Cyberweek has already been scheduled for the first week of February 2027.
Additionally, the Innovation, Economic and Workforce Development (IEWD) council was formed and held its inaugural meeting on February 6, 2026. The IEWD Council’s next step will be to make a real change in the state of South Carolina and establish goals. The next meeting of the council will be held before the opening of the Mixed-Use Building on June 4th. The second council meeting will be held two hours prior at 9:00am. USC Aiken will have about 2500 square feet on the first floor of this building. The goal of the building is to communicate USCA’s commitment to Cyber to the public both in Aiken and in South Carolina more broadly. Scott McKay is currently working to schedule conferences in this space. The IEWD Council has identified three main projects that will be AI enabled.
First, the council plans to use AI to assist with local, strategic plans. Local realtors for example, have a strategic housing plan. SRSCRO has strategic workforce plans, and there is a county and a city plan as well. Using AI, USCA students will generate a synthesis of all these plans. This will ensure the Council’s plans are integrated with other plans in the area and that the Council establishes steps and timelines to achieve its goals.
Second, the Council, working with USCA students, will create an AI-enabled simulation tabletop. This would simulate a grid blackout. Incorporating individuals in the city and county who hold positions working with logistics—like the electrical grid and transportation for the city—will demonstrate the council’s leadership and provide an understanding of potential gaps in the city’s grid resiliency. Third, the Council will focus on President & CEO Safe Ports Lucy Duncan’s resiliency corridors plan. Duncan’s plan is a larger, regional plan that will focus on mass disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, or a cyber-attack.
These projects will utilize AI and will involve the council, faculty, students, and business/industry to ensure there are action plans during times of crisis. Robbie Bennett, from SRSCRO, will hold a meeting at USCA on March 27 to further discuss how to develop the workforce.
Chancellor Heimmermann then discussed the state bidding process. He noted that USCA will move forward with the state bidding process. The first project is the restaurant and entertainment area construction. The second project is the Pacer Downs reconstruction. This will provide a new housing area with amenities—such as pickleball— to compete with local apartments. This idea would require Columbia’s support, as USCA would need to utilize Columbia’s debt capacity. Tim Simmons noted how the Pacer Downs renovations would support the restaurant and amenity project and vice versa.
Chancellor Heimmermann then discussed the Quad renovations. He mentioned he will provide the Commissioners with additional information regarding the Quad renovation. Chancellor Heimmermann also requested more images of people utilizing the Quad in future renderings to ensure everyone who views the renderings can have a full understanding of possible uses.
Chair Haas requested Chancellor Heimmermann discuss the MOU signing with the Aiken County Public School District. Dr. Heimmermann shared that this MOU will protect the infrastructure of Aiken County schools as well as North Augusta. Pringle shared that one of the students spoke in front of the crowd which was a wonderful addition to the signing event. Additionally, Pringle noted that there might be a potential MOU with the Edgefield County School District. Pringle noted that he will reach out to SC Senator Shane Massey to further discuss.
USCA students are excited to partner with Aiken County and have already developed recommendations for the county district. One vulnerability, Pringle shared, is the lack of password changes for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This is one of the proposed adjustments USCA students have already made. Another initiative—which Scott McKay has provided funding for—will enable USCA to provide funding to high school students over the summer. These students will likely do Student Operations Center (SOC) work, monitoring more internal networks, and this will provide a wonderful experience for students looking for experience to build into a cybersecurity career. Chancellor Heimmermann mentioned the coverage from the Aiken News stations has been highly beneficial as well.
Additional Announcements
Chair Haas encouraged the commissioners to view Samaha’s report outlining the upcoming student events. She noted the joint ACCHE – Aiken County Council meeting on March 18, 2026 and the need to continue informing county council members of the value that USCA provides to our region. Chair Haas also mentioned the last ACCHE meeting of the school year will be on May 13, with commencement on May 6.
Adjournment:
Chair Haas moved to adjourn the meeting. This motion was seconded by Chip. The meeting was adjourned at 6:08 pm.