FMU Board of Trustees approves naming of facilities, holiday bonus

The Francis Marion University Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting at The Cottage on FMU’s campus Thursday afternoon. During the meeting, the naming of facilities in the School of Business/School of Education Building, a utility easement, and holiday bonus were approved.

The Dr. Cynthia Nixon Atrium in the School of Business/School of Education Building will be named in memory of Dr. Cindi Nixon who served as a Professor of Education at FMU from 2007 until 2024. During this time, she was Associate Dean of the FMU School of Education and Director of the Graduate Program. Nixon led Project CREATE and was instrumental in helping hundreds of South Carolina teachers obtain and maintain teacher certification. In addition, she was a member of numerous university committees, led several special projects, and managed significant grant programs in support of graduate students. 

The Dr. Regina Yanson Conference Room, located in the School of Business/School of Education Building, will be named in memory of Dr. Regina Yanson. Yanson served as a faculty member in the School of Business for twelve years and was an associate professor of Management. During her career, she prepared numerous students for successful business careers and graduate studies through her engaging and thoughtful instruction. She implemented advancements in teaching methodologies with innovative technology and integrated media. Her knowledge and expertise in Human Resource Management was particularly beneficial to her students as they prepared for careers.

“We are all deeply appreciative of the service that Cindi and Regina provided to this university and our students,” said FMU President Fred Carter. “With the naming of these two facilities within our School of Business/School of Education Building, we are able to honor the memory of these two beloved scholars, professors, and friends permanently.”

The Board also approved a resolution to grant a utility easement to the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for the development of its Pee Dee Regional Office, which is currently under construction south of the Griffin Athletic Complex. The university’s new Forestry and Environmental Sciences Building will be located beside the SLED facility. Construction on this new building will begin in the spring.

In his remarks, Dr. Carter shared the university’s FY 2026 state funding request. For the upcoming fiscal year, the university has requested $14.37 million from the state. Of this, $4.12 million is requested for tuition mitigation funding; $7.5 million for upgrades to the Hyman Fine Arts Center Building; $2 million for additional renovations to the Robert E. McNair Science Building and the Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Science Facility; and $750,000 to construct two pedestrian crosswalks across Highway 327.

The Board also unanimously approved a motion at the request of President Carter to provide all full-time permanent employees with a $2,000 holiday bonus. “No workforce in South Carolina is more deserving of this annual bonus,” Carter said. FMU has provided holiday bonuses each year since 1999.