FMU Board of Trustees approves new degree program, naming of facility

Francis Marion University’s Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting on Thursday afternoon at The Cottage on FMU’s campus. During the meeting, the Board approved a new undergraduate program, the naming of an atrium and garden, and a utility easement.

The new Bachelor of Social Work degree program will address the growing workforce demand for trained social workers in South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Workforce Development, social work has been identified as a priority occupation in the state. This program will also be the first of its kind in this region.

“The approval of this new program in Social Work will help meet the increasing demand for social workers,” said FMU President Fred Carter. “I’m pleased that the Board has approved this degree program to prepare students for an occupation that has been identified as a priority for the state.”

The Trustees also approved a resolution to name the Donald Jackson Atrium and Garden in the Stokes Administration Building in honor of Donald Jackson, who will retire from the university in June 2025 after thirty-one years of service. 

Jackson joined the university as an accountant in 1994. Since then, his leadership and commitment to excellence have been evident throughout the university. For decades, Jackson has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the Young, Gifted, and Blessed Student Choir, where he mentored and encouraged hundreds of students. He is a founding member of the FMU African American Faculty and Staff Coalition, where he has served in a variety of leadership positions throughout the years. Jackson was also the recipient of the Marvin Lynch Humanitarian Award in 2015 for his service to the community.

“I am delighted that the Board has chosen to name the beautiful atrium and garden in our administration building in honor of Donald,” said Carter. “For over thirty-one years, Donald has diligently served the university and its students, so it’s only fitting to acknowledge his work with a permanent tribute.”

The Board also approved a resolution to grant a utility easement to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for its Pee Dee Regional Office, which is currently under construction south of the Griffin Athletic Complex.