FMU to begin offering accelerated graduate degrees in Montessori education

Francis Marion University is expanding its graduate education degrees to include Montessori education.

On Thursday, FMU’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution for accelerated master degrees in Montessori Early Childhood Education and Montessori Elementary Education. 

In doing so, the university becomes just the second institution in the state to offer Montessori programs. 

“The addition of these graduate degrees represents the continuing commitment of Francis Marion University to meet the needs of South Carolina’s educational community,” FMU President Fred Carter said. “These will enhance our existing teacher education programs while broadening our curriculum to address entirely new constituencies.”

Montessori is a method of education centered around a hands-on, self-directed style of student learning with an emphasis on collaborative play. Montessori classrooms are led by specially-trained educators who guide students in their lessons while allowing them freedom to make creative choices that best suit their personal learning styles.

FMU students can begin pursuing the graduate degrees in Montessori education beginning in the fall of 2023.

The board also voted to approve an additional $1 million to be allocated for the refurbishment of the Smith University Center. The funding, which will come from FMU’s capital maintenance reserve fund, will be added to $4 million in athletic revenue bonds already secured. The need for additional funding came after a review of the project from the university’s administrators, athletic and student life staff, and project architects.

The renovation project will include substantial renovation of the university commons area, the gymnasium, and the locker, training, and treatment sections.

In his report to the board, Carter asked for their concurrence on two items: a $2,000 holiday bonus for all full-time university faculty and staff; and an invitation to outgoing Trustee Chair Robert Lee to receive an honorary degree and deliver the address at Spring commencement exercises.

FMU has provided holiday bonuses for faculty and staff every year since 1999, although this would be the highest award to date. Carter stressed that this allocation would not affect student tuition or fees. “The monies have already been set aside,” he assured board members.

The Trustees concurred on both items by acclamation.

A native of Marion, S.C., Lee is chairman of Francis Marion University’s Board of Trustees. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from FMU in 1987, and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1990. 

Originally appointed to the board in 1998, Lee served as chairman from 1999-2003 before being elected to the position again in 2018. Lee practices law at his firm, Robert E. Lee Law Firm, in Marion, S.C.