Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the ACTING PRESIDENT, Senator SHEHEEN.

Memorandum To:     Clerk of the House

Clerk of the Senate
Re:               Committee Hearings, February 26, 2007

The Committee to Screen Candidates for Boards of Trustees of State Colleges and Universities finds the following candidates for Boards of Trustees qualified. Background reports from the State Law Enforcement Division show no felony charges against any of the candidates.

The Citadel

One seat,at-large     Colonel Harry B. Limehouse, Jr.

Coastal Carolina University

Six congressional districts and two at-large

1st District, Seat 1       Mr. Clark B. Parker

2nd District, Seat 3     Dr. Oran P. Smith

3rd District, Seat 5     Mr. William S. Biggs

4th District, Seat 7     Mr. Charles J. Hodge

5th District, Seat 9     Dr. Samuel J. Swad

6th District, Seat 11     Mr. Gary W. Brown

At-Large, Seat 13       Mr. Eugene C. Spivey

Mr. Fred F. DuBard, Jr.

At-Large, Seat 15       Mr. Daniel W. R. Moore, Sr.

South Carolina State University

Three congressional districts and two at- large

1st District, Seat 1       Mr. Karl V. Green

2nd District, Seat 2     Mr. Reggie Gallant -

unable to attend

4th District, Seat 4     Dr. John H. Corbitt

At-Large, Seat 8

(expires 09)         Mr. Earl A. Johnson, Jr.

Dr. Shirley Portee Martin

At-Large, Seat 12

(expires 08)         Ms. Sky Foster

Rev. D. Edward Chaney

Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School

Three seats,at-large       Dr. Earle Bennett

Mrs. Sandra Dooley Parker

Ms. Inese P. Williamson

Dr. Howard D. Hill

Respectfully submitted,
Rep. Olin Phillips, Chm.     Sen. Thomas Alexander
Rep. Lanny F. Littlejohn     Sen. Linda Short
Rep. Joan Brady           Sen. Jake Knotts
Rep. Floyd Breeland       Sen. Harvey S. Peeler, Jr.

The meeting was conducted on February 26th, 2007 at 403 Blatt Building, Columbia, South Carolina, before Lisa F. Huffman, Court Reporter and Notary Public in and for the State of South Carolina.

APPEARANCES:
Representative Floyd Breeland
Representative Joan Brady
Representative Lanny F. Littlejohn
Senator Thomas Alexander
Senator Linda Short

Also Present:
Sophia Derrick

VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: I want to thank each and every one of you for coming today and I want to introduce the members of the Screening Committee. Senator Tom Alexander to my right; myself, Jake Knotts; Representative Joan Brady; Representative Floyd Breeland; and Representative Lanny Littlejohn . If any of y'all would like to have anything to say, that's fine; have at it. And we have walking in now the leader of the pack, Senator Linda Short.
SENATOR SHORT: Good morning.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: We have with us now, of course, our court reporter, Lisa Huffman, she's working to the left here. And we have with us Sophia Derrick, who's our Administrative Assistant for the Committee. Like to say thank you to all for coming, and we're going to try to get through this the best we can. Our Chairman is currently sick and I wish that he were here. But he's here in spirit, and I hope him a quick recovery. The first thing we're going to -- our first order of business this morning is, we want to start the Screening Committee.
MS. DERRICK: You need to swear them in.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do we swear them in one at a time or all at once?
MS. DERRICK: We can do it all at once, if you'd like.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Yes. If all the committee -- I mean, all the candidates please stand. If you would, raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God, before this Screening Committee today on any questions asked?
(Affirmation)
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: You may be seated. The first person that we're going to be screening this morning would be Colonel Harry Limehouse, for The Citadel Board. There's one seat, at-large.
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: Senator, if it had been deer season, I'd know why you were late; so I hope your doctor appointment turned out all right.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Well, if I got to go down there to Charleston to your place to hunt those deer, I wouldn't be hunting out of season. I'd be killing all those things that I could get, but I'm not hunting out of season; I'm just kidding. Mr. Limehouse, state your name for the Committee.
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: Harry Bancroft Limehouse, Jr.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Are you applying for The Citadel Board.
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: I am applying for reelection for two reasons. One, I served a partial term and I'd like to have a full term. But primarily because we need some continuity on the Board and we've accomplished a lot in the couple years that I've been on there. But I think I need to stay around a year or two more and see it improve, so. We replaced the President, the Provost, the Commandant of Cadets, the football coach and the basketball coach while I've been on the Board, and we are very happy with everybody we've got. And, of course, like every institution of higher education in this state, we're more and more trending to private finance, as opposed to federal. And so, this has given, you know, a little bit of concern from time-to-time, for example, our stadium was not safe. So we, after I came on the Board, we convinced the then-President of waiting till you had the cash in-hand; we're never going to get there, so we were lucky enough to get it bonded, and we replaced the home side. And we're joint-venturing with the National Guard to put them in a facility that's second-to-none, which will assist in homeland security, and better utilize the place -- a football season that doesn't get that much use of it except for five, six football games. So, we're still raising money for that, and we're renovating our final barracks, and we've got a lot of things going on that I think I need to stick around for, for a few years. And if you-all would be so kind as to approve me, why, I'd like to stand for reelection.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Let me just ask you four questions. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: This is physical now, not mental, right? I've got a knee that doesn't work real well and I had a stent put in a couple years ago. So, if that would disqualify me, you know, I do have a couple little ailments, but that probably comes with being 68 years old.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: But you don't think that that would prevent you from serving in a full-time capacity?
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: I don't think so. I am Chairman of the Building and Grounds, and we meet on a regular basis, and we've done some real good things that I'd be happy to tell you-all about if you were interested. So no, I don't think so.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: No. I have no financial interests in the institution at all.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: Not at the present time.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any members of the committee have any questions? Yes, sir.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Colonel, I just want to ask one question. I know you mentioned the construction to the stands, bleachers, but there's some new construction going on behind the west side stand. I live not too far from the city. And I'd be interested in finding out what is really taking place there.
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: What we did is we partnered with the National Guard, and we're building National Guard offices. So their office around the corner by the baseball stadium, we built them a secure area for their equipment, so that in the event of a disaster, like a hurricane or, you know, if we were attacked, the Guard would be able to mobilize out of that operation because that's where their offices will be. They were downtown in that building across the street, you remember?
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Yes.
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: Then they moved and they wanted to get back downtown. So, we leased them the footprint next to the west stands, and they're going to put their offices there. Then when we raise enough money to pay for it, we'll put a club level and some suites and things on top of that.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Okay. I think that's what I was talking about. Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any other member of the committee have any questions?
REPRESENTATIVE SHORT: Move favorable report.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: All right, move for a favorable report, do I hear a second?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any discussion? All in favor for a favorable report, raise your right hand.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: It's unanimous. Thank you.
COLONEL LIMEHOUSE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Next is the Coastal Carolina University, Six Congressional Districts and two at-large. First person to be screened is 1st District, Seat number one, Clark Parker.
MR. PARKER: Good morning.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Good morning, Mr. Parker. State your name for the record, Mr. Parker.
MR. PARKER: Clark B. Parker, from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Let me ask you some questions right quick, and then we'll get into why you want to be on the Board. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MR. PARKER: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MR. PARKER: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MR. PARKER: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MR. PARKER: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay, Mr. Parker if you would, tell us why you want to be on the Board.
MR. PARKER: Both my wife and I are graduates of Coastal Carolina, graduated in 1977; my wife was a graduate '78. I have supported the University in various capacities as President of the Alumni Association, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and various other committees that I've served on, on behalf of the Trustees. I feel like that I'm there. I can participate in a lot of activities and events that need attention and attendance. I think I have had the ear of a lot constituents, particularly students that are going there. And I feel like I'm an advocate for the students, more so than other bodies -- other than our customers. I look forward to working with them in the future like I have done in the past.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Thank you Mr. Parker, any questions from the committee? Mr. Parker, are you currently on the Board?
MR. PARKER: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: I've got one question, if you would. You may be able to answer it or not. I heard some talk down around Coastal of current problems at the University, are those being presently addressed?
MR. PARKER: Chairman of the Audit Committee, we're looking into some issues there, and our Internal Auditor is reviewing some transactions. And we feel like there's no major issues there, but we're looking at them.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: How long do you think that will be before something is -- outcome has been found?
MR. PARKER: Probably by our May meeting. The next Board meeting is May. Sixty days, feel like.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Any other members? Do I hear a motion?
MR. BREELAND: Move for report, Mr. Chairman.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Move for a favorable report. Second?
MS. BRADY: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Second by Representative Brady. Any discussion? No discussion. All in favor, raise your right hand.
COMMITTEE: Aye
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Let it be unanimous. Thank you, Mr. Parker.
MR. PARKER: Thank you, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Next will be Oran Smith of Lexington County. Mr. Smith, let me ask you some questions. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
DR. SMITH: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
DR. SMITH: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
DR. SMITH: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
DR. SMITH: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay, tell us why you want to be on the Board.
DR. SMITH: Mr. Chairman, my Senator. Mr. Chairman, since my election to the original Board of Coastal 14 years ago, if you can believe I was elected 14 years ago. I think I must have been in high school at the time; I was the youngest Board member. I was the youngest Board member then, and I'm almost still the youngest Board member. But I've been a part of the development of a small regional college, into a major state university. And my service as Chairman of the Academic Affairs Committee and a member and a special advisor of the Presidential Search Committee, has put me in the position to play a role in the academic life and in the future leadership of Coastal. And with your approval, I will look forward to a fifth term as a member of the governing Board of our state's fastest growing institution.

To be very frank, Coastal's a pretty exciting place to be because of all the things that are happening there. And it's been a pleasure to be there, and I would certainly like to be over to continue to work for the strength of the academic program and all the other factors that make Coastal a great University. You can be confident that I will serve with integrity there and will work for the good of the institution and for the people of South Carolina who have entrusted Coastal Carolina University to us. Thank you.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Mr. Chairman, if I could. I would certainly like to congratulate you on your leadership and involvement there in taking the college to a university. Just briefly, can you tell me kind of y'alls philosophy on your tuition increases or what has transpired over the last five years as y'all have done that? And where you see that going in the future?
DR. SMITH: We have a lot of pressure as a growing institution. When an institution grows, of course, of you have more students and you receive more in tuition. But there's certain factors that cause us, when we grow, to have greater expenses even per student or per FTE. So we've been in the position to keep up the quality where we would like it to be, to be having to raise tuition from time-to-time. And in recent years, we've been a little more aggressive about trying to maintain expenses at a lower level and attempting to prevent those increase from going into the double digits. And in most cases, we've done that.

A part of it has to do with, I know that you in your deliberations and those with the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee, there are a lot of mouths to feed in South Carolina, a lot of agencies, a lot of needs that we have as a state. Our economy's been growing lately. We're doing better, but higher education is not one of the best-funded sectors of our economy and our budget. So, some cases to respond to state funding that is actually decreasing or not increasing, we've been in the position of having to raise tuition, which we don't like to do. However, we're hoping for a greater investment in higher education from the General Assembly because of the role it plays in economic development. So, we don't like to do those tuition increases, working to keep them lower.

Again, we have a Audit Committee that's very active now. And that, working with the Internal Auditor of the University we would like to see if we can find some additional savings.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Thank you.
SENATOR SHORT: Mr. Chair.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Senator Short.
SENATOR SHORT: How many students do you have now? What level do y'all plan to go to before we stop that growth pattern?
DR. SMITH: Well, we have a whole lot more than we do when I started working years ago. I believe if you counted sort of on an FTE basis, probably little over 7500 -- of the size 8,000, and that includes graduate students, and that includes distance learning students, and anyone that could be classified in any way as a student. So, we run a lot. And in those cases, we feel that the analysis that we have had done as a Board, indicates that we are okay now, for now, but our needs are going to grow, for sure because of our accelerated growth in the last four or five years.
SENATOR SHORT: Do you have plans to continue that kind of growth? Or do you have a top number that you're looking to go to or --
DR. SMITH: Well, we haven't discussed that as a Board a great deal, but we have been talking about it a lot in the short run. Even in the last year or so, it has become an issue that we have been wrestling with. And the selection of the new president, that issue became a part of that selection process. So, in looking for a new president and what his or her philosophy might be about growth, that's forced the Board to talk about it and to consider it more. So, I expect that probably to be the number-one issue the Board will be dealing with, here in the next 12 to 18 months.
SENATOR SHORT: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any other member?
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Are you aware of any problems at Coastal and do you intend to try to correct them?
DR. SMITH: Well, at this point, as far as any problem, I'm not aware.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: If they come up any --
DR. SMITH: Well, I think this, as Mr. Parker said, we have in place now, an Audit Committee which I believe is composed of three Board members. And we have, as many boards do, we have an Internal Auditor that reports directly to us that we can utilize for those kinds of inquiries. And any inquiry that's raised by a Board member, which there are some, we will certainly follow those inquiries until their ultimate conclusion. And if there is something that is a problem, we will certainly address it. And we're in a position to address it now because of this new Audit Committee, which I am very glad to see that we've impaneled.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: I am too.
DR. SMITH: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Thank you, sir.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Move for a favorable report.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Second by Representative Breeland. Any discussion? No discussion. Move to vote. All in favor, raise your right hand. Unanimous vote. Thank you, Mr. Smith.
DR. SMITH: Thank you, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: All right, next we have here Mr. William Biggs.
MR. BIGGS: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Mr. Biggs, do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MR. BIGGS: No, sir. Not at all.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MR. BIGGS: Yes, sir, I would.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MR. BIGGS: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MR. BIGGS: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Can you tell us briefly why you want to be on the Board?
MR. BIGGS: Well, sir, I'm probably one of the newest Board members. Last year I came before this committee, just really less than a year ago, asking to have a favorable recommendation, and that was given. In the six months, or really a little over six months that I've been on the Board, I've had the opportunity to learn a great deal about Coastal Carolina University, its mission, and in the school. But at that same time, I've been able to fall in love with the school. It's a wonderful college, or university, I'm sorry. And we got some great kids that are going to be the future leaders of this state.

And I look at the fact of having a young daughter myself who will be starting high school next year, the opportunity for her to move on to higher education is important to me, as someone who was the first person in his family to graduate from college. I know how important it is for our young men and women to get the proper education. We look down our company operating nursing homes across this state and many others, of looking for qualified individuals to be our administrators, to be our managers, and that comes from the education that they receive as we bring them in. It's been an honor and a privilege to serve the past, right at seven months. I just look forward to the opportunity to serve a full term.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any question from the committee? Hearing none, do I hear --
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Move favorable report.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Move favorable report by Senator Alexander.
REPRESENTATIVE BRADY: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Second by Representative Brady. Any discussion? No discussion. All raise your right hand, all in favor. It's unanimous. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Biggs. Next is Charles Hodge. Charles J. Hodge.
MR. HODGE: Senator and members of the committee.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Thank you, Mr. Hodge. Let me ask you a few questions. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MR. HODGE: Senator, in August I had three-vessel bypass. And ten days after it, I went to a function at Coastal Carolina University and addressed the freshmen. So physically, I'm doing pretty well right now.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MR. HODGE: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MR. HODGE: I do not believe so.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MR. HODGE: I do not believe so.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Tell us briefly why you would like to be reappointed to the Board.
MR. HODGE: Thank you, Senator. Six years ago, I had the privilege of beginning my Board of Trusteeship with Coastal Carolina. I came to a university that had about 3800 students. We now have over 8,000. I have seen this university grow physically and grow student-wise population tremendous bounds. We've developed programs; we've got a masters in business; we're stating a football team.

I remember my first screening, Senator Giese was there, and he said, Are y'all crazy to be starting a football team? Well, I'm happy to report that last year we made the national playoffs. We were on ESPN twice. It's been a great boost to the local economy and to our region. Coastal employs 1800 people. We generate $200 million dollars to the local economy, $250 million dollars statewide.

It's an engine, and as one of my colleagues has pointed out, we're no longer a regional school; we're becoming national. I'm excited to be a part of that, and I want to make it happen in a much better way. I've been privileged to be Chairman of the Board for the last two years, and I look forward to continuing my service.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any questions from the Board members? Representative Littlejohn.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Hodge, I know you're from Spartanburg and have not many ties over there at Coastal Carolina. Why are you seeking this term again?
MR. HODGE: You know it's interesting. Mr. Biggs has been there six months, and he talked about his love for the university. When you experience the atmosphere, it's really like a family atmosphere. Faculty, staff, administrators, emotional investment into the community, and you sort of become emotionally attached. And that's the way I've become. I just love to see things grow and nurture and flourish.

We've just gone through a presidential selection process that was very trying. Community involvement from a lot of different sources. But we've got a team in there that's going to take us to the next level. And that's why I'm so excited about it because it's kind of a part of the building process.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Chairman, let me just make a comment. Five or six years ago, the state was funding y'all at about 50 percent. In this year's budget we've got it at 70 percent. And I was just wonder how that will affect y'alls tuition increases or anything that you might have to address in that area.
MR. HODGE: Yeah, we had $105 million dollar budget last year. The state reduced us with respect from $14 to $12 million. Sort of hard to stomach because, you know, we're growing at such a fast pace. But we understand the pressures on the state. We restricted tuition increase to only double digits. This year, I'm happy to report that the projected budget increase is going to be around 3.5 percent.

So what we're doing is we're physically getting responsible; we're addressing it very aggressively. We appointed this Audit Committee that's been mentioned. We appointed it nearly a year ago. And we hope that the Audit Committee is going to assist us in streamlining the fat off our budget so we can be better stewards. Likewise, when we went through this presidential selection process, the number one criteria identified for a president was fund-raising capability. We have to think beyond the box. I believe we've got a team in there now who can go and raise funds for us in an alternative-source method, outside of the box, and still keep us as one of the premiere universities in the state.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Move for favorable report.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: If you would just hold that for a moment, Senator Short has a question.
SENATOR SHORT: Mr. Chairman, thank you. Actually, I was just going to make a comment. I noticed in your letter you had indicated you hoped for no tuition increase this year. You just indicated that 3.5 is what you're thinking. I commend you for your efforts. Tuition increases have been just a really difficult thing for all the students across to deal with at every school.
Everything that you can do to keep those tuition increases down is totally appreciated by every family across the state.
MR. HODGE: Thank you.
MR. ALEXANDER: Mr. Chairman.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Senator Alexander.
MR. ALEXANDER: And maybe this is an appropriate time for the committee -- tuition increase to the folks there that are in the audience to understand. I guess where I'm coming from, I can't speak for my colleagues, but to understand that a lot of state agencies during economic downturn didn't have a choice to increase tuition. They had to find cuts, and do things, and do the best that they could with the funds that they had, not meaning that they didn't want more. But they had to respond to those deductions. And I certainly feel that a lot of the institutions who are not providing funding, went out of the way, rather than seeking ways to better manage, as you said, your monies, to just increase tuition. And so I commend you for what y'all are doing, and I just hope that we don't always look to increasing tuition on the backs of the students as the alternative to not having enough money provided by the state.
MR. HODGE: Yes, sir. I whole-heartedly agree with that, Senator.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any further questions? May I have a motion?
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Make a motion.
SENATOR SHORT: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Motion from Representative Littlejohn for a favorable report. Second by Senator Short. Any discussion? Be no discussion. All in favor, raise your right hand. The vote's unanimous. Thank you, sir.
MR. HODGE: Thank you very much.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Next is Mr. Samuel J. Swad.
DR. SWAD: Good morning.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: First of all, do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
DR. SWAD: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
DR. SWAD: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
DR. SWAD: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
DR. SWAD: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Will you tell us briefly why you want to be on the Board, Mr. Swad, to be reappointed?
DR. SWAD: I served for the last four years. And I'm a graduate of Coastal in 1986. About 20 years ago when I was aimlessly wondering up and down the beach, Coastal gave me the opportunity to get a college education, and eventually stumble onto the campus of USC School of Medicine. I want us to see us continue to grow like everyone's talked about, be able to keep our eye on the original mission which is to serve the decisions of Horry and surrounding the county. So I think our biggest challenge is to manage that growth and to be faithful to that mission. And I'd like to help continue to do that.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Any questions from any committee members?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Mr. Chairman, on behalf of Senator Peeler, I move it for approval.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. I have a move to a favorable report.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: I second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Second by Representative Breeland. No discussion. All in favor, raise your right hand. Unanimous report. Thank you, Mr. Swad. Next is Mr. Gary W. Brown from the Sixth District.
MR. BROWN: Good morning.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Good morning, sir. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MR. BROWN: No, sir. Other than a head cold today, I don't have anything that I know of.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MR. BROWN: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the board?
MR. BROWN: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MR. BROWN: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay, tell us briefly, Mr. Brown, why you want to be appointed. I understand you're a new candidate.
MR. BROWN: Yes, sir. I was raised in Florence. I observed over my life the development and growth of this institution. It's done an admirable job so far, particularly over the last 14 years. I'm very excited about what I see as unlimited potential of this university. The location alone is something that makes it very, very attractive to people all over the world. I think the board and the administration have done an excellent job, and I'd like to do what I can to contribute to that. I'd like to be a part of that.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any members of the committee have any questions? Let me ask you since you're a new candidate --
MR. BROWN: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: -- being a law enforcement officer myself, retired, do you have any criminal history? Or any long list of traffic violations that you would like to tell us about, if you do?
MR. BROWN: No, sir. I have no record like that.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Let it be known that a SLED check also stated that he had no record. Okay. Any other discussion? Do I hear a motion?
SENATOR SHORT: Move favorable report.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Senator Short moved for a favorable report. A second by Representative Littlejohn. All in favor, say aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Raise your hand. Okay, unanimous. Thank you, sir.
MR. BROWN: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Next would be Eugene Spivey.
MR. SPIVEY: Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Mr. Spivey, do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MR. SPIVEY: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MR. SPIVEY: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MR. SPIVEY: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MR. SPIVEY: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Tell us briefly why you would like to be reappointed to the Board.
MR. SPIVEY: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As a Coastal graduate and someone who's about to be married to another Coastal graduate here in a couple of weeks, I believe that there's only a handful of us on the Board, and there is a constituency that deserve representing. I went to Coastal after, like Dr. Swad said, kind of wondering around, kind of had to figure out a few things, but finally did. Stayed at Coastal, and I tried to be involved in the Coastal and the community ever since.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Are there any questions from the committee? Representative Breeland.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: I noticed that you stated you just named the second president. How long have you served on the Board?
MR. SPIVEY: I've been there five years. I filled a partial one-year term; that's one full term after that.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: And what is your take on tuition being raised?
MR. SPIVEY: As chairman of the Planning Fiscal Affairs, I've -- we've -- it's not easy. I mean, there's tough calls to make and there's lots of things we've had to do. It's one of the strengths, I think, I like to think I bring to the Board as someone who's in small business and runs a couple different small businesses. I've had to learn to kind of do a few things to try to increase revenue, not all the time with having to increase prices. But just keeping on, as the Chairman said a little while ago, keeping a low double digits. And I do think it will probably be in around three, three-and-a-half percent this year.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any further questions? Okay, do I hear a motion?
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Move to a favorable report.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Representative Breeland moves for a favorable report. Do I hear second?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Second by Senator Alexander. All in favor, raise your right hand. Let it be known, it's unanimous. Thank you, sir. The next person to be screened for the at-large, seat 13 will be Fred F. DuBard, Jr. Mr. DuBard.
MR. DuBARD: Good morning, sir. How are you doing?
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: How you doing? Mr. Dubard, do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MR. DuBARD: Not that I'm aware of, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MR. DuBARD: Yes, sir. I'm retired now.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MR. DuBARD: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MR. DuBARD: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Thank you. If you'd tell us why you would like to be appointed to the board.
MR. DuBARD: Like several of the other members that you've talked with today, I was one of the original members of the Board of Trustees who served, this will be 14 years. I am changing my seat from District 6, at-large, because I live in the country and I'm right on the edge of the 4th and 6th District, and they moved it over this year. And I'm a mile-and-a-half inside the 5th District at this point. If they change it once, they'll change it again. So I figured I'd go at-large.

I have been fortunate to be elected Chairman of the Board on three different occasions. I have served six of the 14 years as Chairman. And I've fallen in love, like the other people, with Coastal. My wife is from Conway. We have a place at the beach. And my house is exactly one hour from Coastal, so I can get down there at any time I feel I need to be down there.

And I'd like to continue and watch this university continue to grow as it has the last 14 years. I think it, as others said, this university is on the brink of just being spectacular. And our master plan for the campus and students, I think is well thought out and took about three years to get it right, but I think we're good to go. And I would like to be there to help where I can; take my experience on the Board and help it grow.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any other questions from any other members of the committee? Any? Do I hear a motion?
SENATOR SHORT: Move favorable report.
REPRESENTATIVE BRADY: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Move for a favorable report by Senator Short. And I hear a second Representative Brady. Any discussion? There being no discussion. All in favor, raise your right hand. Let it be known, it's unanimous.
MR. DuBARD: Thank you, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Thank you. The next person would be for the at-large, Seat 15, Daniel Monroe or Daniel Moore. Thank you, Mr. Moore. Let me ask you a few questions. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MR. MOORE: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MR. MOORE: Absolutely.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MR. MOORE: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MR. MOORE: Not that I'm aware of.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay, Mr. Moore if you would, tell us why you would like to be reappointed to the Board.
MR. MOORE: Mr. Chairman, I think all my colleagues have said so many wonderful things about Coastal Carolina, it's kind of hard to follow-up on that. But I think there's a central theme that has been discussed today concerning Coastal Carolina, and that's the affection and love that each of these Board members you've heard from, that I share as well, have developed for Coastal Carolina. I started my service at Coastal as an instructor after I came back from a tour at Vietnam in the early-70s. And simply because I didn't have any other employment at the time. But I began as an instructor there, teaching psychology and sociology. And just fell in love with it.

I grew up in the area. I live about 25 minutes from the campus, and I'm involved there; committee meetings and other meetings quite often, and ready to respond at any particular time. I, later on, in my business career was asked to be on the Higher Education Commission and served for eight years there. And I'm continuing my service, and was elected to the Board in 2000, and re-elected two years ago. And I'd like to be elected again, and continue with the great things that are happening, and be a part of that. We elected a new president and I'm very excited about working with this new administration and the same goals for the future because all the people that it touches, touches in our region.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Any members of the Board have a question? Do I hear a motion?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Move favorable report.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Move for a favorable report by Senator Alexander, second by Representative Breeland. All in favor, raise your right hand. All opposed? Let it be known it's unanimous. Thank you, sir.
MR. MOORE: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. We will not go through the Wil Lou Gray. The first person to be screened for the Wil Lou Gray Board will be Earle Bennett. Dr. Bennett, let me ask you a few questions.
DR. BENNETT: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
DR. BENNETT: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
DR. BENNETT: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
DR. BENNETT: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
DR. BENNETT: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. If you would, Dr. Bennett, would you please tell us why you want to serve on the Wil Lou Gray -- and let me tell you, it's in my district, about a half-an-hour from my house.
DR. BENNETT: I am well aware of that.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: I'll come right over.
DR. BENNETT: I do want to thank you, Senator Knotts, as Chairperson, and also the other members of the committee for giving me this time to express my wishes to continuing to serve on the Board. Last year I was elected by the General Assembly to complete an unexpired term, so I have been working with the Board less than a year, as far as months are concerned. I feel like I've learned a great deal during that time, but I surely have a whole lot more to learn. I visited the school numerous times during this past several months, visiting with the staff and with the director. And I had the opportunity to participate in special functions and activities sponsored by the school. I tried in this short time to make a contribution to the school that I think would be of benefit to the students.

As all of you know, Wil Lou Gray is a unique school, and it has experienced positive academic growth over the years. In reviewing the state report card for 2006, the school received an excellent rating in the absolute rating category. And then in the improvement grading, they received a good. And this was also for last year. This gives the school an opportunity to be recognized by the Department of Education as a Palmetto Gold Award. Also, I think the successes of the students that have participated in the program at Wil Lou Gray speaks for themselves.

We've had many success stories. And one that comes to mind is a young man, Christopher George, from the Upstate who in this last year received the highest score on the GED in the state. And he was one of our students. Mr. George, like many of the students that come to Wil Lou Gray, had problems. Most of these problems start in the family. Not all, but most start in the family situation.
And to make a long story short, he left school at 17 with no diploma. Not that he could not do the work, he just was not motivated. He just didn't care. He was struggling with depression. And when he lost his job and he had no plan for his life. And with encouragement, he did enroll in Wil Lou Gray. His brother, prior to that, had graduated from Wil Lou Gray. So, once he got there and had that nurture and care and was motivated, he has done quite well. And this is just one story that goes on and on. I can't take any credit for the report card for '06, nor for Christopher George's success. But I do hope and I do feel that as the years go on, that we will be faced with other challenges. And I would consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to continuing learning and to continuing my work with Wil Lou Gray.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any questions from the committee?
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Just one, Mr. Chairman.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Representative Breeland.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Dr. Bennett, when these students leave Wil Lou Gray, do you have a tracking system in place where you will follow him as to his success?
DR. BENNETT: I'm sure there's a system that's in place. That's pretty much a requirement for most of our schools. To answer your question, yes, sir. I'm not real familiar with that at this time.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Okay.
DR. BENNETT: I cannot give you statistics as far as percentages, but a high percentage do go on and get their GED. Those that may not be quite ready for the GED, they do get the New Challenge Certificate and the work skills certificates.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any other members of the committee have anything else?
DR. BENNETT: I would like to say one other thing, Senator, if I could.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay.
DR. BENNETT: I didn't graduate from Wil Lou Gray. I've known about the school for a long time. Not the day-to-day, ins-and-outs, that I'm learning now. I taught in the classroom for many years, and my students were those students that came to us as the ones that could not do anything, that could not perform. And on a daily basis, I would see these kids that felt like there was no future for them. You could see the blank stare in their face.

And I look at Wil Lou Gray as a last chance, so to speak, for a lot of students. This is it. And so, it's an alternative method of educating that I think is extremely important for our state when we look at our dropout rates. My desire is that this school could increase its enrollment to touch more students.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay, thank you. Do I hear a motion?
SENATOR SHORT: Move favorable report.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Move for a favorable report by Senator Short.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Second by Representative Littlejohn. All in favor, raise your right hand. All opposed. Let it be known that the vote is unanimous.
DR. BENNETT: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Thank you. Next is Sandra Parker. Good evening. Ms. Parker, do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MS. PARKER: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MS. PARKER: Yes.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MS. PARKER: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MS. PARKER: None that I know of.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Thank you. Ms. Parker, tell us briefly why you would like to serve on the Board.
MS. PARKER: I've been a practicing attorney for 18 years almost. And first seven or eight years of my practice, I primarily did domestic law or family court law. And during my tenure in that court, I saw the need for this type of school, an alternative placement for children, children that don't have the opportunities that the rest of us, you know, may have. I've seen the direct benefit of Wil Lou Gray. I was a volunteer Guardian ad Litem for many years, and I think that I can be of service.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Any questions from the committee? I would like to say that Ms. Parker has served the committee well, and her father was Senator Dooley, and her brother is an attorney in Lexington. They are very community-oriented. I'd move for a favorable report, but I don't think the Chair can do it.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Move favorable report.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Favorable report moved by Senator Alexander. Second by Representative Breeland. Any discussion? No discussion. All in favor, raise your right hand. Thank you.
MS. PARKER: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Next will be Inese Williamson.
MS. WILLIAMSON: Good morning.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Good morning. Ms. Williamson, let me ask you a few questions, if I could. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MS. WILLIAMSON: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MS. WILLIAMSON: Yes.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MS. WILLIAMSON: No, I do not.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MS. WILLIAMSON: No.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay, Ms. Williamson, tell the committee why you want to serve on the Board.
MS. WILLIAMSON: Well, I guess it may be a little bit of selfishness, things I learned in the past. I served on the Aiken County Board of Education 17 years; that is a long time. I saw so many children that needed a school like the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School. The thing, I guess, that bothers me most about the school is that I think that we probably -- and Aiken County is no different from any other county -- there are so many children that need to be there, to have that final chance. I think that bothered me more than anything, having served on a school board, is when we had to vote a child out of school or a child dropped out because they were not motivated.

I work in my church with the youth. I have been a director for children, the music and the different Christian place that they have grown. And I know that children, when given that opportunity and the support and the backing, can do all sorts of things. I don't want to see children stop at Wil Lou Gray. I want to see them go on and on. I have a granddaughter that's at Clemson. She is a junior this year, will be a senior next year. I have always supported my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, our children. And to be very honest, I owned an insurance and real estate agency; I retired. Well folks, it's not like it's what you think when you retire. I'm bored. And this is the only thing I really love to do. I really want to serve on this Board. I want to be a part of helping children throughout South Carolina.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Any questions from the committee? Could you tell me what you actually know about the school itself? Have you been to the campus?
MS. WILLIAMSON: No, sir. I have not. I have friends that have been very much involved. Ms. Mary Lou Willis, Mr. Ken Willis who was the superintendent at Aiken County Schools, who is now deceased. I have not been to the campus; I know where it is. Excuse me, I have been there, but not to visit.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you know anything about the operation of the school? Who the director is? Or anything?
MS. WILLIAMSON: I did know -- I do not remember the names. I don't. I'm going in this on faith, very honestly. The only thing that I really know is children who have problems are able to go there and get help. I don't know as much as I should know about it. I'm willing to learn.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. All right, do I hear a motion?
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Motion to move favorable report.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Move for a favorable report by Representative Littlejohn.
SENATOR SHORT: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Second by Senator Short. Any discussion? No discussion. All in favor, raise your right hand. It would be unanimous. Thank you.
MS. WILLIAMSON: Thank you so much.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Next person would be Dr. Howard Hill.
DR. HILL: Good afternoon.
COMMITTEE: Good afternoon.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Dr. Hill.
DR. HILL: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: This is the Screening Committee. Let me ask you a few questions, Dr. Hill.
DR. HILL: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
DR. HILL: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
DR. HILL: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
DR. HILL: I do not.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
DR. HILL: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Tell us briefly what you know about Wil Lou Gray and why you would like to serve.
DR. HILL: I know quite a bit about Wil Lou Gray. I've been to the campus. In fact, I have an interest in applying for principalship of the school. I've known about the school for about three decades. Being a professor, former professor, director of an international program, vice president back in affairs, I've done quite a bit of research in the area of resilient families. In fact, that's the title of my next book coming out this fall, "Resilient Families."

I'm also a newspaper columnist at this time, "TimesandDemocrat.com." Go to it and check out my column yesterday. I think it might be of interest to you. What I would like to do is to see the Wil Lou Gray School continue to be a provider of needs of our young people. There is a need for an alternative school, an alternate school setting for the needs of young people and the oppressed. Now this is not an easy task, ladies and gentlemen. This is something we must do. The Wil Lou Gray School is doing it very well, I'd like to believe it will continue to serve as a bridge for young people who are facing difficulties. I want to serve. I have the time; I have the interest. And I think in the area of policy, I can work with the Board to not only strengthen the institution, but make South Carolina stand up in this regard.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any questions from any members of the committee?
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: The charge that he had was dismissed --
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Let me ask everybody to leave the room, please, except for the candidate.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Mr. Chairman, before we go off the record, I move to go into Executive Session.
SENATOR SHORT: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: We will move to go -- a motion to go into Executive Session by Senator Alexander. Second by Senator Short. All in favor, say "aye".
COMMITTEE: Aye.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Let's move into Executive Session.

(Executive Session 12:20 p.m. until 12:56 p.m.)
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do I hear a motion to come out of Executive Session?
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: So moved.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: All in favor say "aye".
COMMITTEE: Aye.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Representative Littlejohn?
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Chairman, I make a motion that we approve Dr. Hill's application for Wil Lou Gray.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: All in favor say "aye".
COMMITTEE: Aye.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: All opposed? Let it be unanimous. Thank you for the applications. Let us now move on to the South Carolina State University. Any further questions as far as districts? First District, Seat One is Mr. Karl Green.
MR. GREEN: Evening.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: How are you doing? Sorry for any delay. And let me ask you a few questions.
MR. GREEN: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MR. GREEN: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MR. GREEN: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MR. GREEN: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MR. GREEN: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: How long have you served on the Board, Mr. Green?
MR. GREEN: Mr. Chairman, I've been on the board now for almost two years. I have a statement on file right now. I just want to briefly add that I appreciate the opportunity to be reconsidered for reappointment. I was just recently appointment as Chairman of the Research and Economic Development Committee. And, of course, there are numeral initiatives that the university has taken on, and I'd like to see those completed and push forward as we continue to achieve the things that we need to achieve at the university.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any question from any member of the committee? Representative Breeland.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Green, I know we probably don't give you enough money at South Carolina State College, but do you have any vision of bringing in money from other sources? You don't have to tell me the sources, but is that one of your visions that you have?
MR. GREEN: Yes, sir. We have several board members that have some affiliation with various corporate operations out there, and we are seeking other resources through other means, other than the state. Of course, we are continuing in dire need of deferred maintenance at the university. Again, we are going outside to help.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any other questions from the committee? There being no further questioning, may I hear a motion?
SENATOR SHORT: Move favorable report
REPRESENTATIVE BRADY: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Move for a favorable report by Senator Short and second by Representative --
REPRESENTATIVE BRADY: Brady.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: -- Brady. Yes, I didn't know whether you or who was the -- all right, all in favor, raise your right hand. The vote's unanimous. Thank you, sir.
MR. GREEN: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Move to carry over Mr. Reggie Gallant?
COMMITTEE: Gallant.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Gallant. Was unable to attend today. Next will be the Fourth District, Seat Four, Mr. Corbitt, John Corbitt. Thank you, Mr. Corbitt.
DR. CORBITT: Thank you, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Mr. Corbitt, do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
DR. CORBITT: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
DR. CORBITT: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
DR. CORBITT: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
DR. CORBITT: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Tell us, Dr. Corbitt, why you want to be reappointed.
DR. CORBITT: Thank you, Senator. First, South Carolina State's my alma mater. I'm sporting my new logo today on my new blazer, sir. It's a new logo for the school; I'm very proud of that, and very proud to be a part of this wonderful family, South Carolina State University. I am the third most senior member of the board at the present time. I was elected in -- I was appointed in July of 2001. And most of our board members have been elected the last two or three years, so I think my seniority will serve the board quite well as the new members get to know South Carolina State University.

I have perfect attendance on the board. I've never missed a Board meeting in these six years. We have a good team as Board members. I serve as Chairman of the Academic Affairs Committee. We're doing some new things. We have a new academic board going on right now which I head up as well. So, we are doing well and I'm glad to be a part of this team. And we look forward to even greater days at South Carolina State University.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any question from the committee? Do I hear a motion?
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Move favorable report.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Representative Breeland moved for a favorable report. Representative Littlejohn second it. All in favor, raise your right hand. It would be unanimous. I want to thank you for your service on that Board.
DR. CORBITT: Thank you, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Thank you. The next will be at-large Seat Eight, Mr. Earl Johnson, Jr.
MR. JOHNSON: Good afternoon.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Good afternoon. I'll ask you a few questions. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MR. JOHNSON: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MR. JOHNSON: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MR. JOHNSON: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MR. JOHNSON: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Thank you for coming today, and tell the committee why you would like to be on the Board.
MR. JOHNSON: Well, I feel it's important to give back to the community, help others to attain a quality education because education is the key to progress. And I've got a lot of people who have helped me before in my life, and I think it's time to give back for that. I feel that I can bring a different perspective, serving 20 years in the military, and I think I can bring a perspective that's a little different in my leadership ability. And my experience will bring a positive influence to the Board.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Any question from any of the members of the committee? Being no questions, do I hear a motion?
SENATOR SHORT: Move favorable report.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Senator Short moves for a favorable report. Do I hear a second?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Senator Alexander. All in favor, raise your right hand. All opposed. Unanimous. Thank you, sir.
MR. JOHNSON: Thank you. Appreciate it.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: The next will be Dr. Shirley Martin. Dr. Martin, thank you for coming today. Let me ask you a few questions. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
DR. MARTIN: No.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
DR. MARTIN: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
DR. MARTIN: No.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
DR. MARTIN: No.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Would you please tell me why you want to serve on the board?
DR. MARTIN: Sure. Having both my bachelor's and doctorate degrees from South Carolina State University, first of all, I'm very honored that they afforded to me the opportunities that those degrees afforded me. So that first and foremost is the reason I want to be a part. I think education is important. That's why I pursued those degrees and that's why I'd like to be part of the body that creates that excitement and passion in students. But I think what sparked my interest is, I was reading the Mission on High Education's Report a couple months ago.

And as I read it and became concerned about the things that I was hearing about higher ed, I said, "Well, Shirley, maybe you need to do more than sit on the sidelines. Maybe you need to get in the game, and let's see if we can make things better for higher ed in South Carolina." Having been superintendent in two districts, I know K12 education, and I'm always excited when I see my students graduating from high school and moving on to higher and more interesting opportunities. But I always go to my high school graduations. And at graduations, I always see kids who have come back who had graduated two or three years earlier. And I'd say, "What are you dong now?"

Many of which have gone on to college, but had never completed the process. And as a result of that, I've always questioned, was it better for them to get an additional year or two years? When I look at what it cost and the impact that's going to have, and those kids didn't get the next level degree. So, that created another concern for me. And thirdly, I read recently about SC State marketing a new state of the mind philosophy. And I said, "That's great because that's what we need to do."

We need to look at what we're doing. Maybe be more comprehensive than we can be. Maybe we need to be specializing. We know that privatization is becoming a big issue in higher ed. We need to be soliciting funds and sources to help fund new and different initiatives. And we've got to look at the constituency.

You've got to look at the students at that university, and say, "Where should they be? What should we be doing for them?" Based on where they're going to live and what their aspirations are. Unfortunately, if we still have the same curriculum, and the same opportunities, and the same degrees that we had 30 years ago, chances are, we're missing out on some real opportunities for our students. And we've got to make sure we're creating rigorous, relevant opportunities for these kids. We've got to ignite a passion in education.

We've got to ignite a real need to learn. We've got to make a connection between successful citizens, successful workers, and quality systems. And that's, basically, why I want to be a part. I want to see those changes, and I'm excited about it.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay. Any question from any members of the committee?
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: A compliment. Dr. Martin and I worked on the Charleston County School District for a number of years. And she was principal of an elementary school about four blocks on the same street that I live on. And her energy level was always very high. So, I want to ask her, will she carry that same energy to South Carolina State, if she's elected to the Board?
DR. MARTIN: I am very excited about that possibility. And yes, I am real excited. And that's why I decided, when I read the article, I said, "You know what? It's very easy for me to sit on the sidelines and say how I would assist that leadership, or how I would help to initiate new programs and opportunities." I need to see if I can get involved in the event, yes.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any other questions?
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: So moved.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Motion made by Representative Breeland for a favorable report. Do I hear a second?
SENATOR SHORT: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Second by Senator Short and Senator Alexander and myself. Thank you.
DR. MARTIN: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Oh, all in favor, say "aye".
COMMITTEE: Aye.
DR. MARTIN: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay, thank you. Okay, Ms. Sky Foster. Ms. Foster is applying for at-large, Seat 12. Ms. Foster, let me ask you a few questions. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
MS. FOSTER: No, I do not.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
MS. FOSTER: Yes.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
MS. FOSTER: No.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
MS. FOSTER: No, I do not.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Ms. Foster, if you would, tell the Board why you would like to serve on the Board.
MS. FOSTER: I am a 1977 graduate at South Carolina State University and very proud to know that they've instilled a lot in me, and I'd like to, of course, give back. I am also currently a Board member on the Business and Career Cluster at South Carolina State University where we come together to increase the marketability of students. Also, what has prepared me to be successful on this Board is the fact that my background in business and industry lends itself to understanding how business, and industry, and academia should partner. I am currently with the BMW Manufacturering. I've been engaged, and involved, in the financial side as well as on the educational side. Also through recruiting before as an intern from various colleges and universities.

So I understand what students need to be marketable and what they need to be successful. I'd like to be able to be an advisor to the faculty, to the students, as well as, to the Board to enhance the position of South Carolina State University and causing the students to be more competitive in a very competitive world.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Thank you. Any questions from the committee?
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: One last question, Ms. Foster.
MS. FOSTER: Yes.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Working with BMW and knowing that South Carolina State University has this transportation center anyways, will South Carolina State benefit from the BMW area from your position or status as working with BMW?
MS. FOSTER: I look forward to introducing that concept. I think it would be a great, an enormous partnership because there's some commonality on both sides, and there's a win-win. College wins and BMW wins, as well. But the commonality should lend itself to being joint collaboration.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Thank you.
MS. FOSTER: So, yes.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Thank you.
MS. FOSTER: That's a possibility.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: Thank you.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any other questions for the committee?
SENATOR SHORT: Mr. Chairman, I was just going to make a comment. It's certainly not to take anything away from all the gentlemen who've appeared here today, but it sure is nice to see some women who are on some of these boards as trustees, and I congratulate you both for doing that.
MS. FOSTER: Thank you.
MS. FOSTER: Well, thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Chairman, I just want to say, she's a Cherokee County gal; she's got to be good.
MS. FOSTER: That's right.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN:: Move in favor.
REPRESENTATIVE BREELAND: I second.
SENATOR SHORT: Second.
MS. FOSTER: And my birth home is Gaffney, so --
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Moved for approval from Representative Lenny Littlejohn, second by Representative Breeland and Senator Short. All in favor, raise your right hand. Vote will be unanimous. Thank you. Okay, the last one that we're are looking for is Reverend D. Edward Chaney.
REVEREND CHANEY: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and committee members.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Good afternoon. Not Dick Cheney, is it?
REVEREND CHANEY: No, sir. Spelled differently, C-H-A-N-E-Y.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay, let me ask you a few questions. Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
REVEREND CHANEY: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
REVEREND CHANEY: Yes, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
REVEREND CHANEY: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
REVEREND CHANEY: No, sir.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Okay, thank you, sir. And briefly tell us why you are interested in serving on the Board.
REVEREND CHANEY: As the senior minister of my Pisgah Baptist Church, an old historic church in the city of Orangeburg, I have already been engaging in work at South Carolina State University and Claflin University. My predecessor, Reverend Everett, was a chaplain there. His predecessor, Reverend Rhodes was over the food service. His predecessor, Dr. N. C. Nixx was a mathematics professor there. So, my church has always been engaged with the work and the nurturing of students and the minds at South Carolina State University. I offer myself this day, number one, because of visibility.

I have been there from day one. I reside in the community, less than five minutes away from the university. Number two, I am accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I have provided prayer; I have provided counseling in conflict. Number three is accountability. I believe as the institution continues to evolve, to grow, there is a networking growth that there is a thread that goes between the church and that university. So, I offer myself this day, to this body.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Any questions? Do I hear a motion?
REPRESENTATIVE BRADY: Move in favor.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: Second?
SENATOR SHORT: Second.
VICE CHAIRMAN KNOTTS: All in favor, raise your right hand. Thank you. The vote was unanimous. Thank you. I want to tell each and every one of y'all, we appreciate y'all coming and volunteering to serve and we wish you the best of luck.

(THE SCREENING COMMISSION CONCLUDED AT 1:13 P.M.)

On motion of Senator KNOTTS, the report was ordered printed in the Journal.

On motion of Senator CLEARY, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Roger Horonzy of Columbia, S.C. Mr. Horonzy was a Sergeant in the S.C. State Guard, a Journeyman Electrician, electrical contractor, private pilot, beloved husband and father.

At 11:16 A.M., on motion of Senator JACKSON, the Senate adjourned to meet next Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at 12:00 Noon.

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