Members of the Board

South Carolina State University Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of SC State University, charged by the state of South Carolina to oversee the operation and management of the university. Guided by its bylaws, members of the board execute its functions to ensure the university remains viable for this and future generations. In such capacity, the Board shall define the mission, role and scope of the university; establish the general policies of the university; plan the university’s broad program of educational activity; approve the budget for the fiscal year, assist in soliciting financial resources and serves as an advocate for the university as well as provide ultimate accountability to the public and the South Carolina General Assembly.

The governing board will operate free from undue influence from political, religious, other external entities or bodies and protect the institution from such influence. While the board directs the president to implement and achieve policies and goals, the president is ultimately responsible for the day-to-day management of the university.

Douglas Gantt, '84

Pharmaceutical Sales/Real Estate Entrepreneur

Douglas Gantt, '84

Chair

Dr. Macie P. Smith, '99 '02

Licensed Social Worker/Gerontologist CEO, Diversified Training Consultants Group

Dr. Macie P. Smith, '99 '02

Vice Chairperson

Starlee D. Alexander

Insurance Agent

Starlee D. Alexander

Jameel Allen, Sr '01

Chairman and CEO of SAI Diversified Energy Services, LLC

Jameel Allen, Sr '01

Dr. Louvette R. Dicks '79 '07

Retired Educator

Dr. Louvette R. Dicks '79 '07

Ronald D. Friday

Command Sergeant Major (retired)

Ronald D. Friday

Dr. Doris Helms

Retired Provost
Clemson University

Dr. Doris Helms

Rodney C. Jenkins ‘73

CEO, PRJ Consulting, LLC

Rodney C. Jenkins ‘73

Colonel William L. Oden

Chief of Staff
Cyber Security and Intel

Colonel William L. Oden

Monica R. Scott

Retired Vice President
College of Charleston

Monica R. Scott

Dr. Wilbur B. Shuler ‘68

Retired University Administrator

Dr. Wilbur B. Shuler ‘68

Dr. Daniel R. Varat

CEO of Safe Harbor

Dr. Daniel R. Varat

Ex-officio Members

Hank Allen
Hank Allen

SCSU National Alumni President

Dr. Franklin Pressley
Dr. Franklin Pressley

Staff Senate President

Alexander Thierry

Faculty Senate President

Alexander Thierry

Zyah Cephus

SGA President

Zyah Cephus