The University Seal is used in connection with the transaction of business of the Board of Trustees of South Carolina State University.
In 1968, Leo F. Twiggs, Ed.D., former Professor of Art at the University, designed the Seal for the Inauguration of M. Maceo Nance Jr., fifth president, later named President Emeritus.
The palmetto tree stands in the center of the Seal and represents the official tree of South Carolina. At the base of the tree, on the left, is a miniature Morrill Hall, symbolizing education and history. Morrill Hall, one of the first buildings constructed on the campus, was named in recognition of the Morrill Act, which established land-grant colleges in the United States. South Carolina State University is a member of the land-grant system. On the right hand side of the tree is a torch, which connotes a deep devotion to truth. “Scientia, Officium, Honos” means Knowledge, Duty, Honor.
The Seal is used on all official documents of the University.