The Inauguration of

COL (Ret.) Alexander Conyers

Onward and Upward: The Journey to Success with Integrity, Commitment and Excellence

Monday, September 26 – Saturday, October 1

Alexander Conyers, 13th President
South Carolina State University

Alexander Conyers is the 13th president of South Carolina State University. Prior to this role, he served the university as interim president, acting president and vice president for strategic alliances and initiatives.

Col. Conyers is an experienced servant leader having served over 28 years in the U.S. Army. He is a proven leader who has led complex organizations in areas of leadership, recruitment, retention, training, human resources, finance and budget, safety, and accreditation. His assignments consisted of many stateside locations including two tours at the Pentagon and South Korea, Canada, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Conyers previously served in Washington, D.C., in the Senior Executive Service (federal government just below presidential appointees) as the deputy assistant secretary of the Army (Review Boards); a two-star general equivalent. In this capacity, he led the Army Review Boards Agency, which on behalf of the secretary of the Army serves as the highest administrative level for review and appeal of personnel actions taken by lower levels of the Army. The agency administers 12 different boards and adjudicates over 20,000 cases annually from soldiers, veterans, and family members. He was responsible for boards that adjudicate cases involving evaluation and promotions, discharge upgrades, physical disability, eliminations, the parole board for military prisoners, and other cases.

He completed his military career in 2016 after rising from private to colonel as the leader of the Army’s largest and most complex military police brigade. He led over 3,600 soldiers and civilians across four military installations: Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Ft. Stewart, Georgia, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, and Ft. Drum, New York. He was also responsible for the safety of the Ft. Bragg community with a population of over 100,000 personnel.

Col. Conyers remained intimately involved with SC State while serving in the Army. He served as a member of the SCSU Board of Visitors, chairman of the Student Relations Committee for the SCSU National Alumni Association, and a member of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. He was featured as a 2016 honoree on the Stellar Alumni Calendar. He has also been inducted into SC State ROTC Hall of Fame and most recently served as the president of the Washington, D.C., Chapter of the National Alumni Association.

A Manning, South Carolina, native. Col. Conyers holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SC State, a master’s degree in corrections from the University of South Carolina, and a master’s degree in public administration from Troy University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and The University of North Carolina’s Leadership, Excellence and Development (LEAD) program. He is a member of several professional associations, including the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education, and a former adjunct professor at Upper Iowa University.

He is married to First Lady Agatha Conyers, and they have two children, Ace and Aly.

Since serving as President of SC State, he has accomplished the following:

  1. Fiscal Stability
    1. Made an immediate decision to utilize $9M of HBCU Cares Acts funding as student debt relief. The debt was owed to SC State, therefore the $9M was returned to SC State as unrestricted funds.
    2. This singular decision relieved/cleared the university of $9M of bad debt.
    3. Allocated $5M of these funds to the SCSU rainy day reserve account.
    4. Made an additional $1M payment to the principal of the $6M loan from the state.
    5. Utilized the remaining funds towards the other strategic initiatives.
  2. Fundraising
    1. On August 25, announced a $1.25M fundraising campaign over 125 days with a personal donation of $25,000.
    2. The campaign raised $2.5M during the period with a 40% increase in the number of alumni giving.
    3. To date, the annual fund has received $5.1M compared to $2.7M at this time last year.
    4. Raised $1M at the Alumni Reunion Banquet on May 7, only the 2nd time in history that mark was made.
    5. On track to implement a sizable capital campaign plan, the first in the history of SC State.
  3. Student Enrollment and Success
    1. On July 13 when named acting president, he immediately reopened the admission portal with a blitz for students and brought in 682 new freshmen in August 2021, the largest class in five years: reversing the trend of freshman classes with 350-360 students.
    2. On pace to enroll his stated goal of 1,000 new students Fall 2022.
    3. Personally, participates and engages with potential students and parents at recruitment fairs throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.
    4. Re-established dual-enrollment programs with several high school districts; dozens of students have already enrolled for August
    5. Established a professional advising program designated for first–time freshmen aimed at increased retention rates.
  4. Curriculum and Research
    1. Has directed an academic program review to align programs with workforce needs and trends; the last review is more than 15 years old.
    2. Research grant funding is up over 35% than this time last year.
    3. Implemented SLATE, a customer relations management program after a three-year stall. This will greatly enhance many aspects of the university.
  5. Improve the Campus Environment
    1. In the process on implementing $2M worth of safety and security enhancements; cameras, LED lighting, emergency call boxes and card readers for dormitory access.
    2. Currently conducting improvements to over 10 buildings on campus.
    3. Made major improvements to the softball field for our female student-athletes
    4. Provided $160K directly to student organizations to improve campus experience; Army ROTC, Marching 101 Band and Student Government Association.
  6. Enhance the University Brand
    1. Developed a marketing campaign that includes, radio, internet, and TV advertisements and eight billboards throughout South Carolina.
    2. Capitalized on the HBCU National Football Championship by combining the spring football game with Open House, resulting in over 3,000 students and parents visiting the campus.
    3. He is fully engaged with the local and state community; to include school districts, churches, elected and appointed leaders, local Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission.
    4. Contracted with a company to develop a brand-new comprehensive website for the university.
  7. Faculty and Staff Morale
    1. Conducted an off-campus holiday social for faculty and staff in December.
    2. Conducted a Tailgate Appreciation for faculty and staff during last football season.
    3. Provided a $125 gift card to every faculty and staff member.
    4. Re-established a financial reward to departmental employees of the year.
    5. Providing funding for faculty and staff to attend professional development conferences and seminars.
  8. Parents and Family Engagement
    1. Created the first SCSU Parents and Family Association to build a bridge and serve as conduit between parents and the university.
    2. Established the Legacy Scholar Pinning Ceremony which recognized incoming students with a parent who graduated from SC State.
    3. Initiated the implementation of a First-Generation College Student Society (FirstGen) to improve the success and retention rates of this population of students.

Schedule of Events

Monday, September 26

Pre-Inaugural Concert | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
featuring Joshua Rogers
American Gospel singer
Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
Campus of South Carolina State University

$10 Admission
SC State Student’s with ID are Free

Thursday, September 29

First Lady’s Scholarship Luncheon | 12:00 Noon
Orangeburg County Conference Center
By Invitation Only
1645 Russell Street, Orangeburg, SC
Learn More | RSVP

SC State vs. UofSC | 7:00 PM
Williams-Brice Stadium
1125 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC

Friday, September 30

President’s Inaugural Ball | 7:00 PM
featuring Angie Stone
American R&B soul singer-songwriter
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC

Saturday, October 1

Investiture Ceremony | 2:00 PM
Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
Campus of South Carolina State University
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Reception immediately following Investiture
Learn More | Delegate RSVP

Information for Delegates

Details

Location
South Carolina State University
300 College Street, NE, Orangeburg, SC

Academic Regalia
Delegates are asked to provide their own academic regalia.

Parking
A decal for VIP parking will be mailed to delegates upon receipt of the response card. Upon arrival on campus, please hang the decal on the rear view mirror of the vehicle. Campus Police will direct vehicles displaying the decal to the designated VIP Parking Areas.

Registration
Registration for all official delegates will be held at:

Engineering and Science Building Auditorium
Room 100 (across from the Student Plaza)
Thursday, September 29, 2022
12 Noon – 6:00 P.M.

Accommodations

Blocks of rooms have been reserved for delegates and other special guests. To receive South Carolina State University Inaugural special rates, reservations must be made by Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Ask for the “Presidential Inauguration” group rate.

Spring Hill Suites
675 Citadel Road, Orangeburg, SC
P: (803) 809-0111

Robing

Robing of persons participating in the Academic Processional will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. at the following locations.

Group Location
Platform Party Presidents’ STATE Room
Faculty and Staff Cafeteria, Felton Laboratory School
Students Gym, Felton Laboratory School
Delegates & Alumni Turner Hall D Wing

At 8:30 A.M., the Academic Processional will assemble from Buckley Street, on the campus of South Carolina State University, to Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

In case of inclement weather, report to Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. If you have any questions, please call 803-536-8394.

Inaugural Citations

Resolutions, plaques, letters, and cards should be mailed to the following address:

The Inaugural Office
South Carolina State University
300 College Street, NE
P.O. Box 7054
Orangeburg, SC 29117

Contact information and/or Special Requests:
P:
803.536.8394  E: inauguration@scsu.edu

All submissions should be received by September 9, 2022

First Lady Agatha Conyers
requests the pleasure of your company at the

2022 First Lady’s Scholarship Luncheon

Thursday, September 29, 2022   |   12 Noon
Orangeburg County Conference Center
1645 Russell Street, Orangeburg, South Carolina
RSVP by Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Business Attire
Face covering encouraged

BY INVITATION ONLY

President’s Inaugural Ball

Opening Performers: The Terrence Young Experience and Trumpeter Willie Bradley
Friday, September 30, 2022

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC

VIP Reception Hour (By Invitation Only) 5:30 PM  |  Concert 7:00 PM
BLACK TIE

SOLD OUT

Bonne Vie Music Group presents Angie Stone

Thank You to our Sponsors

Partnership Levels

Platinum Partner/Presenting Sponsor: $10,000

Sponsorship Incentives

  • Logo/partnership recognition on website and SC State mobile app
  • Official recognition during the Inauguration Concert
  • One Table of 8
  • Private pre-concert reception hosted by the President of SC State University
  • Four (4)Tickets to SC State vs University of South Carolina game 10/1/2022
Gold Partner: $7,500

Sponsorship Incentives

  • Logo/partnership recognition on website and SC State mobile app
  • Official recognition during the Inauguration Concert
  • One Table of 8
  • Private pre-concert reception hosted by the President of SC State University
  • Two (2) Tickets to SC State vs University of South Carolina game 10/1/2022
Silver Partner: $5,000

Sponsorship Incentives

  • Logo/partnership recognition on website
  • One Table of 8
  • Private pre-concert reception hosted by the President of SC State University
Garnet and Blue Sponsor: $2,500

Sponsorship Incentives

  • Sponsorship Incentives
  • Logo/partnership recognition on website
  • One Table of 8

If you have questions about the Inaugural Events, please call 803.536.8394 or email inauguration@scsu.edu