SC State President Conyers announces tentative security upgrade concept for Hugine Suites

Measures would include enclosing the complex to limit access. 

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University President Alexander Conyers on Thursday announced a tentative security proposal for Hugine Suites, outlining structural upgrades, tighter access controls and expanded enforcement measures. 

The upgrades will be designed to strengthen safety across the university’s largest residential community. 

The announcement during the South Carolina State University Board of Trustees meeting followed recent incidents within the residential complex and reflected a broader effort to strengthen campuswide safety protocols. 

Conyers said the concept reflects a deliberate shift from discussion to execution. 

“We have talked about enclosing Hugine Suites for years,” Conyers said. “Now we are moving forward with a plan that clearly defines access, strengthens accountability and ensures that the people who live here can feel secure in their own community.” 

University leaders said the initiative would establish measurable access controls, defined entry points and clearer enforcement standards intended to hold students and visitors accountable while protecting the broader campus. 

Conyers has asked the SC State University Foundation for $500,000 to support the Hugine Suites initiative. 

The university also has requested $14 million in state appropriations to significantly enhance campus safety, including a new public safety headquarters, additional personnel, perimeter fencing, and expanded security technology. 

Reduced Hugine access points and structural upgrades 

The concept calls for reducing entry points at Hugine Suites from 44 to eight controlled access locations that can be staffed and equipped with weapon-detection systems and cameras. University officials have discussed enclosing the complex for more than 15 years, and the proposal advances those longstanding efforts. 

Upgrades: 

• Brick columns with reinforced decorative fencing would be constructed around the perimeter to clearly define access points. 
• Seven vehicular gates would be installed with siren-opening capabilities to allow immediate access for emergency responders, along with designated openings for maintenance and scheduled move-in and move-out periods. 
• Gate arms also would be added at exterior entrances and Hugine Suites parking lots, with parking restricted to students displaying current decals. 

The university will conduct a feasibility study to explore designating individual Hugine buildings by college, academic interest or extracurricular focus to better organize residential life while supporting security objectives. 

Tighter visitor controls and campus access 

University officials said the initiative is intended to create a more controlled residential environment and align Hugine Suites security with updated campus access protocols. The announcement follows recent revisions to campus entry procedures and comes after recent incidents prompted heightened safety measures. 

In addition to the structural upgrades, the university has implemented stricter campus access and visitor controls: 

• Students must enter through the Goff Street entrance, Gate 4, and present a valid university ID and parking decal. 
• Guests and students accompanied by guests must enter through the Chestnut Street entrance, Gate 5, and present government-issued identification. Guests are subject to screening and must depart campus by 9 p.m. unless attending a university-sponsored event. 
• License plates will be logged at primary entry points, and random vehicle searches will increase. Unauthorized vehicles remaining after 9 p.m. may be ticketed or towed. 
• Pedestrian access points will be reduced and monitored, with enhanced lighting and expanded camera coverage. A structured check-in process will allow limited parent access for short-term needs. 

“These measures are about clarity,” Conyers said. “If you do not live here or have a legitimate purpose to be here, you should not be here.” 

Expanded inspections and conduct enforcement 

• Residence hall inspections and conduct enforcement also have expanded. Scheduled and random room inspections will increase. 
• Firearms remain prohibited in student housing, and violations will result in immediate interim suspension pending judicial review. 
• The Student Code of Conduct is under review to ensure consistent sanctions for weapons possession, drug violations, unauthorized guests and violent conduct. Expanded education on conduct expectations and state drug laws will be reinforced through student programming. 

University officials said the combination of physical security upgrades, stronger enforcement and clearer behavioral standards is intended to create a more structured and accountable residential environment. 

Staffing, leadership and patrol enhancements 

Conyers also announced the appointment of Col. Leevaine Williams as senior executive director of Public Safety and Emergency Management. A search is underway for a new public safety chief. 

Williams brings 26 years of law enforcement experience, including leadership in: 

• Law enforcement and investigations 
• Safety and security strategic planning 
• Protection program development 
• Crisis management 
• Emergency and disaster preparedness 
• Evacuation and contingency procedures  

SC State recently opened a Community Safety Hub in Hugine Suites equipped with camera monitors and staffed by public safety officers. 

All campus public safety officers are academy-certified, and a staffing review is underway to address vacancies and ensure appropriate coverage. 

The university also is retraining gate officers, increasing patrol visibility in residential areas, and strengthening coordination with local law enforcement agencies. 

Conyers said the security plan reflects a comprehensive approach. 

“Safety is not one policy or one gate,” he said. “It is a coordinated effort — structure, staffing, enforcement and personal responsibility — working together.”