Exciting Developments for Horry County’s Colleges and Universities
Horry County, S.C. has some fantastic news brewing for its educational institutions! On Tuesday, state leaders gathered to discuss financial aid for three local colleges and universities: Coastal Carolina University, Francis Marion University, and Horry-Georgetown Technical College. They are looking at a whopping $44 million to help enhance their campuses, and there’s a lot to digest!
Coastal Carolina University’s Big Plans
First up is Coastal Carolina University (CCU), which is planning to make some significant upgrades. They’re hoping to create a new athletics district on the eastern part of their campus. This means relocating their current track-and-field facility to join existing sports complexes for beach volleyball, soccer, and tennis. It’s an exciting move, especially since this will make space for a new indoor practice site right across from Brooks Stadium!
Thanks to recent approval, CCU will tap into $1.02 million from state auxiliary reserve funds generated from food services, vending, and bookstore commissions. They’re also in the process of acquiring some land appraised at $1.87 million from the CCU Student Housing Foundation to facilitate this relocation. Notably, the best part is that there will be no increase in student fees or tuition as a result of this project!
Francis Marion University on a Growth Spurt
Next, let’s talk about Francis Marion University (FMU). This Florence-area university is currently undergoing a significant transformation with multiple big projects in the pipeline. Their most exciting project is an $18 million forestry research and classroom facility, which is set to be built directly across from their main campus on East Palmetto Street. This dedicated space will enhance the Environmental Sciences and Forestry program, providing better learning and experiential opportunities. Work on the new building is expected to wrap up by June 2026.
Moreover, there’s a $21 million medical education facility on the horizon! FMU is teaming up with the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina to create the Pee Dee Medical and Health Education Consortium—a unique nonprofit aimed at expanding the local healthcare workforce. The new building will span 53,000 square feet and will serve multiple purposes, including maintenance, instruction, and administration. Construction funding has already been approved in the state budget, making this an eagerly anticipated addition!
Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Historic Grant
Last but certainly not least, we have Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), which recently made news by securing the largest grant in its history—a fantastic $8 million from the federal Economic Development Administration. This funding will go towards the construction of a new 27,000-square-foot marine technology center.
The center is especially vital as it will house HGTC’s unique boat-building program, the only one of its kind in South Carolina. Given the continuous demand in this field, there’s currently a waiting list of students eager to enroll, highlighting the necessity of this new facility. The college is looking to break ground in July 2025, with plans to wrap up construction by December 2026.
A Bright Future Ahead!
With all these exciting projects in the pipeline, it’s safe to say that Horry County’s colleges and universities are gearing up for a bright and robust future! Not only will these developments enhance the educational experiences of students, but they will also help meet local workforce needs across various industries. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
Stay tuned, Horry County! With these investments, we can all expect to see our academic community thrive in the coming years.
