Francis Marion University Unveils Newly Constructed School of Business and Education Building

In a significant development for higher education in Florence, Francis Marion University has just revealed a new building dedicated to its School of Business and Education.

Milestone for Francis Marion University

This grand opening of the state-funded building marks a noteworthy stride in the development of the university. The 54,000-square-foot building involves a substantial investment of $23 million to take the university’s educational infrastructure to the next level.

The structure welcomed its first cohorts of students already in August, in time for the commencement of the 2024 academic year.

In the words of Francis Marion University President Fred Carter, “This facility allows us to expand our educational infrastructure substantially, while recognizing extraordinary trustees and faculty who have played vital roles in the development of the university and its programs.”

Naming Facilities in Honor of Contributors

In an appreciation ceremony held on Thursday during the board of trustees meeting, the university dedicated parts of the new building to honour academic stalwarts and trustees of the institution.

The Robert E. Lee School of Business Wing pays tribute to a long-standing pillar of the FMU Board of Trustees, Robert Lee. On the other hand, the H. Randall Dozier School of Education Wing bears the name of the current board of trustees chair, Dr. Randall Dozier.

Faculty Emeriti Dorothy Harris, who contributed a significant 26 years of service to the university as an education professor, has seen the auditorium named after her – the Dr. Dorothy M. Harris Auditorium.

The recognition continued with the Dr. Shirley Carr Bausmith Classroom, honouring Bausmith’s 14 years of service as a faculty member and dean of the School of Education. Similarly, the Dr. Stephen E. Taylor Classroom was named to commemorate the 31 years served by Dr. Taylor as an education professor.

A tribute was also paid to Dr. Kay Lawrimore-Belanger for her immense contributions to the education of numerous undergraduate and graduate students within the school of business, with the Kay Lawrimore-Belanger Classroom named after her.

Dr. Ben L. Kyer, a member of the School of Business faculty for 35 years, was also recognised with the naming of the Ben L. Kyer Classroom.

In response to these dedications, President Carter said, “I am pleased that the Trustees have seen fit to honor so many of our outstanding faculty and staff members by naming facilities in their honor. The faculty and staff are at the very core of this institution and the foundation upon which the university is built.”

Looking Ahead: Next Development Phases Unveiled

Exciting future developments were revealed during the board meeting, addressing the upcoming renovation phases for the Village Apartments as part of the Campus Development Plan.

As such, Francis Marion University continues to strive towards excellence, providing a higher education experience that recognises the value of its contributors, continuously improves its facilities, and offers high-quality teachings to its students.