Francis Marion University Opens New Building for School of Business, Education
Florence, South Carolina – Students at Francis Marion University (FMU) have reason to celebrate with the unveiling of a new building dedicated to enhancing the quality of business and education programs. The ambitious project is a milestone in the university’s dedication pushing educational boundaries through improved facilities and resources.
Investing in Future Leaders
The brand-new 54,000-square-foot development, which comes with a price tag of $23 million, was financially backed by the state and began to welcome classes in August. “The opening of this beautiful new building marks a significant addition to our campus,” said FMU President Fred Carter. “This facility allows us to expand our educational infrastructure substantially.”
Honorable Mentions at Board of Trustees Meeting
As a token of recognition for their critical role in the university’s progress, two board members, four retired faculty members, and one current faculty were honored at a board of trustees meeting. Commemoratively named facilities were presented in their honor during the event.
The School of Business Wing bears Robert E. Lee’s name, denoting over two decades of his service on FMU’s Board of Trustees. The School of Education Wing is now named after Dr. Randall Dozier, current chair of the board of trustees.
The contribution of Faculty Emeriti Dorothy Harris in the field of education over a span of 26 years was commemorated with the Dr. Dorothy M. Harris Auditorium. The Dr. Shirley Carr Bausmith Classroom is in honor of Shirley Carr Bausmith’s 14-year service as a faculty member and dean of the school of education.
Dr. Stephen E. Taylor, a professor of education for 31 years, had a classroom named after him. The Kay Lawrimore-Belanger Classroom and the Ben L. Kyer Classroom honor the significant contributions of Dr. Kay Lawrimore-Belanger and Dr. Ben L. Kyer respectively.
Continued Development
Alongside inaugurating the state-of-the-art building, FMU also announced the next phase of renovation for the Village Apartments. This move is in alignment with the Campus Development Plan, aiming to upgrade and modernize the university’s infrastructure to promote a better learning environment.
Designed with sustainability in mind, these new facilities signify the university’s unwavering commitment to investing in future leaders. This investment also embodies the importance of education, hinting at a promising future for current and prospective students at FMU.
