Michael Amiridis became the 30th president of the University of South Carolina on July 1, 2022. He had previously served as chancellor of the University of Illinois-Chicago since 2015. Prior to taking the helm at UIC, Amiridis spent more than two decades at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He held positions as a chemical […]
Fred Carter has served as the president of Francis Marion University since 1999. Previously, he served as the chief of staff to Governor Mark Sanford, the executive director of the South Carolina Budget and Control Board, and the senior executive assistant to South Carolina Governor Carroll Campbell. He has also taught on the faculties of […]
Under President David J. Cole’s visionary leadership, MUSC is becoming a preeminent and innovative academic health system. Dr. Cole’s drive to transform health care, research and education elevates innovation to the center of MUSC’s culture and purpose. As a physician-scientist, and active surgical oncologist, President Cole brings a unique perspective to his role. Since he began as […]
Alexander Conyers is the 13th President of South Carolina State University. Prior to this role, he served the University as Interim President and Acting President and Vice President for Strategic Alliances and Initiatives. Col. Conyers is an experienced servant leader with over 28 years in the U.S. Army. He is a proven leader who has led […]
Robert H. Jones, Ph.D., currently serves as Clemson University’s Interim President. Previously, Dr. Jones served as Clemson University’s first Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, providing leadership for the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs, academic support programs, research, and public service activities. He earned a B.S. in Forest Management (1979), an M.S. in […]
Senator Larry Grooms represents District 37, which includes parts of Berkeley and Charleston counties. Senator Grooms is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. He also chairs the Review & Oversight Commission on the South Carolina State Ports Authority. He further serves on the Finance, and Education committees. Senator Grooms’ recognitions include: Legislator of the Year […]
Appointed by Governor Henry McMaster in February 2025 as chair of the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) Board of Trustees, Mr. Kirkland now serves as Interim President and CEO, maintaining an active role in guiding the SCRA board’s work and advancing the organization’s strategic vision. Mr. Kirkland previously served as the Managing Partner at 1818 […]
Valedictorian, Class of 1980 Dorchester Academy Cum Laude graduate of USC in 1984 majoring in Political Science and minoring in Psychology Juris Doctor from USC School of Law in 1987 Former First Circuit Representative to SC Young Lawyers Division Past President, St. George Jaycees and St. George Businessmen’s Club Past Board Member of St. George […]
Patti Leahy leverages over 25 years in private equity, capital markets, and strategic leadership to help advance South Carolina’s innovation economy. As Board Chair of SC Launch, Inc., she guides seed- and early-stage investments in promising startups to accelerate growth of the innovation economy and create higher-paying jobs in the state. She also serves on […]
SC Launch Inc. Board of Directors Cliff Holekamp is Cofounder & Managing Director of Cultivation Capital, one of the most active early-stage venture capital firms in the United States. Previously, Cliff was the Founder and President of Foot Healers (sold to private equity in 2007). He was also the Professor of Practice and Academic Director […]