South Carolina State University has launched its most ambitious fundraising effort to date.
The school unveiled a $41.2 million capital campaign aimed at expanding opportunities for students, strengthening athletics and academics, and modernizing campus facilities over the next five years, the university announced.
The initiative, titled The Power of SC State: A Capital Campaign to Elevate Excellence, will focus on five major priorities: student scholarships, athletic improvements, faculty and staff support, academic programming, and campus revitalization.
SC State President Alexander Conyers said the campaign represents a major step forward in the university’s long-term vision.
“At SC State, we have set a vision to be a leader in offering relevant programs that fulfill the educational needs of every student,” Conyers said in a statement. “While public funding is vital, private support is the final piece of the equation.”
Although the campaign was publicly introduced this month, fundraising efforts quietly began in 2024 during a so-called “silent phase” that has already generated more than $17.4 million in donations.
South Carolina State football stadium is getting millions in upgrades
One of the campaign’s largest projects is a $10.4 million renovation of Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Planned upgrades include new LED lighting, renovated press boxes, improved accessibility through a second elevator, and the addition of the “Dog Park,” a premium pregame experience designed to enhance the game-day atmosphere.
University officials say the campaign is about more than athletics. SC State recently earned R2 designation in the Carnegie Classification system, placing it among the nation’s high-activity research institutions. Campaign funds will help build on that momentum by investing in faculty support, including $2 million for endowed professorships and $5.5 million for scholarships and student aid.
Conyers said the effort also complements more than $210 million already being invested in campus construction projects, including a new 94,000-square-foot academic building and a modern university library.
“This is our university and our responsibility,” Felder said. “Through this campaign, we can provide our students with the foundation for success for generations to come.”
