As the state of South Carolina undergoes rapid change—with significant business investment, employment growth, and demographic shifts making a profound impact on the workforce and the economy—we don’t sit atop an ivory tower, content to focus only on the pleasures of scholarship.
We at USC Upstate are keenly aware of what is going on around us. We see the trends, showing that the state has experienced significant business investment and employment growth while the workforce has shrunk. According to recent statistics, there are two alarming trends in South Carolina.
Firstly, the percentage of high school graduates who pursue post-secondary education within one year of graduating has decreased from 56% in 2015 to less than 44% in 2020. Secondly, by 2030, the number of people over 65 will be almost equal to the number of people under 20. Additionally, the percentage of people in the workforce is expected to decrease, which is also a cause for concern. We don’t just study these numbers at our institution.
We look at how we can create a valuable learning experience while meeting the needs of our workforce. To that end, we mix high-impact experiential learning with cutting-edge research, deeply connected community engagement, and course-to-career pathways. We take a close look at our degree offerings, examine and expand our partnerships with employers, and use innovation and technology to adapt and meet demand.
That’s what the Greater 2030 Strategic Plan is all about. This comprehensive and forward-thinking report will guide us as we put into practice our value proposition to seamlessly and effectively blend inspirational academic learning with practical yet exciting course-to-career pathways.
Sincerely,
Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D.
Chancellor