Trustees meet during first week of record-breaking semester
In a one-day meeting August 29 during the first week of the fall term, the Erskine Board of Trustees not only heard about what is happening on campus, but also experienced some of Erskine’s energy and enthusiasm firsthand.
The trustees came to Due West as members of the largest freshman class in the school’s history embarked on their Erskine journey. Nearly 400 freshmen, plus transfer students, made up an entering class of about 435. They joined returning upperclassmen for a total college enrollment of about 800.
“I’m excited about the many good things that are happening on Erskine’s campus,” Vice Chair Clint Davis said.
“We have a student body full of lively and bright students, a faculty committed to fulfilling its task while growing more unified in Christ, increased enrollment at both the college and seminary, and an administration with an innovative vision and plan for fulfilling the institution’s mission,” Davis said. “I sense the Lord is at work.”
The trustees received reports on the renovation of Erskine’s recently acquired apartments; the refurbishment of Edwards House, now designated as honors housing for women; the repair and restoration of Euphemian Hall; the renovation of Moffatt Dining Hall; and the construction of an athletic field house.
Board Chair Jill Gazzaway, who conducted the meeting, acknowledged the labor undertaken at Erskine to prepare for the arrival of a record number of students.
“The board appreciates the tireless efforts of all those involved in getting the campus ready to welcome students this year,” she said. “The faculty and staff have worked hard to anticipate the needs of a larger student body and to make the changes necessary to accommodate them.”
The trustees also heard from Erskine Theological Seminary, where Dr. Michael Milton has been appointed interim provost. “The board is looking forward to the new direction under Mike Milton’s leadership,” Gazzaway said.
“It was a day of great news!” she said of the trustees’ visit to Erskine.
The trustees will meet again in October.