News Summary
Francis Marion University has commenced its academic year with announcements around increased funding, scholarship support, and new international study opportunities. Highlighting a commitment to employee compensation, the school reinforces its dedication to competitive pay for faculty and staff. Additionally, significant investments are set for campus renovations and safety improvements, while the expansion of international study centers aims to enhance students’ educational experiences. With an emphasis on educational quality, FMU continues to focus on affordability and community-building initiatives.
Florence, South Carolina – Francis Marion University (FMU) kicked off its fifty-sixth academic year on August 28, 2025, with important announcements regarding funding, scholarships, and new international study opportunities for its students. The annual faculty welcome breakfast, hosted by FMU President Fred Carter, highlighted the faculty’s outstanding achievements from the preceding year, particularly noting their publication of 92 refereed articles and participation in 63 artistic performances and exhibitions.
In a move to enhance the university’s financial structure, FMU has secured $2.89 million in new recurring state appropriations alongside $7.75 million in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 academic year. Among the recurring funds, $1 million is designated for a 3% pay increase for all faculty and staff—this raise is reported to be 50% higher than those received by employees in other state agencies. This initiative marks the 25th consecutive year that FMU has offered salary increases to its employees, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to maintaining competitive pay standards.
The significant influx of nonrecurring funds will be allocated towards renovations of several critical buildings on campus, including the McNair Science Building, Leatherman Science Facility, and Hyman Fine Arts Building. Additionally, funds will be utilized for the construction of pedestrian crosswalks that will improve accessibility to the Griffin Athletic Complex, enhancing safety and convenience for students and faculty alike.
FMU emphasizes affordability, with over $27 million in scholarship support available for students. This financial assistance encompasses various scholarships provided by the university, foundation, state, and federal entities—all of which require no repayment. The FMU Board of Trustees has also confirmed a tuition and fee freeze for the 2025-2026 academic year, marking the eighth consecutive year without increases.
This year’s budget has allocated funding specifically for several initiatives: $2.28 million will be used for tuition mitigation, $310,000 for a nursing pay supplement, and $320,888 for technology support. Furthermore, $5 million is earmarked for renovations to the Hyman Fine Arts Center, and $750,000 will go towards pedestrian crosswalk construction across Highway 327. Faculty and staff can expect additional pay increases, comprising a 2% state-funded raise and an extra 1% increase provided by FMU.
In a significant expansion of its global outreach, FMU announced two new International Study Centers (ISCs) at the University of Prince Edward Island and Landau University in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, following the successful launch of its first ISC in Wildsumaco, Ecuador. These centers aim to deliver more consistent and affordable international travel and study opportunities, promoting a broader educational experience for students.
During the welcome breakfast, President Carter emphasized the critical role of education in shaping students’ values and belief systems through meaningful instruction and research. The event also saw the introduction of twelve new faculty members and recognition of fifteen faculty members for their long-standing service to the State of South Carolina.
The FMU Education Foundation continues to grow, with its endowment reaching $57.9 million. Overall, more than $124 million has been raised in private funding since January 1, 1999, underscoring the institution’s commitment to securing financial stability for future educational initiatives and improvements.
In honor of FMU’s First Lady, Folly Carter, a resolution was passed to name the Folly Carter Freshwater Ecology Conference Center, recognizing her contributions year-round to campus community-building and landscaping projects. As this academic year begins, FMU remains focused on enhancing educational quality, expanding financial support, and providing enriching student experiences both locally and internationally.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Francis Marion University Begins New Academic Year with Key Initiatives
Investigation Launched into Sumter School District’s Finances
Top Seed Robin Anderson Triumphs at Florence Open
Scheffler Leads The Open Championship as Local Teams Compete
Francis Marion Women’s Basketball Team Secures NCAA Tournament Spot
Francis Marion University Softball Players Recognized for Academic Excellence
FMU Welcomes New Dean of Business School and Honors Bishop Jackson
Josh Leonard Named South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year
New Leadership at Francis Marion University’s School of Business
Florence School District 1 Approves Budget with Tax Increase
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: FMU Begins Its 56th Academic Year
- Wikipedia: Francis Marion University
- WPDE: FMU Academic Funding and Scholarships
- Google Search: Francis Marion University
- Post and Courier: FMU Education Foundation Grants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
- SC Daily Gazette: Raises for College Leaders
- Google News: Francis Marion University Funding
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
