News Summary
Francis Marion University (FMU) will offer two free community courses this fall as part of its evening college program. The courses focus on the Trump presidency and the life of General Francis Marion, aiming to engage residents in meaningful discussions. The Trump presidency course will explore contemporary political implications, while the General Marion course will uncover his historical legacy. Alongside these offerings, FMU has confirmed a tuition freeze for the upcoming academic year and reported significant growth in its endowment, enhancing educational opportunities for local students.
Florence
Francis Marion University (FMU) is set to offer two new community courses this fall, free of charge, as part of its evening college program. The courses, titled An Assessment of the Trump Presidency and The Swamp Fox in His Lair: The Life and Exploits of General Francis Marion, are sponsored by Fred and Folly Carter, aiming to engage the local community in relevant discussions and historical exploration.
The course on the Trump presidency will be conducted by David White, a professor of political science at FMU, and will delve into the implications of Donald Trump’s second term on the American political system. The discussions will provide participants the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues regarding the contemporary political landscape.
In parallel, the course on General Francis Marion’s life will be taught by Scott Kaufman, a history professor at FMU. This class promises to unpack the historical figure’s legacy while dispelling longstanding myths surrounding him. Each course will span 11 weeks, beginning the week of August 25, 2025.
Classes will be held in the Haigh Porter Auditorium, located at 200 W. Evans St., Florence. The course on General Marion is scheduled for Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., while the Trump presidency course will take place on Tuesdays during the same time slot. Though there are no fees associated with participation, registration is a requirement, which can be completed online at www.fmarion.edu/eveningcollege. For additional information, inquiries can be directed via email to eveningcollege@fmarion.edu or by calling 843-661-1281.
Tuition Freeze and Budget Highlights
In conjunction with the announcement of the new courses, FMU’s Board of Trustees has confirmed a tuition freeze for the 2025-2026 academic year, marking the eighth consecutive year without an increase in both tuition and fees. This decision underscores the university’s commitment to affordability in education.
President Fred Carter expressed appreciation for this achievement and attributed the stability in tuition to increased state appropriations and generous donor contributions. The university’s approved budget for the upcoming academic year allocates $2.28 million specifically for tuition mitigation, alongside funding for significant capital projects, including renovations to the Hyman Fine Arts Center.
The budget also includes a pay increase for full-time faculty and staff, with a total increment projected at 3%. This focus on faculty welfare aims to enhance the educational experience for students through improved faculty satisfaction and retention.
Endowment and Contributions
The FMU Education Foundation has recently reported that its endowment has reached an impressive $57.9 million. This financial growth plays a crucial role in providing scholarships and sustaining academic programs that benefit students directly.
Additionally, Folly Carter has been honored through the naming of the Freshwater Ecology Conference Center after her, acknowledging her significant contributions to the university and the surrounding community. Her involvement has positively impacted FMU and reinforced the institution’s connection with local residents.
Overall, Francis Marion University’s new community courses and ongoing financial strategies reflect a comprehensive approach to education, emphasizing accessibility and community engagement. These developments are anticipated to create valuable learning opportunities for residents and maintain the university’s commitment to academic excellence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Francis Marion University Begins New Academic Year with Key Initiatives
Francis Marion University Launches New Community Courses
Lake Murray Golf Center Set to Reopen Under New Ownership
Mungo Homes Launches Fairway Woods at Wyboo Community
Florence Golf Pro Stephen Behr Sr. Announces Retirement
FMU Welcomes New Dean of Business School and Honors Bishop Jackson
New Leadership at Francis Marion University’s School of Business
Florence-Carlton School Board Votes on Grading Policy Change
Enrollment Surge at South Carolina Technical Colleges
Francis Marion University Receives Grant for Student Support
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: FMU Free Classes on Trump and Francis Marion
- Wikipedia: Francis Marion University
- WMBF News: FMU Softball and Super Regional
- Google Search: Francis Marion University
- Post and Courier: FMU Tuition Freeze and Budget Approval
- Google Scholar: Francis Marion University
- WPDE: FMU Arts International Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Francis Marion
- Post and Courier: Munn Named Dean of Business at FMU
- Google News: Francis Marion University
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.
