News Summary
Francis Marion University is introducing two new free community courses for local residents this fall semester, part of its Evening College program. The courses include ‘An Assessment of the Trump Presidency,’ focusing on political discussions, and ‘The Swamp Fox in His Lair,’ exploring the life of General Francis Marion. Both courses aim to foster engagement among participants and will be held at Haigh Porter Auditorium with 11 sessions each. Enrollment is online through FMU’s Evening College website.
Florence, SC – Francis Marion University (FMU) is set to launch two new free community courses this coming fall semester, aiming to engage local residents through educational opportunities. The courses will be part of FMU’s Evening College program and will commence the week of August 25, 2025.
The first course, titled “An Assessment of the Trump Presidency,” will be taught by Dr. David White, a professor specializing in political science. This course will explore the implications of President Donald Trump’s second term on the American political landscape and will be designed to foster discussion among participants. The course will take place every Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
The second course, “The Swamp Fox in His Lair: The Life and Exploits of General Francis Marion,” will be instructed by Dr. Scott Kaufman, a professor of history. This course aims to delve into the life of General Francis Marion during the Revolutionary War, shedding light on myths portrayed by Hollywood and discussing new archaeological discoveries related to his life. Scheduled for Mondays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., the course will provide an in-depth historical perspective of this influential figure.
Both courses will be held at the Haigh Porter Auditorium located in the Carter Center for Health Sciences at 200 W. Evans St. in downtown Florence. Classes will run weekly for a total of 11 sessions, enabling participants to engage thoroughly with the material and with each other.
Interested individuals must enroll online through FMU’s Evening College website at www.fmarion.edu/eveningcollege. For additional information, inquiries can be directed to eveningcollege@fmarion.edu or by calling (843) 661-1281.
These courses are sponsored by FMU’s president and first lady, Fred and Folly Carter, in response to the favorable reception of previous community classes. The university recognizes the importance of offering accessible educational resources that cater to the intellectual interests of the Florence community.
FMU’s Evening College has a longstanding commitment to providing accessible education and is excited to continue this initiative with the introduction of these new courses. The organization plans to leverage community interest and participation to enhance educational offerings.
Overall, FMU’s new offerings reaffirm the university’s dedication to fostering public engagement and lifelong learning opportunities within the Florence area. With a focus on diverse topics, these courses are designed to attract a wide range of participants, from those interested in contemporary political analysis to those passionate about historical explorations.
As the start date approaches, FMU urges local residents to take advantage of these unique opportunities to expand their knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions surrounding significant historical and contemporary issues. The inclusion of experienced faculty and the free nature of the courses further highlight the university’s commitment to community service and education.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: FMU Free Classes on Trump
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- WBTW: New Building for FMU School of Business Education
- Google Search: Francis Marion University
- Post and Courier: FMU Construction and Doctorate Programs
- Google Scholar: Francis Marion
- WPDE: FMU Arts International Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Francis Marion
- WPDE: FMU C. Edward Floyd Medical Building
- Google News: Florence SC
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.
