S.C. Code Ann. tit. 59, ch. 57

in effect

S.C. Code Ann. § 59-57-10 Western Carolina Higher Education Commission created; membership; organization.

There is created the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission composed of ten members, two of whom must be from each of the following counties: Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, and Hampton. The members must be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of a majority of the legislative delegations from the respective counties. The terms of office are for four years and until their successors have been appointed and qualify. One of the commissioners from each county must be appointed initially for a term of two years. The commission shall meet as soon as practicable after all appointments have been made and elect officers and adopt rules and procedures as it considers desirable to carry out the duties. The members shall serve without compensation or fees.

S.C. Code Ann. § 59-57-20 Meetings.

The Commission may meet at such times and in such places as the majority of the members deem most desirable. Meetings shall be called by the chairman of the Commission; provided, that in the event the chairman is unable or unwilling to call a meeting, the Commission can be called into session on the written request and signatures of three members.

S.C. Code Ann. § 59-57-30 Purpose.

The commission shall encourage higher education in the respective counties and adjacent areas and establish within the area facilities to offer standard freshman and sophomore college courses and other courses as considered desirable. The commission shall also furnish and operate recreational facilities and programs in conjunction with its other purposes and may make the facilities available to the public.

S.C. Code Ann. § 59-57-40 Powers and duties; liability of counties.

To carry out its purpose and objective the Commission, with the approval of a majority of its members, may enter into contracts, make binding agreements, negotiate with educators and educational institutions and, generally, take such actions in its name as are necessary to secure for the respective counties and adjacent areas the educational facilities described in Section 59-57-30; provided, that the counties shall not be bound nor held liable for any acts of omission or commission of the Commission, nor by any provision of any contract or agreement, expressed or implied, except upon the written approval and consent of a majority of the legislative delegations from the respective counties. The Commission may borrow funds in anticipation of taxes, appropriations, grants or gifts with the prior written approval of a majority of the legislative delegation from each county. The Commission may accept grants, gifts or donations and may hold title to real and personal property.

S.C. Code Ann. § 59-57-50 Educational advisory committee.

To facilitate its work, the Commission may appoint from the respective counties, and from such adjacent areas as deemed appropriate, an educational advisory committee consisting of not less than ten nor more than fifteen members, which shall meet and consult with the Commission from time to time, as may be required. All members of the educational advisory committee shall serve without compensation or fees.

S.C. Code Ann. § 59-57-60 Records; annual report.

The Commission shall keep accurate and detailed records of its meetings and actions and shall, as soon after June thirtieth of each year as is feasible, submit a written report to the legislative delegation from each county which shall include an accounting of all funds the Commission may have received and disbursed in the twelve months preceding that date.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c057.phpFetched: 10/17/2026