Columbia, S.C. (WACH) — Several colleges across the state are offering a helping hand to Limestone University students after the school announced its permanent closure.
A day after an executive board announced an abrupt end to Programs at Limestone University, Coker University is now stepping up and giving students another option to complete their degrees without interruption.
An employee told WACH FOX News that Limestone tried to raise $6 million in two weeks to keep the school afloat until at least September, but the institution was only able to raise $2.1 million.
Jordan Phillips, a former employee at Limestone, said he and other students and staff received an email on April 16 informing them the university was $30 million in debt and that if they didn’t raise at least $6 million in roughly two weeks, the school could not continue.
“It’s a lot of questions that come to mind like what happened and, as it says, who’s been dipping in the cookie jar, taking the money,” said Phillips.
The university opened in 1845 as a private Christian college, serving students for 179 years.
Coker University spokeswoman Katherine Davis said they are accepting all transfer credits, offering a one-time housing grant for next year, and they will offer a Coker Merit Scholarship either matching or increasing the dollar amount for traditional undergrad students who had academic Limestone Merit Scholarships. Davis said that it’s important to Coker that each of the students get the educational opportunity they were promised when they enrolled.
” We are at Coker University are making all transfer pathways as accessible as possible for these students because we know they did not ask for this,” said Davis.
Newberry College announced it will also offer help to affected students.
On Thursday, the college’s transitional president issued the following statement:
“At Newberry College, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and continuity,” said Dr. David Harpool, transitional president of Newberry College. “To the students, faculty, staff, and families of Limestone University—we see you, we support you, and we stand with you. As you navigate this season of change, we hope you find strength, opportunity, and renewed purpose in the days ahead.”
Newberry College will be providing several benefits, including guaranteed transfer credit for all completed coursework from Limestone, provided students meet the minimum GPA requirements and have passed their classes.
South Carolina State also announced assistance to Limestone Students. President Alexander Conyers issued the following on Thursday:
Due to the recent announcement of the closure of Limestone University, we are here to stand and support our fellow institution in the state of South Carolina, therefore, we are opening our doors to assist students at Limestone University to finish and/or continue their education here at SC State. We welcome you to join our vibrant and historic community.”
Limestone University’s last commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 3rd.
UPDATE:
Southern Wesleyan University Will meet or beat your current cost of attendance
- Will meet or beat your current cost of attendance
Erskine:
- – Offering Limestone transfer students a scholarship of $25,000 for each year they attend Erskine.
