News Release

State of South Carolina

Office of the Governor

David M. Beasley

Governor

(Click on photo to download 180dpi picture)

For Immediate Release Contact: Robyn Zimmerman

May 20, 1996 803/734-9840

STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR BEASLEY UPON SIGNING INTO LAW NEW GOALS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA

(Columbia) -- Governor David M. Beasley made the following statement today upon signing into law Senate Bill 1195 which makes changes to the South Carolina Higher Education system:

"I believe that this bill is a long stride forward for students enrolled in a South Carolina institution of higher learning. We now have a mission and stated goals for our state's colleges, universities, technical schools - and the ability for the Commission on Higher Education to hold institutions responsible for meeting standards of quality.

I have said on many occasions that higher education must be accountable to parents, to taxpayers, to the business community - but most importantly to the students who trust the schools to provide a quality education to help propel them toward success.

I am pleased to sign into law this bill which is the first step in a long overdue reform. I look forward now to working with the Commission on Higher Education as its members make the most of their opportunity to build on this legislation by implementing it in a manner true to its intent.

I commend the House and the Senate for their commitment to improving education through standards and accountability. I look forward to working with them even more in this regard in the coming months. "

###