Greenville Chancellor Joins National Board on Student Success Initiative

University of South Carolina Upstate Chancellor Bennie L. Harris has been named to the advisory board of the National Student Success Project. The initiative was announced on October 22 in Washington, D.C., and aims to strengthen student outcomes across the country.

The new project brings together more than 50 colleges and universities. Harris is one of 19 university presidents and chancellors serving on the advisory board who helped guide the development of the initiative. The group represents institutions from across the United States.

The project outlines five core commitments to address practical concerns about the value of a college degree. These commitments focus on delivering value for student investment, providing clear pathways to degrees, advancing academic excellence, supporting career ambitions, and fostering community support.

Harris said higher education has a responsibility to help students realize their potential and prepare for opportunity. He noted he is proud to contribute to this national effort alongside other higher education leaders. He stated that by working together and learning from one another, the group can strengthen the impact of higher education for individuals, families, and communities.

Participating institutions are encouraged to share existing programs and assess outcomes. Each college and university will advance student success in ways that reflect its specific mission and the needs of its students. USC Upstate offers more than 50 academic programs and serves as a partner in preparing graduates for South Carolina's workforce and communities.

The initiative is organized by a coalition of five national higher education associations. These include the American Council on Education, the American Association of Community Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Association of American Universities, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The Strada Education Foundation also supports the project.

Examples of programs that demonstrate the five commitments are being collected on the project website at nationalstudentsuccess.org. This resource allows institutions to learn from one another and communicate the impact of their work. Additional examples are expected to be added as the initiative grows.