Beginning this fall, Palmetto College of the University of South Carolina will provide an administrative umbrella for the four two-year campuses of the University of South Carolina system and will establish an array of online bachelor’s degree programs.
Susan Elkins,
 vice president of extended programs and regional development and dean of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies at Tennessee Technological University in Cookesville, has been chosen as the inaugural chancellor of Palmetto College. Dr. Elkins has been an administrator at Tennessee Tech since 1992. She will begin her new role on February 18.
In discussing her new position and the establishment of Palmetto College, Dr. Elkins stated, “Online degree programs are very effective in increasing access to education, especially for students who are ‘struggling to juggle’ work, family and other responsibilities. The convenience of online delivery anytime, anyplace gives many more students access to high quality educational opportunities. Palmetto College’s innovative approach combines the best of all worlds — regional and senior campuses physically located across the state, coupled with high quality, accredited, convenient online degrees.
“Ultimately, it’s all about student success — one student at a time — leading to higher education levels and economic prosperity for students and the state and leading to a better quality of life for all citizens. I look forward to helping ‘make dreams come true’ for South Carolinians.â€
Dr. Elkins holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tennessee Technological University. She earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Vanderbilt University.