Former S.C. First Lady Jenny Sanford and S.C. Lt. Governor Glenn McConnell (RINO-Charleston) are both actively campaigning for the president’s job at the College of Charleston (a.k.a. the “College of Knowledge”), sources tell FITS.
And while McConnell – a powerful former State Senate leader – appears to have the early advantage, board members at the institution have serious reservations regarding each prospective candidate for the six-figure post.
“No one is happy with how this is unfolding,” a source close to the board’s deliberations tells FITS. “There is a lot of frustration over the lack of a true search process.”
In McConnell’s case, one of the main sticking points is his unabashed love for the Confederate States of America – manifested in the expenditure of tens of millions of tax dollars on projects related to the H.L. Hunley submarine. McConnell also enjoys dressing up like a Confederate general in his spare time, a habit which has produced some incredibly awkward and controversial photo opportunities.
You know, like this …
Yeah … good luck attracting minority students with that guy as your president.
There is also reportedly trepidation on the part of College of Charleston board members regarding McConnell’s position on the school’s rumored merger with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Such a merger will be uniformly opposed by lawmakers loyal to the state’s two largest government-subsidized institutions – the University of South Carolina (USC) and Clemson.
We’re told McConnell has assured board members that he fully supports the merger – however state lawmakers who have spoken with him are telling us a different story.
“He’s always going to be loyal to what the legislature wants,” one source told us.
McConnell would also be hard pressed to leave the lieutenant governor’s office after he made such a big stink of “fulfilling his constitutional duty” by accepting the office.
“So much for his constitutional commitment,” one Palmetto political observer told FITS, referring to McConnell’s active lobbying for the College of Charleston job.
Despite all of these reservations, many believe McConnell could wind up being the school’s next president.
Meanwhile Jenny Sanford – who has been calling board members in an effort to line up support for her candidacy – faces an uphill climb due to, among other things, her abrasive personality.
“The former first lady is not well-liked in Charleston,” a source familiar with the board’s thinking tells FITS.
97 comments
College of Knowledge…that is a riot.
You know what’s even more of a riot? A South Carolina graduate making fun of the quality of education students receive at the College of Charleston.
It can’t get any worse than that.
Ha! True that!
College of Knowledge…that is a riot.
You know what’s even more of a riot? A South Carolina graduate making fun of the quality of education students receive at the College of Charleston.
It can’t get any worse than that.
Ha! True that!
Do the BOT select the next President? If so, isn’t that who needs to be lobbied? If the legislature decides to merge the 2 schools, then what is McConnell (if selected) supposed to do? Secede?
Do the BOT select the next President? If so, isn’t that who needs to be lobbied? If the legislature decides to merge the 2 schools, then what is McConnell (if selected) supposed to do? Secede?
Merdeing, er merging the CSOL too non? What would Alex Sanders do?
Its a major payer in the push to merge MUSC/ Charleston Skool of Law into creating a moar better research univercity. It will be like strippers learning their strip club is being merged into a whorehouse.
Merdeing, er merging the CSOL too non? What would Alex Sanders do?
Its a major payer in the push to merge MUSC/ Charleston Skool of Law into creating a moar better research univercity. It will be like strippers learning their strip club is being merged into a whorehouse.
Clemson is also looking for a president. Why not have them draw straws?
Clemson is also looking for a president. Why not have them draw straws?
You left out that the Chipster believes his ample assets would be an asset for the CoK
You left out that the Chipster believes his ample assets would be an asset for the CoK
I guess the idea of appointing a noted educator or educational administrator is off the board? What am I saying? This is South Carolina!
I think Leon Stavrinakis’s brother is available too
Yes… South Carolina… Nothing is too low…
The New York Times
Scandals Casting Shadows Over Public Life in South Carolina
By Peter Applebome
Published: May 12, 1991
COLUMBIA, S.C. — From its aristocratic beginnings in the great Low Country plantations to the development of what many consider the nation’s most powerful state legislature, South Carolina has always been a state accustomed to rule by a few.
Now, after a series of scandals that have touched nearly all the state’s power centers — from the Legislature to its most powerful newspaper, from the former president of the University of South Carolina to the state’s most powerful law firm — South Carolina is looking hard in the mirror and recoiling from what it sees.
“Through most of South Carolina’s history, the people who set up and ran state government have had two main priorities: Keeping power out of the hands of black people. Keeping power out of the hands of everybody else,” began a voluminous package of news articles on May 5 in The State, Columbia’s historically docile newspaper.
15 Legislators Indicted
The scandals are diverse. The two most conspicuous ones, a Federal undercover operation that has led to the indictment of 15 state legislators and two indictments against the former state university president, James Holderman, stem from unrelated investigations. But both have helped highlight the degree to which public officials in South Carolina have long been accustomed to extraordinary latitude and minimal oversight in conducting their business. As for the legislators, 10 pleaded guilty, 4 have been found guilty in trials and one is awaiting trial. …
I guess the idea of appointing a noted educator or educational administrator is off the board? What am I saying? This is South Carolina!
I think Leon Stavrinakis’s brother is available too
Yes… South Carolina… Nothing is too low…
The New York Times
Scandals Casting Shadows Over Public Life in South Carolina
By Peter Applebome
Published: May 12, 1991
COLUMBIA, S.C. — From its aristocratic beginnings in the great Low Country plantations to the development of what many consider the nation’s most powerful state legislature, South Carolina has always been a state accustomed to rule by a few.
Now, after a series of scandals that have touched nearly all the state’s power centers — from the Legislature to its most powerful newspaper, from the former president of the University of South Carolina to the state’s most powerful law firm — South Carolina is looking hard in the mirror and recoiling from what it sees.
“Through most of South Carolina’s history, the people who set up and ran state government have had two main priorities: Keeping power out of the hands of black people. Keeping power out of the hands of everybody else,” began a voluminous package of news articles on May 5 in The State, Columbia’s historically docile newspaper.
15 Legislators Indicted
The scandals are diverse. The two most conspicuous ones, a Federal undercover operation that has led to the indictment of 15 state legislators and two indictments against the former state university president, James Holderman, stem from unrelated investigations. But both have helped highlight the degree to which public officials in South Carolina have long been accustomed to extraordinary latitude and minimal oversight in conducting their business. As for the legislators, 10 pleaded guilty, 4 have been found guilty in trials and one is awaiting trial. …
Why not Sen. Campbell? He already thinks he can manage the Aviation Authority AND hold his Senate seat. Whats one more part-time gig?
Why not Sen. Campbell? He already thinks he can manage the Aviation Authority AND hold his Senate seat. Whats one more part-time gig?
Word on the street is that Andre’ Bauer, after hearing that Jenny Sanford is considering applying, now believes he’s qualified.
Word on the street is that Andre’ Bauer, after hearing that Jenny Sanford is considering applying, now believes he’s qualified.
‘McConnell also enjoys dressing up like a Confederate general in his spare time’
Sic, are you sure that this photo wasn’t taken at his interview with the CofC Board of Trustees?
‘McConnell also enjoys dressing up like a Confederate general in his spare time’
Sic, are you sure that this photo wasn’t taken at his interview with the CofC Board of Trustees?
“Meanwhile Jenny Sanford – who has been calling board members in an effort to line up support for her candidacy – faces an uphill climb due to, among other things, her abrasive personality.
“The former first lady is not well-liked in Charleston,” a source familiar with the board’s thinking tells FITS.”…And in other news, the sky was blue and the grass was green today.
I have known Mark and Jenny for years and she often does come off as abrasive, aloof and many times calculating and cold. It is not meant to be offensive but it more indicative to how she was raised. While that may be a positive trait in dealings with faculty, administration, trustees and the state house; it would also be an immediate turn off for most students looking to attend COC.
Of the two Lt. Gov. McConnell is the more gracious and hospitable of the two. At least enough to put prospective students and the their parents at ease so they can consider COC without concerns of who Jenny may get mad at next.
dark-you might be right about Jenny’s personality but I do think she would be good with the students. After all, she is raising her four sons and from what I’ve read, people say they are wonderful young men. Since she’s from a large family, am sure she is surrounded by many young people as well and has good rappaport with them.
“they are wonderful young men”
That’s because they’ve got their doting dad to sneak in the house and help them watch the second half of the Super Bowl.
Raising your own kids and raising someone else’s are two different things.
“Meanwhile Jenny Sanford – who has been calling board members in an effort to line up support for her candidacy – faces an uphill climb due to, among other things, her abrasive personality.
“The former first lady is not well-liked in Charleston,” a source familiar with the board’s thinking tells FITS.”…And in other news, the sky was blue and the grass was green today.
I have known Mark and Jenny for years and she often does come off as abrasive, aloof and many times calculating and cold. It is not meant to be offensive but it more indicative to how she was raised. While that may be a positive trait in dealings with faculty, administration, trustees and the state house; it would also be an immediate turn off for most students looking to attend COC.
Of the two Lt. Gov. McConnell is the more gracious and hospitable of the two. At least enough to put prospective students and the their parents at ease so they can consider COC without concerns of who Jenny may get mad at next.
dark-you might be right about Jenny’s personality but I do think she would be good with the students. After all, she is raising her four sons and from what I’ve read, people say they are wonderful young men. Since she’s from a large family, am sure she is surrounded by many young people as well and has good rappaport with them.
“they are wonderful young men”
That’s because they’ve got their doting dad to sneak in the house and help them watch the second half of the Super Bowl.
Raising your own kids and raising someone else’s are two different things.
At least McConnell has some connection to CofC, He is an alumnus.
At least McConnell has some connection to CofC, He is an alumnus.
What is going on ?? The C of C can do better than Jenny or Glenn who should not be in any conversation about the Office.
If this is the new norm …..how about David Beasley? What is that astute _______(Fill In)
doing now?
What is going on ?? The C of C can do better than Jenny or Glenn who should not be in any conversation about the Office.
If this is the new norm …..how about David Beasley? What is that astute _______(Fill In)
doing now?
The board and the school would be best served by conducting a real search process and bringing in an outsider. The state as a whole needs less of both of these goons.
The board and the school would be best served by conducting a real search process and bringing in an outsider. The state as a whole needs less of both of these goons.
Who the fuck cares? Can anyone (ANYONE) tell me what the primary discipline is at CofC? Winthrop: education. Carolina/Clemson/MUSC: research universities. Lander: nursing. Citadel: homo things. CofC: ?? A degree from that place isn’t worth the paper it is printed on. CofC has contributed to the underemployment rate of college-educated millenials at a far better pace than any other school in this state. You spent $25k/year on a Russian lit degree? Great! Now go fetch me another Westbrook, hippie.
The only reason kids go there is to be in Charleston, contract an STD and do a shitload of blow. “Hey bra, want to go catch some waves at the washout this weekend?” “Nah, man. I’m going to the Jammer to hear (shitty jam band).”
Many of the students aren’t even from the state, so it’s good at importing McConnell’s favorite people: Yankee transplants.
Did I mention they don’t even have a football team?
“Citadel: homo things”. Lol Classic.
“Citadel: homo things.”
LMAO!
At the College of Charleston the knobs are on doors, not awarded degrees in ‘synchronized walking’
I know several doctors who got their BS/BA degrees from COC.
Who the fuck cares? Can anyone (ANYONE) tell me what the primary discipline is at CofC? Winthrop: education. Carolina/Clemson/MUSC: research universities. Lander: nursing. Citadel: homo things. CofC: ?? A degree from that place isn’t worth the paper it is printed on. CofC has contributed to the underemployment rate of college-educated millenials at a far better pace than any other school in this state. You spent $25k/year on a Russian lit degree? Great! Now go fetch me another Westbrook, hippie.
The only reason kids go there is to be in Charleston, contract an STD and do a shitload of blow. “Hey bra, want to go catch some waves at the washout this weekend?” “Nah, man. I’m going to the Jammer to hear (shitty jam band).”
Many of the students aren’t even from the state, so it’s good at importing McConnell’s favorite people: Yankee transplants.
Did I mention they don’t even have a football team?
“Citadel: homo things”. Lol Classic.
“Citadel: homo things.”
LMAO!
At the College of Charleston the knobs are on doors, not awarded degrees in ‘synchronized walking’
I know several doctors who got their BS/BA degrees from COC.
Also to note– if Sanford were to get the job, she’d be Charleston’s “Head Cougar.”
You do realize that Cougar’s are older women that younger guys want to fuck. I don’t see how Jenny and Head Cougar are one and the same.
Also to note– if Sanford were to get the job, she’d be Charleston’s “Head Cougar.”
You do realize that Cougar’s are older women that younger guys want to fuck. I don’t see how Jenny and Head Cougar are one and the same.
I am very interested in becoming President of the College of Charleston.
I’ve never worked at a university before, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.
It only counts if you stay at a Holiday Inn EXPRESS !!
I am very interested in becoming President of the College of Charleston.
I’ve never worked at a university before, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.
It only counts if you stay at a Holiday Inn EXPRESS !!
Look at the bright side, McConnell will get his state pension and Senate Pro Tempore Courson will have to step up to Lt Gov, perhaps having to retire altogether in 2014…lol
Glenn will take the job…he does not have the guts to run statewide for anything. Who is next up after Courson? Hello Lt Gov Courson!
Look at the bright side, McConnell will get his state pension and Senate Pro Tempore Courson will have to step up to Lt Gov, perhaps having to retire altogether in 2014…lol
Glenn will take the job…he does not have the guts to run statewide for anything. Who is next up after Courson? Hello Lt Gov Courson!
Why not Jenny or Mitch? This is South Carolina, Those two are as qualified to run a college as Catherine Templeton was to run a health agency (recall the TB scandal?), as Abraham Turner was to run an employment concern (Remeber the $700+M budget overage?) and as Nikki is to be governor.
Or Tim Scott to be a US Senator (this soon).
Why not Jenny or Mitch? This is South Carolina, Those two are as qualified to run a college as Catherine Templeton was to run a health agency (recall the TB scandal?), as Abraham Turner was to run an employment concern (Remeber the $700+M budget overage?) and as Nikki is to be governor.
Or Tim Scott to be a US Senator (this soon).
McConnell entered student politics in the College of Charleston, dodged VietNam by going to law school, and has been a professional politician since age 32 when he entered the legislature. He became Lt. Governor by passionately embracing his “constitutional responsibility” to do so when Ard was indicted. Got lots of praise for that in the newspapers.
Ne wants to change his stripes and bolt from that office? Nah, let him stay. College of Charleston deserves a professional educator, not a professional politician. Why sandbag that institution with a sickly 65-year-old egomaniac? A search committee would find hundreds of qualified candidates.
Then there’s that whole Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell thing that would have disqualified him from servicing.
McConnell entered student politics in the College of Charleston, dodged VietNam by going to law school, and has been a professional politician since age 32 when he entered the legislature. He became Lt. Governor by passionately embracing his “constitutional responsibility” to do so when Ard was indicted. Got lots of praise for that in the newspapers.
Ne wants to change his stripes and bolt from that office? Nah, let him stay. College of Charleston deserves a professional educator, not a professional politician. Why sandbag that institution with a sickly 65-year-old egomaniac? A search committee would find hundreds of qualified candidates.
Then there’s that whole Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell thing that would have disqualified him from servicing.
On confederate memorial day GM would have the negro students and profs go around dressed like slaves with chains on their legs doing landscape work. GM would feed them watermelon and biscuits for lunch. Afterwards, they’d get their picture took with the boss man, like the lucky couple above.
On confederate memorial day GM would have the negro students and profs go around dressed like slaves with chains on their legs doing landscape work. GM would feed them watermelon and biscuits for lunch. Afterwards, they’d get their picture took with the boss man, like the lucky couple above.
NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! Find the first unwashed wino on Taylor Street and giver HER the job. It’s all about equal outcomes at our state universities, anyway, isn’t it? Well? Isn’t it?
Probably would do as good a job as Sanford, McConnell, or you.
Well, at least the wino and I would fire half the faculty and hire some people with some experience in their fields, not just degrees.
NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! Find the first unwashed wino on Taylor Street and giver HER the job. It’s all about equal outcomes at our state universities, anyway, isn’t it? Well? Isn’t it?
Probably would do as good a job as Sanford, McConnell, or you.
Well, at least the wino and I would fire half the faculty and hire some people with some experience in their fields, not just degrees.
Neither one of these people have the knowledge nor the experience to run anything. Remember, McConnell’s little bitty store – CSA galleries – went belly up. Meanwhile, Jenny Sanford? What a joke and a half! Both of these people are delusional. And if the college board selects either one of them, it will show the entire state and the nation just how criminally corrupt the college really is. I dare them to hire either one of these swollen egotistical pathological narcissist. They will never live it down if they do.
Neither one of these people have the knowledge nor the experience to run anything. Remember, McConnell’s little bitty store – CSA galleries – went belly up. Meanwhile, Jenny Sanford? What a joke and a half! Both of these people are delusional. And if the college board selects either one of them, it will show the entire state and the nation just how criminally corrupt the college really is. I dare them to hire either one of these swollen egotistical pathological narcissist. They will never live it down if they do.
Word on the street, Chip Limehouse wants the job too. Pfft!!
Word on the street, Chip Limehouse wants the job too. Pfft!!
If SC higher ed had a board of regents we wouldn’t have as many presidential positions to place politicos and their hacks.
If SC higher ed had a board of regents we wouldn’t have as many presidential positions to place politicos and their hacks.
Okay, now we know the latest McConnell – Toal deal. Toal gets her old time bud Alex Sanders to use his support with board members to vote for McConnell to become the president of C of C, and he pulls in what influence he still has left with some senators to vote for Toal to screw over Pleicones and they will both be happy, happy, happy. What a deal for South Carolina!!!! Get rid of both of them.
Word on Devine Street last night during happy hour was that McConnell is distancing himself from Jean Toal. He has been surprised at the backlash against her since stabbing Costa. Coursen is in the middle of this mess and is acting like a middle school girl over everything.
Okay, now we know the latest McConnell – Toal deal. Toal gets her old time bud Alex Sanders to use his support with board members to vote for McConnell to become the president of C of C, and he pulls in what influence he still has left with some senators to vote for Toal to screw over Pleicones and they will both be happy, happy, happy. What a deal for South Carolina!!!! Get rid of both of them.
Word on Devine Street last night during happy hour was that McConnell is distancing himself from Jean Toal. He has been surprised at the backlash against her since stabbing Costa. Coursen is in the middle of this mess and is acting like a middle school girl over everything.
Could it be, that McConnell and Lindsey Graham are secret lovers?
Could it be, that McConnell and Lindsey Graham are secret lovers?
I say we give it to the first of them who is willing to work on an hourly basis for minimum wage and no benefits.
I say we give it to the first of them who is willing to work on an hourly basis for minimum wage and no benefits.
If the College of Charleston board of trustees thinks it would have a more secure, or enhanced source of state funding as a result of hiring McConnell, it would be thinking wrong.
The House Ways & Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee — a mass of humanity — establishes the budget. With every passing day, McConnell’s “contacts” and “influence” with the legislature (particularly House members, with whom he had little contact), wanes.
For years the College has had a lobbyist in Columbia whose job has been to ensure that funding spigot flows. Furthermore, the College has its own alumni, or friends of the College, in the legislature, for decades.
McConnell would bring nothing to the College except himself and his “political contacts.” If the College was serious in hiring a president with “academic contacts,” it would hire an academic — a man or woman of letters with experience managing a $200 million educational institution.
McConnell’s experience managing any organization was his stint operating “CSA Galleries” in a tawdry strip mall, selling Confederate flags, bumper stickers, beach towels, music CDs, replica pistols, and other merchandise related to one subject — the Civil War.
Maybe when he retires from Secretary of State McConnell can volunteer or get paid to teach a Civil War history course at the College as an adjunct professor. He’d be good at that. But his managing the whole shebang would be a wild downside risk for the College.
If the College of Charleston board of trustees thinks it would have a more secure, or enhanced source of state funding as a result of hiring McConnell, it would be thinking wrong.
The House Ways & Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee — a mass of humanity — establishes the budget. With every passing day, McConnell’s “contacts” and “influence” with the legislature (particularly House members, with whom he had little contact), wanes.
For years the College has had a lobbyist in Columbia whose job has been to ensure that funding spigot flows. Furthermore, the College has its own alumni, or friends of the College, in the legislature, for decades.
McConnell would bring nothing to the College except himself and his “political contacts.” If the College was serious in hiring a president with “academic contacts,” it would hire an academic — a man or woman of letters with experience managing a $200 million educational institution.
McConnell’s experience managing any organization was his stint operating “CSA Galleries” in a tawdry strip mall, selling Confederate flags, bumper stickers, beach towels, music CDs, replica pistols, and other merchandise related to one subject — the Civil War.
Maybe when he retires from Secretary of State McConnell can volunteer or get paid to teach a Civil War history course at the College as an adjunct professor. He’d be good at that. But his managing the whole shebang would be a wild downside risk for the College.
Everybody knows the fix is in for Fred Carter to move from Francis Marion to COC. You heard it here first. Bank on it.