Clinton Jr. College uses grant to bolster science

As a new school year begins, Clinton Junior College is focused on expanding its science program and becoming more visible in the community, President Elaine Copeland said.

When the two-year, liberal arts college off Crawford Road opened its doors for its 118th year, students were greeted by new faculty and newly renovated science labs.

With support from the U.S. Department of Energy, the school hired instructors in physics and environmental science and launched a research project seeking ways to clean up water pollution.

Clinton was one of nine historically black colleges and universities across the state and Georgia last year to win a grant in a federal push to entice more students to pursue science.

Over three years, the school will receive nearly $2 million.

The school, a 21-acre campus expecting record enrollment of 165 students this year, had science courses before but began offering an associate degree in the field two years ago.

"We are a liberal arts school," Copeland said, "but there are many students who leave here with a degree in science and liberal arts."

In all, there will be nine new faces on campus this year, including instructors in chemistry, math, sociology, English, religion, early childhood development and freshman seminar. Copeland also hired a new vice president for institutional effectiveness and expanded the vice president for institutional advancement position to full-time.

"We want to be more visible in the community and also communicate more with our alums," she said.

The college's research project involves studying polymers and developing water-treatment systems. Students would work as research assistants.

Copeland also plans to use some of the grant money to create scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses for 10 students.

The additions build on the school's slowly growing momentum. In recent years, Clinton has built a new library, renovated its bookstore and student affairs building and renovated its residence halls.

School officials hope to soon go public with a fundraising campaign to build an academic, athletic and wellness center, which Copeland calls her "dream building."

-- From newspaper partner the Rock Hill Herald

More information:
UNCFSP Spotlight: Clinton Junior College