CofC Podcast: A Year‑End Conversation with President Hsu

In this year‑end episode of Speaking of … College of Charleston, President Andrew T. Hsu reflects on a landmark academic year for the College of Charleston. Students and families will hear updates on record‑breaking philanthropy, major academic expansions, standout student achievements, athletics milestones and the College’s continued rise as a leading public university in South Carolina.

Transformational Philanthropy Strengthening the College’s Future

President Hsu highlights a year defined by historic fundraising success and unprecedented student demand. Major gifts supporting academic programs, student services and campus facilities helped the College surpass all previous philanthropic totals.

This includes transformational gift from Beemok, the family office of Ben and Kelly Navarro, that will allow the College to expand its School of Business in one of Charleston’s most iconic locations, and the establishment of the Michael and Amy Bennett School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, the first named school in the College’s 256‑year history. These investments strengthen the institution’s long‑term growth and its ability to serve the Lowcountry and the state.

Record Enrollment and High‑Demand Academic Programs

The College is on track for another record‑setting incoming class, continuing a multiyear trend of strong enrollment at a time when many universities nationwide are experiencing declines. President Hsu attributes this momentum to the College’s academic reputation, student experience and strategic program development.

A major focus of the episode is the expansion of high‑demand academic programs, including the first‑ever joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing between the College and the Medical University of South Carolina. These programs respond directly to workforce needs in health care, engineering and STEM fields, while meeting growing student interest in career‑aligned majors. These additions make the College “even more relevant to the needs of our region and its industries,” says Hsu.

Athletics, Research and Student Achievement at the College of Charleston

The episode also celebrates a standout year in College of Charleston athletics. The women’s basketball team won the CAA Championship and earned its first‑ever NCAA Tournament appearance, marking a historic milestone for the program. The College also welcomed new head coaches for both men’s and women’s basketball. Meanwhile, women’s golf secured its seventh CAA Championship and advanced to NCAA postseason play.

President Hsu spotlights exceptional student and faculty achievements, including national awards and groundbreaking research. Astrophysics majors Eva Godwin and Gael Gonzalez and their professor, Joe Carson, developed imaging equipment for NASA that was sent to the International Space Station. Marine biology major Madigail Jozic was named a NOAA Hollings Scholar, and triple‑major Alexander Bielicki earned the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship. These accomplishments reflect the College’s strength in undergraduate research and STEM education.

The College also welcomed new academic leaders, including Steve Schreiner, who completed his first year as founding dean of the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics, and incoming deans Juliet Spencer in School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and Scott Kissau in the Graduate School, who will also serve as associate provost for research.

A Message to the Class of 2026

As the episode concludes, President Hsu shares a message for graduating seniors, encouraging them to carry forward the resilience, curiosity and integrity they developed at the College. He reminds them that “wherever life takes them, they will always be part of the College of Charleston family.”

Resources from this episode

• School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
• Michael and Amy Bennett School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Joint B.S.N.
• Women’s Basketball
• Women’s Golf
• NASA Imaging Project (Astrophysics Program)
• NOAA Hollings Scholarship
• Barry Goldwater Scholarship
• School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics
• Graduate School