Discover the College of Charleston, dedicated to increasing access to affordable education. Empowering students with opportunities and fostering an inclusive learning environment. Join us on a journey of accessible education for all. #CollegeOfCharleston #AffordableEducation #InclusiveLearning.

1. college of charleston: Increasing the
Access to Affordable Education
Situated in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, the College
of Charleston is a testament to the pursuit of knowledge and the
transformative power of education. Like a centuries-old oak tree rooted
in rich tradition, the College of Charleston has flourished since its
founding in 1770, continuously setting the bar high for quality
education, vibrant student life, and unparalleled affordability.
Walking along the institution’s brick pathways, one can’t help but be
captivated by the harmonious blend of past and present. The campus
itself is a beautiful combination of Old-World charm and contemporary
innovation. The atmosphere is electric, buzzing with the shared dreams
of more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Bright minds
flock to the College of Charleston from every corner of the globe due to
its promise of an education that transcends boundaries and fosters
lifelong learning.
The President
Andrew T. Hsu joined the College of Charleston as its 23rd president in
May 2019. Before joining the oldest university in South Carolina, Hsu
served as an academic leader at several institutions. As the provost and
executive vice president for academic affairs at The University of
Toledo, Hsu was pivotal in advancing the institution’s educational
programs and fostering a culture of innovation. Before that, he served as
the dean of engineering at San Jose State University, and the associate
vice president for research and dean of Graduate School at Wright State
University.
"As president, I would like my legacy to be one that I helped the
institution on its upward trajectory and made real progress toward our
goal of becoming a nationaluniversity. I would also like to be seen as a

2. resource to our students and not some distant-seeming suit-and-tie
leader. I try to be as involved as I can in student activities and
engagement, and I have found that all my interactions with students
leave me inspired by their energy, their optimism, and their work ethic,"
President Andrew Hsu says.
Hsu has received numerous teaching awards as a professor, maintained a
continuously funded research lab for 15 years, and published 98 refereed
journal and conference articles. He is a fellow of the American Council
on Education (ACE) and an associate fellow of the American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Hsu earned his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from Georgia Institute of
Technology in 1986. He then worked in private industry for 11 years
with Sverdrup/NASA and Rolls-Royce, where he developed unique
industry perspectives and leadership skills before joining academia in
1997.
When Diversity and Inclusion are a Priority
Diversity, equity, and inclusion play a significant role in the College of
Charleston's core values, serving as guiding principles for both Hsu and
his team. With a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive
campus environment, the institution endeavors to provide a nurturing
home for all students, irrespective of their race, gender, political
preferences, or sexual orientation.
"The College of Charleston is an incredible institution, and the power of
our academic brand is growing and resonating with more prospective
students and their families. Why? Extraordinary academics in an
extraordinary location making for extraordinary opportunities for our
students," explains Hsu.
Tackling Challenges

3. Hsu believes the major challenge for the College of Charleston lies in
growing its footprint in a significant way and evolving in a location like
downtown Charleston, S.C. While the university's location is a core part
of its identity and offers several advantages, it also brings financial
obstacles that may not be encountered by universities situated in smaller
metropolitan areas or rural settings.
It is no secret that the cost of operating within one of the most expensive
zip codes on the Eastern Seaboard poses several financial challenges for
the university. The increased costs of real estate and other essential
resources can strain the institution's options. These economic
considerations require careful planning and strategic decision-making to
ensure the institution's long-term sustainability and ability to provide an
affordable and accessible education to its students.
Looking at the Future
The College of Charleston's 10-year strategic plan aims to improve the
critical indicators regarding student success, academic distinction, and
employee success, which will help the institution become a more
prominent university on the national and international stage. Its focus on
student retention, four-year graduation rates, signature academic
programs, and employee culture provide the driving force behind its
initiatives across campus.
"Our mission, which was reworked in 2019-2020 during our strategic
planning process, is fairly straightforward: ‘Founded in 1770, the
College of Charleston is a public university grounded in the principles
of the liberal arts and committed to developing ethically centered,
intellectually versatile and globally fluent citizens who create innovative
solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges.’ We are in
the business of educating and creating change agents – men and women
who can go out into the world and make a difference. Our focus on
range of thought and global fluency are true differentiators for us," he
concludes.