SC Humanities former Executive Director Randy Akers Receives the Order of the Palmetto
South Carolina Humanities is proud to announce that its former longtime Executive Director, Dr. Randy Akers, has been named a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor.
Dr. Akers served as Executive Director of SC Humanities from 1988-2025, making him the longest-serving director of any state humanities council in the nation. Under his leadership, SC Humanities launched transformative programs, including the South Carolina Awards in the Humanities, the statewide Humanities Festival, the South Carolina Book Festival, and the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum on Main Street program, which has brought world-class exhibits to rural communities.
He also spearheaded the development of The South Carolina Encyclopedia, raising over $1 million to make the landmark publication possible. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering partnerships, expanding access to cultural opportunities, and inspiring generations of South Carolinians to connect with their shared history and heritage.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition, and grateful to all who made it happen”, said Randy Akers, former Executive Director of SC Humanities. “This award belongs to all the SC Humanities staff and board member colleagues who for 37 years believed as I do that the humanities both enhance the understanding of our state and our love for it.”
Dr. Akers will be formally honored at the 2025 SC Humanities Awards Luncheon and Ceremony on October 16th in Columbia, where he will be recognized alongside other distinguished honorees of the Governor’s Awards, Akers Prize, and McMeekin Award.
About the Order of the Palmetto
Established in 1971, the Order of the Palmetto is awarded to South Carolinians who have demonstrated extraordinary lifetime achievement and service to the state and its people. Learn more about this award at https://scdah.sc.gov/research-and-genealogy/resources/order-palmetto.
About South Carolina Humanities
South Carolina Humanities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplift the stories of South Carolina — who we are, where we came from, and where we are going — to create, amplify and celebrate connections that strengthen our communities. Learn more at https://schumanities.org/.