South Carolina Humanities is accepting nominations to become a member of our Board of Directors. New members will begin three-year terms in November 2023. Board members initiate and develop projects, seek to make the humanities accessible statewide, and take active roles in fundraising.
SC Humanities, now in its 50th year of service as our state’s humanities council, has a mission to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. It presents and supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos, and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.
The Executive Director of SC Humanities, Dr. Randy Akers, finds excitement in the board election process: “Our Board of Directors fluctuates between about twenty and twenty-four members, coming from the academic, public, and private sector. It makes for an interesting group. Seeing the slate of nominees and thinking about how they might fit in and help us to further our mission creates a sense of renewed energy and vigor amongst the sitting members.”
The Board of Directors typically meets in-person three times a year. Board member duties outside of the in-person meetings will vary based on the person’s interests and their position(s) on committees.
“Serving on the board of South Carolina Humanities is an honor,” says Board Chair David Hodges. “A benefit of board service is knowing board members from a variety of towns and cities in South Carolina who have a passion for the humanities. It is satisfying to work with fellow board members to help evaluate and then fund events, festivals, conferences, and exhibits in our state.”
Letters of nomination should include a brief description of why the person should serve on the Board of Directors, including experience and interest in public humanities programming. A vita or resume should be included, containing the nominee’s telephone, email, and mailing address. Additionally, the nominee should write a letter of interest to be included with the nomination. The SC Humanities Board Chair will notify successful candidates. Nominations should be sent to SC Humanities, PO Box 5287, Columbia, SC 29250, or rlakers@schumanities.org, no later than July 1, 2023.