EDITORIAL: FMU's Carter is a problem solver for Pee Dee, S.C.

Dr. Fred Carter’s official title reads “President of Francis Marion University.” It’s a job he has done passionately and extremely well since taking charge at the 4,100-student school in Florence.
The energetic Carter probably does not hear enough thanks for the integrity, expertise and care he brings to the office. He should be commended because he is a problem solver who expects results from the people who work with him.
But the former Republican politico, 59, has developed a modesty and fun sense of humor since coming to the Pee Dee 11 years ago. The traits have opened doors for FMU throughout the region as it attempts to expand its outreach and service.
The leadership Carter has shown on issues ranging from public health to economic development has turned him into an unofficial ambassador for the Pee Dee. Carter was a driving force behind the $300,000 Interstate 95 Corridor study revealed last week, putting him at the forefront of not only what’s good for FMU, but what’s good for the region.
Call him an advocate, cheerleader or lightning rod. Whatever the title, Carter has made it his clear mission to tackle problems throughout the Pee Dee with a hands-on zest rarely seen from a regional leader.
We would compare him favorably to House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., and State Sen. Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, except that Carter’s constituency is the entire Pee Dee, not just parts of it.
When FMU was established nearly 40 years ago, its mission was to educate students from across South Carolina, but primarily the Pee Dee. The undeserved region needed a university to educate students who would not be able to attend or afford college otherwise.
Today, 55 percent of FMU’s students come from the Pee Dee and more than 95 percent come from South Carolina. More than 40 percent are from families sending students to college for the first time.
Those statistics have inspired Carter, FMU staff, faculty and students to constantly push into the social and economic fabric of the Pee Dee. They have built lasting partnerships with nonprofit groups to provide support, training and service. They have created leadership and economic development programs in cooperation with the North Eastern Strategic Alliance and its executive director, Jeff McKay.
Under Carter’s watch, FMU created the Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty. The university also constructed the Lee Nursing Building, allowing FMU to offer a four-year degree, answering the urgent need for nurses in the region.
Carter met with the Morning News editorial board Wednesday and said three distinct features will drive FMU into 2010 and beyond. He said the rigors of curriculum, quality of faculty and strong commitment to outreach and service distinguish FMU from other similarly sized state universities.
“We will never change the rigors of earning a degree from Francis Marion,” he said. “We have a strong curriculum because we have a strong faculty. The hires over the last decade have been exceptional. In the last decade, we have added proficient researchers to the staff.”
The outreach effort includes construction of the FMU Performing Arts Center in Florence. The state-of-the-art theater, which should be complete in late 2010, shows the university’s commitment to downtown revitalization. Without FMU’s involvement, downtown redevelopment likely would slow, but Carter’s commitment to it has resulted in unprecedented synergy, ideas and cooperation with the city.
In the future, FMU probably will grow into a 6,000-student campus with athletic teams playing in the NCAA Division I level in all 12 sports. Carter does not want to move ahead as rapidly with growth as he does with outreach.
“I would hate to see it grow to more than 6,000 students,” Carter said. “At that time, it would be important for the trustees to have a dialogue. Will programs be based on what’s most popular or what’s most urgent to the region?”
While Carter’s in charge, the decisions will be based on what’s right for the region. FMU has not, and will not, forget its roots with Carter living in the president’s residence.

— Unsigned editorials represent the views of this newspaper. Editorial Board members are Mark Laskowski (regional publisher), James Bennett (regional editor), Sam Bundy (sports editor), Kimberly Ginfrida (news editor), David Johnson (regional circulation director), Charles Tomlinson (Lake City News & Post editor) and Jackie Torok (metro editor).