COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The House has approved a bill creating a research university as a subsidiary of the College of Charleston.
Legislators voted 98-5 Tuesday on legislation that establishes the University of Charleston for awarding advanced degrees benefiting the local economy. Another perfunctory vote on Wednesday will send the measure to the Senate.
The bill initially created a comprehensive research university by merging the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina, which conducts medical research. But that proposal was opposed by MUSC’s board.
The compromise bars the University of Charleston from duplicating programs already offered in Charleston.
Sponsoring Republican Rep. Jim Merrill of Charleston says the College of Charleston needs to be elevated into a research university to meet the workforce needs of the Lowcountry’s growing economy.
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