After spending more than 20 years as a St. Bonaventure University administrator in New York state, Mary Driscoll was looking for a change - especially at a university that is making a difference.
In June, Driscoll formally will become USC Aiken's vice chancellor for university advancement - the same title she has at St. Bonaventure. The successor to recently-retired Dr. Deidre Martin, she is visiting Aiken this week to meet with Chancellor Dr. Sandra Jordan and other administrators.
"What really resonated with me is the community atmosphere and how strong it is," Driscoll said during an interview on Thursday. "What I've seen and continue to experience is the breadth of history ... the arts community and the horse and business communities - such as the Savannah River Site and other corporations like Bridgestone. It's a nice mixture of young and old."
Driscoll graduated from St. Bonaventure in 1979. Since then, she has in part owned two businesses and worked with a nonprofit. Driscoll was working at the University of Florida when St. Bonaventure contacted her, seeking her involvement with the university's 150th anniversary. She was delighted to return and then remain at her alma mater with so many talented faculty members and graduates
Driscoll understands that USCA is aligned with the University of South Carolina. Yet, the smaller college has its own identity and continues to thrive, she said. USCA is offering new opportunities in the science and engineering areas - among them a new four-year engineering degree. Yet at its core, said Driscoll, the university's focus remains on the liberal arts and their values, which can "take students through life and set them apart in their professions," she said.
Driscoll plans to get involved in student organizations, as well as those in the community. She is impressed by the opportunities students already have to bring their talents and willingness to be of help to organizations and projects off campus.
"Students keep you motivated," Driscoll said. "I'm inspired by them as well as the faulty and staff."
In an earlier press release, Jordan said: "I was particularly impressed by the combination of skills and experiences she brings to this position, as well as her high energy level and professionalism."
Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard's education reporter and has been with the newspaper since September 2001.