To his surprise and delight, Ben Calhoun discovered Palmetto College at USC Aiken in 2013 and considers the opportunity a life-changing experience
He had long realized he could benefit with a business management degree in conjunction with his position as the chief finance officer at Heights Baptist Church in Clearwater.
With his job and family obligations, however, he felt that completing college "would take me five or six years."
Yet, after enrolling in the online Palmetto College in January 2013, Calhoun graduated earlier this month and will formally complete his Bachelor of Science degree in August.
"It was a great feeling," said the 38-year-old Beech Island resident. "I've learned a lot about the accounting field, which is crucial to what I'm doing as a manager."
Calhoun had attended Clemson University years ago and was able to transfer the credits. He and two other nontraditional students at USCA are the first to graduate from Palmetto College's business program, said Mary Claire Millies, the program adviser.
"We graduated the three students in May, and another nine will graduate in August," she said. "We expect to have 100 students enrolled in the fall," far exceeding projections.
The University of South Carolina established the program as an option for those like Calhoun who cannot meet traditional classroom requirements. USCA focuses on business administration. Those seeking degrees in human services can apply to USC Beaufort, while USC Upstate offers criminal justice and nursing degrees. The flagship campus concentrates on elementary education, organizational leadership and liberal studies.
The majority of classes are provided online with USCA professors and others, Millies said. Some professors offer recorded videos and voice-overs for PowerPoint presentations. Students also are required to work together in online projects, some directly and most by email
"It's an opportunity to work with other students ... some from Columbia and Charleston," Calhoun said. "I've interacted with people over the last couple of year that I haven't met in person. But it has gone well and reflects the business world with all the technology."
Some Palmetto College students started college, but left for a variety of reasons, Millies said. Many of those looking to start for the first time or to continue their education said they always had a goal to finish. They have told Millies the program is challenging, but they have found ways to make it work.
Each semester is divided into two eight-week sessions. Usually, students are allowed to take two classes in the initial semesters. The maximum is four each semester, although students can take five if Millies believes they can handle that schedule. Calhoun started with one class and was taking five courses by last fall.
"It was great to have the ability to get those classes when needed and not have to worry about taking forever," he said.
Calhoun readily acknowledged he had initially been skeptical about how Palmetto College would work for him. He soon recognized its quality.
"I've been impressed by the staff and the advisers," he said. "I definitely would recommend it."
For more information, people can check out the website palmettocollege.sc.edu. or they can call up usca.edu, select the A-Z list and then click on "P" to find Palmetto College. Interested persons can reach Millies at 803-641-3595 or at marym@usca.edu.
Rob Novit is the education reporter for the Aiken Standard.