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USCA Hosts Governor

Aiken, SC (12/01/2021) — Governor Henry McMaster visited the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) on Tuesday, November 30, for a ceremonial re-signing of the Military Tuition Rate Bill.

The legislation provides veterans or their dependents using GI Bill education benefits with access to in-state tuition rates at South Carolina universities, colleges, and technical colleges regardless of when they left military service. Previously, veterans had to enroll within three years of leaving service to receive immediate in-state tuition benefits, according to the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs (SCDVA).

The original bill, signed in 2015 by former governor Nikki Haley, enhanced benefits for veterans, military, and military-connected students. Aiken senator Tom Young, also present at Tuesday's signing, sponsored the recent revisions that greatly expanded those benefits. "It is a priority of the Military Base Task Force, and it is another step forward as we continue to make South Carolina the most veteran-friendly state in the country," Young said.

Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor of USCA; Robert Murphy, US Marine Corp veteran and director of the Veteran and Military Student Success Center (VMSS) at USCA; Tom Young; Jared Evans, director of Military Engagement and Veteran Initiatives at the University of South Carolina; and Will Grimsley, SCDVA secretary spoke at the event.

After the ceremony, McMaster visited the USCA VMSS and talked with students.

"USC Aiken is creating a great deal of positive momentum with veteran and military-connected students," said Murphy. "Between workforce opportunities, scholarships, national recognition and now hosting the governor, this university puts 'military friendly' into action."