Cole to lead UofSC’s systemwide efforts
Posted on: April 9, 2021; Updated on: April 9, 2021
By Jeff Stensland, stenslan@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-3686
The University of South Carolina named J. Derham Cole Jr. its Vice President for System Affairs following a vote by the school’s Board of Trustees on Friday (April 9).
The newly created position will be responsible for coordinating a host of activities and major initiatives among the entire UofSC system, which includes the Columbia research campus, three four-year regional institutions and four two-year Palmetto College institutions throughout the state.
Cole most recently served as interim chancellor for USC Upstate, a position he held since February 2020. He joined USC Upstate in 2018 as associate vice chancellor for finance and administration, bringing more than 15 years of business and law experience to his position. A former state representative for District 32 in Spartanburg County, Cole earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the UofSC Honors College and a joint Juris Doctor/Master of International Business Studies from the UofSC School of Law and the Moore School of Business.
There’s no finer university system than UofSC, and I’m honored to serve on President Caslen’s team in this new capacity to help bring his bold vision to fruition.
J. Derham Cole Jr., VP for System Affairs
Gov. Henry McMaster awarded Cole the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in 2018. He was named Legislator of the Year by the S.C. Human Service Providers Association in 2016.
In his new role, Cole will report directly to UofSC President Bob Caslen and is tasked with expanding access and transfer options for students attending the eight institutions as well as crafting a strategic plan for strengthening collaboration among the university system.
“I’m excited to have a proven leader like Derham Cole leading our university system efforts to strengthen South Carolina through increased access to higher education and enhanced collaboration that ensures we meet the future needs of the state’s economy,” Caslen said.
“There’s no finer university system than UofSC, and I’m honored to serve on President Caslen’s team in this new capacity to help bring his bold vision to fruition,” Cole said.
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