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Speakers highlight Columbia International University programs and student housing insecurity at council public comment
Summary
A Columbia International University representative briefed council on nursing and science program growth and an NIH grant; a Columbia College social worker urged action on student housing insecurity and noted a higher dropout risk for students facing unstable housing.
Public comment at the March 4 Richland County Council meeting featured two speakers who highlighted local higher-education activity and student housing insecurity.
Greta Clinton, executive director of communications and advancement at Columbia International University, told council the university’s nursing program graduated its first class and reported strong NCLEX pass rates. "We started a nursing program 4 years ago, and we had our first class of nurses graduate," Clinton said. She said the university had also secured an NIH grant for cancer research and invited council members to an upcoming leadership summit.
Judith Myers, a local pastor and social worker who said she works at Columbia College, urged the council to address student housing insecurity. "College students, particularly those from low income backgrounds or our first generation students ... are facing unprecedented challenges in securing stable and affordable housing," Myers said. She said housing instability contributed to stress, lower grades and higher dropout rates for students receiving Pell grants.
Both speakers thanked the council for listening but did not ask for specific county actions at the meeting. Myers asked the council to consider the broader community impact of student housing instability on academic success and local economic vitality.
