The blueprint for the success that Charleston Southern University enjoys today was carefully crafted 25 years ago. It’s no coincidence that this happened the same time Dr. Jairy C. Hunter Jr. was named president.

“Dr. Hunter inherited a difficult financial situation,” said Brooks Moore, an alumnus, member of the founding class and former Buc Club president. “Jairy made some very tough decisions,” said Moore. “I respect him because he leads by example.”

This was exactly why Hunter was hired. His tenacity, business acumen and academic credentials are what prompted Baptist College trustee Dr. Bob Cuttino to pick up the phone when the school was looking for its second president. A hometown friend from Lancaster, South Carolina, Cuttino had kept tabs on Hunter’s career over the years.

“When Dr. Cuttino called me, I thought he was asking me for a recommendation,” remembers Hunter. “I told him I didn’t know anyone who would be qualified to be president of a church-related school.”

“No, I’m talking about you,” said Cuttino. “I shared with him that I had a good job at the University of North Carolina Wilmington as vice chancellor of development and business and professor of management,” said Hunter.

Cuttino asked Hunter to send a resume, and Hunter agreed. The field quickly narrowed from 45 applicants to five finalists. Hunter was an impeccable candidate.

“We desperately needed a Baptist with business savvy and fundraising experience,” said Dr. A. Kennerley Bonnette, who was one of two faculty members on the presidential search committee in 1984. Strategic leadership was essential during this difficult time.

The nine-person search committee was chaired by William H. Seals and was comprised of Dr. Bonnette, who became academic vice president and later provost before retiring in 2008; Dr. Carol Drowota, professor of English; trustees Robert E. Cuttino, W. Floyd Whitfield, Charlene Kirk, Mildred Bomar, James P. Craine and 1972 alumnus Larry Cannon.

Hunter met the criteria. He was a Baptist leader with a PhD from Duke University, two master’s degrees and was an experienced business person. Hunter had respect immediately from the faculty, staff, students and alumni.

“We knew immediately that Jairy Hunter was God’s man for the job,” said Floyd Whitfield, a trustee and member of the search committee. “He possessed a genuine Christian commitment, coupled with a wealth of academic and business experience.”

On May 17, 1984, Dr. Jairy C. Hunter Jr. was named the second president of the Baptist College. Hunter said, “I honestly didn’t realize it at the time that the Lord had been preparing me for this assignment. As years passed, it became evident that this was God’s plan. In fact, my wife, Sissy, strongly encouraged me to accept the position after visiting the campus and meeting with the search committee. She felt that the college needed a president with my background.

Dr. Joe Wren, pastor at Summerville Baptist Church, former chairman of the board of trustees, said, “I believe that Jairy was called by God to lead the school.”

Hunter’s first day on the job was July 15, 1984. He spent the first months listening, assessing the situation and gathering input. Then he and key leaders drafted a strategic plan that included three phases: survival, stability and excellence, remembers Bonnette.

Phase One: Survival.

The board of trustees adopted a clear mission statement for the college as one of the first moves of survival: promoting academic excellence in a Christian environment.

The executive board of the South Carolina Baptist Convention (SCBC) agreed to help the college restructure its debt payment plan. The SCBC also gave the college permission to conduct a marketing and fundraising campaign for five years in the 2,000 Baptist churches. This was an unprecedented action taken by the convention that allowed the president to share the college’s strategic plan and promote the institution.

In November 1984, the college celebrated the opening of the Lightsey Chapel Auditorium and Music Building. The celebration was highlighted with former Governor Robert McNair speaking at the ceremonies. Two days later, NASA Astronaut Dick Scobee and his wife, Dr. June Scobee, a Baptist College graduate, presented items that had been taken on the flight of the Challenger earlier in the year.

“The chapel symbolized a new beginning,” remembered Bonnette. “The chapel was what we stood for. It was a shining moment, a turning point.”

In May 1985, the first graduation was held in the Lightsey Chapel. The first students to receive a master’s degree from the University were also honored. Under Hunter’s leadership and with support from everyone affiliated with the school, the second year ended with a balanced budget. The University has operated consistently in the black since that time.

In the spring of 1986, Hunter stood onstage at the Lightsey Chapel Auditorium for his official inauguration. Former presidential search committee chair William H. Seals shared his perspective on Hunter’s leadership as president.

“As Dickens said of the French Revolution, they were leaderless, the people were in despair, the people were without direction – and so it was here at Baptist College,” Seals told the audience. “Jairy Hunter came here and accepted the challenge. It was the worst of times, but Jairy Hunter made it the best of times. We were in despair, but he gave us hope.”

Phase Two: Stability.

After two years, the school moved to phase two of the strategic plan: stability. The institution began to move forward with confidence.

In 1988 Hunter led the effort to create the board of visitors (BOV). The primary purpose of this organization continues to be providing student scholarships and networking. The first officers of the BOV were: Ronald Banks, chairman; Hal Adams, vice chairman; and Thomas Warwick, secretary/treasurer.

Local CPA and supporter Ronnie Givens cited the creation of the board of visitors as one of Hunter’s early innovative ideas. Members of the board of visitors raise money for the school throughout the community and Southeast creating an awareness of the school’s mission.

“Dr. Hunter’s personality and his positive attitude gave confidence to the school’s creditors and donors that the college was moving forward,” said Givens. “His business experience and entrepreneurial spirit enabled the school to rise from the ashes.”

Currently, Charleston Southern has 375 members on the board of visitors, and alumni support continues to increase. “Each year,my office is privileged to host the annual scholarship luncheon which gives students and their donors a chance to meet. The heartwarming stories the students share underscore the life-changing impact of our donors on the students and the University,” said Bill Ward, executive director of development.

“The board of visitors is an excellent program for raising support and money,” said Rosser Trash, retired owner of T & T Sports in Charleston and a longtime member of the board of visitors.

While Hunter was leading on campus, Mrs. Hunter was doing the same in the community. Mrs. Charlene Kirk and other local women organized the Women’s Council (formerly called the Women’s Auxiliary Advisory Council) at CSU. First Lady Sissy Hunter has worked closely with the Women’s Council since its inception. This organization continues to raise thousands of dollars for student scholarships and campus beautification.

The board of trustees awarded Mrs. Hunter an honorary doctor of education in 1999 for her commitment and service to the University. “Words cannot express my appreciation for this recognition,” said Sissy Hunter. “Serving Charleston Southern is indeed an honor.”

“Sissy and Jairy are a great team,” said Wren. “They’re caring people and serve in many roles in the community.”

“Sissy Hunter has been a good partner for him in growing the school,” said Summerville mayor and one of the school’s founders, Berlin G. Myers.

“She works so hard for the college,” said Joan McKissick, wife of legendary Summerville High School football coach John McKissick. “The school has added a lot to our community.”

The campus has undergone unprecedented growth through new construction and renovation. Eight new buildings have been opened since Hunter’s arrival, starting with the dedication of the Lightsey Chapel in November 1984.

Since then, and with the support of generous friends and donors, the University has added the Hunter Reception Center (1991), Derry Patterson Wingo Nursing building (1995), the Brewer Center (2000) which included Edwards Express, Whittington Hall (2000), Whitfield Stadium Center (2000), the science building (2005) and, most recently, the Wingate by Wyndham (2008).

Another reason for the University’s success is the growth and development of Charleston Southern’s athletic programs. With faith-driven athletic leadership, the Buccaneers athletic programs have been growing steadily and competing consistently. After an amazing run in 1997, the CSU Bucs men’s basketball team advanced to the NCAA tournament before losing to UCLA. During the seven-year period from 1995-2002, 10 CSU teams competed in the NCAA postseason.

As president, Hunter has never lost the passion for connecting with students. Every day he shares the University vision of integrating faith in learning, leading and serving. Hunter has taught at every school where he has worked and continues to teach each semester at CSU. He teaches the MBA capstone course in strategic management. Hunter says one of his greatest joys is learning from and teaching a new group of students each semester.

“Our students have a fantastic opportunity to learn in a culture that honors Christ. We remain committed to fulfilling the dream of the school’s founders of sharing the gospel with every student,” said Hunter.

Givens confirms that the CSU educational experience is producing uniquely qualified employees and future leaders. And he should know; he’s hired numerous graduates to work at his accounting firm.

“Students come well prepared academically, and we don’t have to teach them ethics,” Givens said. “During Jairy Hunter’s years at CSU, the school has never lost its commitment to academic excellence in a Christian environment.”

“The school is making a positive difference in equipping leaders with a Christian perspective,” said Wren.

In 1990, the trustees and South Carolina Baptists voted to change the school’s name from Baptist College at Charleston to Charleston Southern University. This change signaled the recognition of university status and greater marketing appeal. The school’s mission remained the same, but opportunities for growth multiplied.

In 1993, amidst steady growth and stability, recognition increased. Charleston Southern was named to The John Templeton Foundation Honor Roll for Character Building Colleges. The honor placed the University on a short list of colleges that best exemplify campuses that promote high integrity and encourage the development of strong moral character among students.

Today, the University offers four graduate programs (education, business, criminal justice and nursing). The master of science in nursing education began enrolling students this fall.

“These changes never would have happened without the president’s nudging or full support,” said Bonnette. “We had one graduate program when he came. Now we are accredited to offer a full slate of graduate programs.”

“I’m proud to be an alumnus and excited about the growth, not only in enrollment, but in the programs and the quality of the curriculum at the school,” said Moore.

The Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc. named CSU one of “America’s Best College Buys” in 1998. This year, the University received the honor for the 11th straight year. The company also added Charleston Southern to the list of “America’s Best Christian Colleges” in 2004. In September 2009, the University was awarded the honor for the fifth consecutive year.

Charleston Southern University has been named by G.I. Jobs magazine a Military Friendly School for 2010. This honor ranks CSU in the top 15 percent of all colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide. This fall the Charleston Southern ROTC program was honored as the best small detachment unit in the Southeast region for the fourth time in six years.

Since day one Hunter credits the excellent faculty and staff for the University’s continued growth and success. “Our faculty and staff combine the finest professional preparation with a servant’s heart. Their love of the Lord shows in the way they care about others,” Hunter said.

“When Dr. Hunter came to CSU, he brought solid leadership that the college needed, and the school has continued to grow,” said John McKissick, athletic director at Summerville High. “A lot of kids who graduated from Summerville High have gone to Charleston Southern because they could live at home and take classes close by. The college has been really good for the community.”

Phase Three: Excellence.

With university status and a reputation for academic achievement, the University began to move into the excellence phase.

The commitment to excellence is paying dividends in the classroom. When Hunter arrived in 1984, enrollment was 1,646. The University reached new heights with an enrollment of 3,236 this fall.

“We have experienced an incredible two decades of growth at CSU,” said Debbie Williamson, vice president for enrollment. “The growth has come in a myriad of areas: enrollment, academic, athletic and, most importantly, spiritual. God has certainly been active on the CSU campus. I believe we are closer to our mission and vision than ever before and this is manifesting itself in a higher education experience that is preparing graduates and transforming lives.”

Excellence is evident in the classroom. Our nursing graduates have an average pass rate of 98 percent on the first attempt on the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse over the last three years. Nine new teachers from the School of Education were named Honored Educators based on high scores on the Praxis II assessment, and four were named Rookie Teachers of the Year. Seniors in the School of Business’s Nonprofit Marketing class developed a fundraising project that will eventually lead to an endowed scholarship. The seniors raised more than $2,000, far exceeding their goal of $1,000.

Our campus ministries department is active off campus as well as on. Sixty-one students trained to be counselors for The Franklin Graham Festival in Charleston last fall. The University sends interns to Student Leadership University each summer, and service projects large and small are a part of campus life. This year students, faculty and staff have shared Christ in 11 countries and 10 states on mission trips.

“The University continues to be true to its mission,” said Hunter. “In recent years, refining and clarifying the University’s vision has given us focus and direction. Our vision is to be a Christian university nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving. Our staffing and allocation of resources are focused on achieving the University’s vision. We are surely moving toward excellence.”

“It has been my privilege to serve on the leadership team at CSU for 22 years,” said Dr. Rick Brewer, vice president for student affairs and athletics. “The growth of the university has been expressed in academic quality and commitment to the university’s mission. The solid leadership of Dr. Hunter to the task of building a Christian university devoted to scholarship while uncompromisingly emphasizing spiritual development has been the key to the institution’s sustainable growth.”

“Dr. Hunter has tapped into a new source of excitement with the University’s efforts to move to the next level of faith integration,” said Dr. Jim Colman, vice president for academic affairs. “As we have sharpened the University’s focus on this primary distinctive, Dr. Hunter has led the way in encouraging the whole campus community to become more intentional with integrating biblical truth.”

“He was from a blue collar working family in Lancaster,” said Bonnette. “He had those small town values and believed in the Christian value system. Because of his personal experiences he had enormous empathy for adult students going back to school. Jairy understood our mission, our role from the very beginning. I remember him telling us that every college espouses academic excellence but the reason we do it is first to honor God.”

At spring commencement in May 2009, Hunter was surprised with an honorary doctorate in public service by the board of trustees. Ron Brantley, chairman of the Board, said, “Jairy and Sissy Hunter are dedicated to the mission and vision of the University. They are my friends, and I look forward to serving with them in the future.” Secretary of the Board, Gloria Thiem added, “I have seen many changes that have all been to the betterment of the University since Sissy and Jairy came to CSU. Their dedication is seen in many facets on a local and national level.”

North Charleston mayor and CSU alumnus R. Keith Summey, declared July 15, 2009, Dr. Jairy and Sissy Hunter Day in North Charleston.

“The City of North Charleston is grateful for the Hunters and looks forward to the continuing success of Charleston Southern University,” announced the mayor.

In September 2009 at Convocation, Hunter was honored again when he received the Order of the Palmetto. The award is considered the highest civilian honor in the state of South Carolina and recognizes a person’s lifetime achievements and contributions to the state.

“This is one of the highest honors of my career,” said Hunter.

Hunter reflects, “The greatest challenge that we envision is providing financial aid for our students. The popularity of the school grows every year. Highly qualified students want to come here, but there is a financial gap to fill. The S.C. Baptist Convention, through the Cooperative Program fund, continues to provide much-needed financial assistance to our students, along with federal, state and donor support. We will continue to work diligently to raise funds to fill this gap. Securing sufficient student financial aid is our greatest challenge.”

“The second challenge is providing the capital facilities consistent with our growth,” said Hunter. “Three projects that are on the horizon are the Christian Leadership building, an athletic center with men’s and women’s locker rooms, offices and study stations which will assist our athletes and trainers, and a Convocation Center with a basketball arena.”

In 25 years, Hunter has led the institution in developing a sound mission and an inspiring vision. Enrollment has doubled; eight buildings have been built; he has cultivated a thriving board of visitors, and numerous programs and services have been added. Future plans are to expand enrollment to 4,000 by 2020. Maybe now would be a good time to think about retiring.

Retirement? No – for Hunter the explanation is quite simple: our work is not done, and students need financial assistance.

And let’s not forget William Seals’ final words in 1986: “… It is my vision that somewhere, someday, Jairy Hunter will go down in history as having been an integral part of the growth of Baptist College, of making it what it ought to be and what it should be and what it can be.”