Laurens Mayor Nathan Senn, PC President Dr. Matthew vandenBerg, and Clinton Mayor Bob McLean.

Presbyterian College president Dr. Matthew vandenBerg invited two local mayors to discuss their roles in the community Monday during his latest “Chat with Matt” session.

Clinton mayor Bob McLean ’76 and Laurens mayor Nathan Senn shared their respective experiences as elected officials and their hopes for both cities’ futures.

McLean has a deep relationship with PC, and he and his wife, Emmie, are both alumni and several family members, including their son and daughter. The three-term mayor pointed out that his roots are firmly planted in Clinton even though he is a Florida native.

As a local business owner, McLean said his life in public service began with an interest in economic development.

Senn, an attorney in Laurens, is a Laurens native who graduated from Clemson University. He is serving his first term as mayor of his hometown and, like McLean, said he never envisioned running for public office. While living and practicing law in Charleston, Senn said visitors from Laurens often asked why Laurens lacked some of the same attractions as the historic coastal city. He decided to find answers by returning to his hometown and getting involved, which ultimately led to the decision to run for office.

PC sophomore Hallie Ridings of Inman asked both mayors what advice they have for people in small towns trying to revive their communities.

Senn said the answer is for young, intelligent, innovative people from those towns to stay instead of moving away.

“We can’t have a situation in South Carolina where the only progressive, forward-thinking communities that have young, vibrant, educated minds are Greenville, Charleston, and Columbia,” he said. “So, we need more people like you that are willing to move back to their hometowns and make a difference.”

McLean suggested that one way young people get their start in a small town is by partnering with the local government. The mayor proposed a partnership between the City of Clinton and PC students to form a business incubator where the city provides office space for young people to create and grow their businesses.

“It’s just a golden opportunity for both the city and PC,” he said.

McLean also noted that plenty of municipalities throughout South Carolina are looking for talented young people to work in local government. The pay, he admitted, may not be high at first but public sector jobs offer competitive retirement plans.

vandenBerg cited two significant partnerships PC is developing with both cities – the new student social hub at 112 Musgrove in downtown Clinton and the purchase of the Capitol Theatre in Laurens for esports and live events.

McLean said PC is vital to Clinton’s future. When the textile industry began declining throughout the Southeast, Clinton lost all of its local textile mills. He said having a college inside the city limits was a lifeline.

“There’s a built-in level of economic activity from students and professors and staff at the college,” he said. “Having the vitality that comes from that is key.”

Senn said he knows PC will not move to Laurens, but he believes the college’s presence in the Capitol Theatre on the Public Square benefits the college and the greater community.

Both mayors said the future is bright in Laurens County and believe Presbyterian College will continue to be a jewel in the community’s crown.