Where Leaders and Learning Meet
Gain insights from prominent business executives, educational innovators, and political figures as they address today’s critical global challenges. Join us on campus for these exclusive opportunities to learn directly from distinguished thought leaders shaping our world.
Business
Truist Lecture Series
The annual Truist Lecture is part of the Department of Economics and Business Administration’s program for the study of capitalism. Sponsored by the Truist Foundation, the series exposes PC students and members of the public to ideas on free-market economics. Speakers have included Wall Street Journal reporters, think-tank supporters, and other academicians.
Robert M. Vance Lecture Series on Business Ethics
High-profile leaders in the business world speak about how to run a successful business that maintains a moral code in which employees can take pride and use as a guide for day-to-day activities. The late Robert M. Vance considered ethics, honesty and integrity to be extremely important. He lived these qualities as a business leader in Clinton, S.C. Funded by the Bailey Foundation, this program is a tribute to the late businessman’s legacy and his numerous contributions to the Clinton community. The speakers, CEOs and other top managers address business ethics as the overall theme.
The program is a tribute to Mr. Vance’s legacy and his numerous contributions to the Clinton community. Each year, CEOs, presidents and other top managers address the topic of business ethics.
Feb 12, 2026 Speaker
Matt Navarro ’99, President | Stanley 1913
7PM | Edmunds Hall
Society for the Advancement of Management Speaker Series
Professionals from the business world visit campus in the fall and spring to talk to students and the community about what it’s like to work in their industries. This series includes speakers from local, state and regional business communities. Speakers have included realtors, media executives, financial advisers, restaurant owners, as well as professionals from business, insurance, sales, marketing, law and more.
- Lee Hunter ’94 offers lessons in business, service, and accountability during annual Truist Lecture on Free Enterprise
- Steve Smith ’84, the President & CEO of Swagelok North Carolina/East Tennessee
- Norman Scarborough, Former South Carolina Professor of the Year and Director of the Technical Analyst Department at the S.C. Public Service Commission.
- Mr. Charles Brewer, the founder of MindSpring Enterprises, Green Street Properties, and Las Catalinas resort Town, Costa Rica.
- Robin Boren ’97, Southern Company Vice President
- Chad Prashad ’02, president and CEO of World Acceptance Corporation
- Retired Brigadier General E. Eric Porter, United States Army
- Pete Selleck, Former President and CEO of Michelin North America
- William Barnet III, CEO of Barnet Development Company and former mayor of Spartanburg
- John Allison, Chairman and CEO, BB&T
- Walter Alessandrini, Former South Carolina Entrepreneur of the Year
- Mike Baur, CEO, ScanSource
- Bert Gall, Senior Attorney, Institute for Justice
- Bob McCoy, former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Wachovia
- Jim Micali, Chairman and CEO, Michelin NA
- Danny Morrison, President, Carolina Panthers
- Jim Rosenberg, President and CEO, Burroughs and Chapin
- Jim Samples, President, HGTV
- Minor Shaw, Chair of The Daniel-Mickel Foundation
Education
Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute
The Charles H. Chadwell Endowment for Special Education was established at PC in 1984 by Francis E. Cothran and his wife, Jean Syminton Cothran. Part of the endowment provides seminars, lectures, and workshops led by recognized authorities in fields related to special education. These events promote a better understanding of the circumstances faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. The events are intended for teachers and require registration.
Political Science
Samuel Calvin Waters Lecture Series in Political Science
In this annual series, notable political scholars and practitioners help to enrich the academic experience for PC students as well as engage members of the local community. Samuel C. Waters, a graduate of PC and the University of South Carolina’s School of Law, established the series to highlight the value and relevance of the study of politics and contemporary issues.
mar 6, 2026 Speaker
Ben Rhodes, Speech Writer / Deputy National Security Director (Obama Administration)
7PM | Edmunds Hall
Dr. Booker T. Ingram Black History Month Lecture
The annual Dr. Booker T. Ingram Black History Month lecture is Presbyterian College’s signature event celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans. The lecture and convocation is named in honor of professor emeritus of political science Dr. Booker T. Ingram, PC’s first professor of color.
feb 5, 2026 Speaker
Darrin Goss, President and Chief Executive Officer | Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina
7PM | Edmunds Hall