May 17, 2012

Newberry College president runs for education superintendent

Newberry College President Dr. Mick Zais is tossing his hat in the ring for the Republican nomination for South Carolina Superintendent of Education. Zais has served as President of Newberry College since 2000. Zais views the state superintendent’s job as his new calling.

“Serving as Superintendent of Education is a way to serve the citizens of the great state of South Carolina and what could be a more precious commodity than our children. I’ll work to insure that each child has he opportunity to attend an excellent school led by an excellent principal and taught by excellent teachers.”

Zais graduated from the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) in 1969. He served 31 years in the Army as a paratrooper and ranger. [Read more...]

Gubernatorial candidates attend agriculture forum in Charleston

Ten candidates vying to be South Carolina’s next governor are in Charleston today to talk about one of the state’s largest industries. Five Republicans and five Democrats, all running for governor, are in Charleston today for the South Carolina Agribusiness Summit. Agriculture is one of the state’s largest industries, and each candidate plans on discussing their views, and also fielding questions.

The annual forum will be similar to a town hall meeting, where the questions will come mostly from business and agricultural leaders. The Associated Press says today’s conference is sponsored by the Palmetto Institute. Darla Moore, who the University of South Carolina School of Business is named after, is the founder of the Palmetto Institute, and will attend the forum. Also in attendance will be state Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan.