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Mary Driscoll, Vice Chancellor for Advancement at USC Aiken, announced her retirement effective June 2025 after a transformative decade. During her leadership, fundraising efforts surged, enhancing the university’s financial health and community relations. Chancellor Heimmermann praised Driscoll’s impactful contributions, while her successor, Dr. Liz Stewart, is committed to continuing this progress. Driscoll’s active community involvement and successful navigation of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, leave a lasting legacy at USC Aiken.

Aiken, SC – Mary Driscoll, the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Affairs at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken), has announced her retirement, which will take effect at the end of June 2025. After a decade at the university, Driscoll’s leadership has notably transformed the institution’s partnerships and fundraising efforts.

During her tenure, the assets of the Aiken Partnership Board surged from $25 million in 2015 to $40 million, while the foundation’s annual contribution to USC Aiken increased significantly from around $1.5 million to $2.4 million. Such growth underlines the impactful role Driscoll has played in enhancing the university’s financial stability and community engagement.

Chancellor Daniel Heimmermann lauded Driscoll’s energy and passion, acknowledging that her contributions have been pivotal to the institution’s growth. Driscoll attributes her achievements to strategic planning and guidance from former Chancellor Sandra Jordan as well as current Chancellor Heimmermann. She also expressed gratitude towards various community leaders and board members whose support has been instrumental in bolstering the university’s mission.

Driscoll is set to be succeeded by Dr. Liz Stewart, who has been recognized for her commitment to continuing the progress made by Driscoll and her team. Stewart described Driscoll as “a consummate professional,” highlighting her exceptional ability to foster collegial relationships and develop a strong team within the university.

Aside from her contributions to USC Aiken, Driscoll has been an active member of the Aiken community. She has served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Aiken and has held board positions with the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce and the Augusta Foundation, thereby enhancing the university’s ties to the local area.

A significant challenge during Driscoll’s first week at USC Aiken was managing the aftermath of an unexpected coaching resignation, showcasing her adaptability and leadership in high-pressure situations. Under her guidance, USC Aiken received the Fundraising Award for Overall Improvement from the Council for Advancement in Support of Education in 2016, a testament to her effective fundraising strategies.

Throughout her tenure, Driscoll was also involved in navigating the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and played a role in planning the university’s 60th anniversary celebrations during the 2021-2022 academic year. Under her leadership, USC Aiken achieved the notable status of being the first public higher education institution in South Carolina to be recognized as an “All Steinway School.”

In addition to these milestones, Driscoll presided over significant infrastructural developments, including the construction of the USCA Golf Complex and the opening of the First Tee Aiken’s Chalk Mine 9 course, further enriching the university’s resources and enhancing student experience.

Heimmermann conveyed warm congratulations to Driscoll on her well-deserved retirement, reflecting on her numerous contributions to USC Aiken and the broader Aiken community. Her decade-long tenure has left an indelible mark on the university, setting a solid foundation for ongoing growth and success.

USC Aiken’s Vice Chancellor Mary Driscoll Announces Retirement

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Author: hereaiken