Liz Seman

Chief of Staff, Liaison to the Board of Trustees
Furman University

How do you feel South Carolina colleges and universities are preparing students to meet the state’s future workforce needs?

Through our academic departments and institutes—the Riley Institute, the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, the Institute for the Advancement of Community Health, and the Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship—Furman has developed meaningful relationships with our business community, both in the Upstate and throughout the region. This enables students to participate in impactful internships and research opportunities, providing them with transformative real-world experiences that prepare them for life after Furman. These strategic partnerships allow Furman to share its expertise, helping organizations grow their talent pools, address key skills gaps in our region, and showcase the advantages of a liberal arts and sciences-informed approach to solving important workforce challenges.

How is your institution preparing for the looming drop in traditional college-age students and the so-called “enrollment cliff?”

Some of the exciting ways we are focused on non-traditional students are through our Center for Innovative Leadership, Graduate Programs, and our Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Combining Furman’s academic expertise with leading business professionals and coaches, the Center is committed to developing strategic leaders, innovative problem-solvers, equipped to handle today’s complex challenges. The Center offers a variety of professional certificate programs, courses, half-day workshops, and online options to improve existing skills and promote new ways of thinking critically.  We also offer Masters programs in Innovation and Leadership, and Strategic Design that also provides leaders with opportunities to extend their skill sets.

Through our Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, our GVL Starts transformational 9-week experience provides first-time founders in the Upstate with the right training, connections, and access to capital needed to launch successfully. Since 2021, this program has supported the launch and acceleration of a diverse array of 119 ventures.

What can be done to counteract government funding cuts and reduced federal research grants?

Furman’s long-term financial outlook remains robust, and we appreciate the support from numerous alumni, parent donors, private foundations, and corporate sponsors. As we near our Third Century, our focus will remain on ensuring financial strength and sustainability by increasing revenue and enhancing fundraising efforts.

What is your institution’s strategy in addressing the increased integration of artificial intelligence and automation and the expansion of online and hybrid learning models?

Furman is taking a strategic, mission-driven approach to the integration of artificial intelligence, recognizing its wide-reaching impact on teaching, research, operations, and the student experience.   One key first step we have completed is articulating what AI related competencies are important for our students go gain to prepare them for the workforce and for their careers.

While we’re excited about AI’s capacity to enhance creativity and personalize learning, we remain mindful of academic integrity, equity, and responsible use. Our strategy balances innovation with care, ensuring AI is integrated in ways that align with our institutional values and goals.

What is something people might be surprised to know about you?

I am a competitive amateur ballroom dancer.