There is hereby created the Mid-Carolina Commission for Higher Education. This body, hereinafter called the commission, shall be composed of nine members from Sumter, Clarendon, and Lee Counties who shall be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of a majority of the legislative delegations of the appropriate counties as herein provided. The members shall be appointed for terms of four years each and shall serve until their successors shall have been appointed and qualify. The present members of the Sumter County Commission for Higher Education established by Act 50 of 1965 shall become the initial members of the governing board of the commission.

Upon the expiration of the terms of the two members currently serving on the Sumter County Commission for Higher Education whose terms next expire after the effective date of this chapter, one member of the commission shall be appointed by the Governor from Clarendon and Lee Counties, respectively, in this order, upon recommendation of the legislative delegation of the appropriate county.

Vacancies on the commission shall be filled in the manner of original appointment.

The members shall elect a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, and treasurer from among their membership and shall organize and adopt rules and procedures necessary to carry out their duties.

To facilitate its work the commission is authorized to appoint from its member counties as considered appropriate, an Educational Advisory Committee consisting of not less than ten nor more than fifteen members which shall meet and consult with the commission as may be required. All members of the Educational Advisory Committee shall serve without compensation or fees.

HISTORY: 1996 Act No. 468, Section 1.