AROUND TOWN

Columbia International University’s first 100% online Ph.D in Organizational Leadership in its Business School has 68 students. “Traditional online courses requiring some classroom attendance don’t work anymore,” reports Scott Adams of Lexington, dean of CIU’s Business School. “Our MBA and online programs are growing rapidly.” Best Colleges.com ranks CIU as the No. 1 university in the state this year. CIU 2 years ago launched a 100% online MBA, Associates and BS degree in business.

Nephron CEO honored

Nephron Pharmaceuticals CEO Lou Kennedy has been honored by Ernst & Young as Health Care Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southeast. She is chairman of the SC Chamber of Commerce and a nationwide leader in health care. She will now compete for national entrepreneur of the year. Nephron is a Lexington County company and certified woman-owned business.

State FFA president

Kylie Cathcart of Irmo has been named president of the SC FFA Association. She was elected at the FFA convention. A 2019 graduate of Spring Hill High, Kylie was enrolled in the Center for Advanced Technical Studies. She served as president of the District 5 FFA chapter and on the state winning agriculture evaluation teams. She won the state extemporaneous public speaking competition and will participate in the national finals. She is the daughter of Christopher and Robin Cathcart of Irmo. Her brothers Austin and Jacob will be Clemson University seniors this fall.

Who’s news?

Dr. David Fowler of Irmo will chair the Newberry College Department of Business Administration beginning in July. He joined the Newberry College faculty in 2018, teaching courses in business management. He has taught at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, served as an information technology officer for a global Fortune 500 company and as executive chef in hotels, casinos and country clubs across the south.

Who’s working

The monthly survey of households across the state estimated the number of South Carolinians working moved higher, establishing a new record of 2,286,079. That is an increase of 5,253 people since April and 47,435 since May 2018. Unemployment increased to 82,645, an increase of 3,550 people since April. With that increase, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate moved upward to 3.5% from April’s 3.4%.

New businesses

• Mike Hutchins of Lexington plans a new Frank’s Car Wash at 1707 Charleston Highway in West Columbia, the former site of Ryan’s Steak House. Frank’s is family owned with l6 locations in Lexington and Richland counties, Orangeburg, Summer-ville, Ladson, Sumter and Greenwood.

• Caitlin Qualman, 25, has started a painting business in the West Columbia, Lexington, Gaston and Pelion areas, ColaDaily reported. A Wisconsin native, she moved here as she “always hated the cold.” Her business, Fresh Coat Painters, will offer home and commercial painting.

Grand re-opening

Family Dollar plans a grand re-opening for its renovated store at 605 N. Church St., Swansea at 10 am, Saturday, July 13. The event will feature gift baskets, giveaways, free samples and entertainment. The first 50 customers will receive gift cards. Job applicants can apply at the store or online at www.FamilyDollar.com/careers .