NEWS

Columbia College, Newberry College and the University of South Carolina Aiken have been awarded a $178,688 grant from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) to establish a collaborative Center of Excellence in math education.

The project, titled The Center of Excellence for Promoting Research, Innovation, and Mastery in Elementary Math (PRIME), received the highest overall score in a competitive review process based on evaluations from external reviewers. The CHE approved the desired topic and funding for the center on Sept. 4, 2025.

The award will support a multi-institutional collaboration focused on strengthening elementary math education through research-based practices, innovation and educator preparation. Funding for the project will be distributed among the partner institutions.

“This collaborative investment reflects the Commission’s commitment to advancing excellence in educator preparation and improving student outcomes in mathematics across South Carolina,” CHE President and Executive Director L. Jeffrey Perez said in the award notification.

“PRIME represents what is possible when educators come together around a shared commitment,” said Dr. Rebecca Raab, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Elementary Education Program at Columbia College. “By uniting teacher educators, mathematics faculty, and district teachers and math coaches across multiple institutions and school districts, this Center of Excellence allows us to collectively strengthen preservice teacher preparation and expand the impact of high-quality math teaching across South Carolina.”

“Through the PRIME Center of Excellence, Newberry College is proud to partner with local school districts to strengthen elementary math instruction across our region,” said Dr. Jonathan Hall, Assistant Dean of the Division of Arts, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Newberry College. “By providing research-based training grounded in the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach, we’re helping both pre-service and in-service teachers build students’ understanding, confidence, and long-term success in mathematics.”

“This grant allows us to expand the reach of research‑based mathematics instruction and provide educators with the tools they need for long‑term success. Working alongside Columbia College and Newberry College enhances the strength of this initiative and ensures that PRIME will make a lasting difference for both teachers and the students they serve.” said Dr. Judy Beck, Professor, USC Aiken. I’m proud of the collaborative vision behind this project and excited for the meaningful impact it will have on classrooms throughout our state,” added Dr. Bridget Coleman, Professor of Math Education, USC Aiken.

PRIME brings together faculty expertise and institutional strengths from all three colleges to address persistent challenges in elementary math instruction and to support future educators with evidence-based tools and strategies.

Additional details about the Center of Excellence and project activities will be announced as implementation begins during the 2025–26 fiscal year.

About Columbia College
Columbia College is a private, liberal arts institution located in Columbia, South Carolina, committed to preparing students for lives of leadership, service and success.

About Newberry College
Founded in 1856, Newberry College is a private, liberal arts college in Newberry, South Carolina, offering undergraduate and graduate and online programs rooted in academic excellence and personalized learning.

About the University of South Carolina Aiken
The University of South Carolina Aiken is a public comprehensive university offering a strong liberal arts foundation with professional and applied learning opportunities.