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Dr. Larry Rowland Honored with South Carolina’s Highest Civilian Award and USCB’s First Endowed Professorship

Dr. Larry Rowland Holds His Awards — Dr. Larry Rowland holds plaques announcing his Order of the Palmetto award and USCB's new endowed Lawrence S. Rowland, Ph.D. Professorship.

BEAUFORT, S.C. — In celebration of his outstanding scholarly achievement and dedication to South Carolina’s rich history, Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB), received two prestigious honors during a ceremony on January 10, 2025, at Dataw Island Club.

Dr. Rowland was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, and became the namesake of USCB’s first endowed professorship: the Lawrence S. Rowland, Ph.D. Professorship.

The Order of the Palmetto, established in 1971, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of extraordinary service and contributions to South Carolina. Dr. Rowland’s unparalleled dedication to preserving and promoting the state’s history has profoundly shaped the understanding of South Carolina’s cultural and historical legacy. His work has focused on Beaufort County. Dr. Jane T. Upshaw, USCB's Distinguished Chancellor Emerita, presented the Order of the Palmetto to Rowland on behalf of Gov. Henry McMaster.

USCB also recognized Dr. Rowland’s decades-long impact on historical scholarship and education by establishing the Lawrence S. Rowland, Ph.D. Professorship. This endowed position ensures that his legacy of academic excellence will continue to inspire future generations of scholars and students.

"For decades, Dr. Rowland's work has inspired countless students, researchers, and residents to view our past not just as a collection of dates and events, but as a living, breathing narrative that shapes who we are today," said USCB Chancellor Al M. Panu. "The new Lawrence S. Rowland, Ph.D. Professorship represents USCB's admiration for him and our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and community engagement."

Rowland and Panu — USCB Chancellor Al M. Panu presented a plaque to Dr. Rowland announcing the university's new Lawrence S. Rowland, Ph.D. Professorships

Rowland’s career is marked by an impressive body of work, including:

• Dr. Rowland is co-author of The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Volume 1, 1514 -1861, with Alexander Moore and George C. Rogers, Jr.

• Dr. Rowland and Dr. Stephen R. Wise are co-authors of Rebellion, Reconstruction and Redemption, The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Volume 2, 1861-1893 and Bridging the Sea Islands’ Past and Present, 1893-2006: The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Volume 3

“All of American history began in what is now Beaufort County,” Rowland said at the ceremony where he received both awards, underscoring the region’s pivotal role in shaping the nation.

Rowland earned a Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton College in New York, followed by a Master’s and Doctorate from the University of South Carolina. At USCB, he served as Professor of History and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. He is a member of the Beaufort Jasper Higher Education Commission (BJHEC) and the Beaufort College Trustees, and a past president of the South Carolina Historical Society.

The newly established endowed USCB professorship named for him will provide resources for faculty research, new instructional programs, and student projects. Endowed positions attract and retain top-tier faculty, enhance academic excellence, and support groundbreaking research.

Fundraising is ongoing for the Lawrence S. Rowland, Ph.D. Professorship.

"It is no exaggeration to say that one cannot walk down Bay Street in Beaufort without running into one or more of Dr. Rowland’s former students, whose memory of him as a teacher is undimmed, and whose affection for him as a mentor and friend is immediately evident," said John McCardell, co-chair of the fundraising committee.

To contribute to the Lawrence S. Rowland, Ph.D. Professorship, contact Mary Lurry, USCB’s Director of Development, at mlurry@uscb.edu.

Rowland and Upshaw — Dr. Jane T. Upshaw, USCB's Distinguished Chancellor Emerita, presented the Order of the Palmetto to Dr. Larry Rowland on behalf of Gov. Henry McMaster.

- USCB -

CW • 1/23/2025