South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses

Working Together to End Interpersonal Violence on College Campuses

In 2022, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and the General Assembly authorized the creation of the South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses (the Institute).

Chartered at Lander University and housed at Lander’s campus at the University Center of Greenville, the Institute’s primary purpose is to reduce the prevalence of interpersonal violence on college campuses in South Carolina through a collaborative, unified approach.

The Institute was the vision of Lander University President Richard Cosentino. He recognized that South Carolina colleges and universities could be catalysts for transformative change on this important national issue, driving a solution through research, advocacy and education. President Cosentino worked with the General Assembly to secure funding for the Institute, and with the vigorous support of the Governor and Legislature, this innovative concept became a reality.

The Institute’s membership comprises representatives from each of the state’s public and private higher education institutions. With regular meetings and workshops throughout the year, the Institute is focused on capturing best practices in prevention and intervention, as well as survivor care and support services.

In addition to deploying these standards across higher education institutions statewide, the Institute facilitates research and grant opportunities and develops training materials available to all participating colleges and universities.

Meet the Director

Dr. Matthew Hammett serves as the executive director and began his role in January 2024. His career in higher education spans over 19 years and covers a variety of functional areas, including student engagement, leadership development, risk assessment, and sexual assault prevention. Dr. Hammett is an expert in Title IX, notably in the fields of harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct.

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