Hodges receives honorary Doctorate of Humanities Degree from Francis Marion University
December 15, 2007

Jim Hovis Hodges, you have dedicated your professional life to serving your fellow citizens. As a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, you sought to make state government more responsive to citizens' needs. You were instrumental in the creation of full-day kindergarten; you helped initiate landmark governmental restructuring; and, as chair of the House Judiciary Committee, you oversaw significant judicial reform.

As governor of South Carolina, you sought to control spending and promote economic growth while challenging state agencies to work more efficiently. Equally important, you established the programs that today provide college scholarships to more than one hundred thousand students; you created First Steps, a pre-school readiness program that benefits tens of thousands of children; and you provided more than one billion dollars in school construction bonds.

Your achievements have been recognized by the University of South Carolina, Winthrop University, South Carolina State University and the Citadel.

James Hovis Hodges, your dedication to the people of South Carolina is laudable. We are all the beneficiaries of your remarkable career of service. Francis Marion University is honored to celebrate your many achievements.

Therefore, let it be known that on this fifteenth day of December, 2007, the Board of Trustees for Francis Marion University awards you the honorary degree, Doctor of Humanities.