College of Charleston renames Summer Enrichment Academy to honor dedicated alumnus and public servant
March 17, 2026
The College of Charleston announced that the Summer Enrichment Academy is now named in honor of Eric G. Budds, a distinguished alumnus and lifelong public servant whose career exemplifies leadership and dedication to local government. Naming the Academy recognizes Budds’ extensive contributions to public administration in South Carolina and his commitment to developing future public service leaders.
The Eric G. Budds Summer Enrichment Academy is a four-day intensive program designed to empower rising junior and senior undergraduates who aspire to careers in public service and public-sector leadership.
The Summer Enrichment Academy provides participants with comprehensive guidance on pursuing graduate education aligned with public service careers. A key component of the Academy includes site visits and networking opportunities with local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. These experiences expose students to real-world public service environments while fostering valuable professional connections and insights into public-sector career pathways.
The 2026 application period is open and the entry deadline is April 3, 2026. Applications can be submitted online.
The Eric G. Budds Summer Enrichment Academy is part of the College of Charleston’s Master of Public Administration program, which is dedicated to preparing effective, ethical and innovative public service leaders.
Through the Eric G. Budds Summer Enrichment Academy, the College of Charleston reinforces its commitment to public service education while honoring a leader whose career continues to shape and inspire the field.
About Eric G. Budds
Eric G. Budds earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from the College of Charleston and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston.
He served for 21 years as chief administrative officer in the South Carolina cities of Ridgeland, Walterboro and Newberry, where he provided strategic leadership in municipal operations, public policy implementation and community development.
During his tenure as a city manager, Budds served on the Municipal Association’s Board of Directors and on the Boards of Trustees for the South Carolina Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund and the South Carolina Local Government Assurance Group. In addition, he served as president of the South Carolina City/County Management Association in 2004.
He also holds the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association, reflecting his commitment to excellence and ethical leadership in public administration.
Budds joined the Municipal Association of South Carolina in 2010, following more than two decades of leadership in local government. During his time at the Association, Budds served as a deputy executive director and interim executive director. After more than 40 years in public service, Budds retired from the Association in January 2026.
Photo credit: Jeff Amberg
Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized, public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. Its beautiful and historic campus, combined with contemporary facilities, cutting-edge programs and accessible faculty, attracts students from across the U.S. and around the world.
