The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina is pleased to welcome former SC Governor, David Beasley, as the featured speaker for the 2024 Townsend Lecture Series hosted on September 19th in the Karen J. Williams Courtroom at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law.

The conversation will be hosted by Dr. Mark Smith, a Carolina Distinguished Professor of History and the Director of the Institute of Southern Studies, from 6 -7:30 p.m.

In this conversation, former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley will join Institute for Southern Studies Director Mark Smith to discuss what it means to lead a state in the U.S. South. The interview will explore Beasley’s upbringing in South Carolina, his education, and accomplishments, and provide a glimpse into Beasley’s life, ranging from his time as a state representative and governor to his life and endeavors after leaving office.
Registration

This event is free and open to the public. However, registration is suggested to reserve your seat, since we expect a high volume for this evening’s conversation. The event will be video recorded. By registering, you agree to being filmed.

Location
The lecture will be in the Karen J. Williams Courtroom in the Joseph F. Rice School of Law, 1525 Senate Street, Columbia, SC.

Check-In
Check-in will open at 5:30 p.m. and we ask all guests to be seated no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m.

Parking
Metered parking spots are available in the Pendleton Street Garage (levels 1a, 1b, 2a). Garages/parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meters are free after 6 p.m.

Sponsorship
This event is made possible by Dr. J. Ives Townsend and produced annually in memory of his parents, Joel Ives Townsend and Emma Chiles Cothran Townsend, and grandparents, Robert Wallace Townsend and Amelia Dalton Carter Townsend.

It is organized and presented by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Biological Sciences, and the Institute for Southern Studies.

About David Beasley

As Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), David Beasley has dedicated his career to bridging political, religious, and ethnic divides to promote economic development and education. Leveraging four decades of leadership and communication skills, Beasley has significantly increased financial support and public awareness for the global fight against hunger. Under his leadership, WFP was awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize and reached a historic high of assisting over 128 million people in 2021, responding to rising hunger exacerbated by conflict, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beasley emphasizes WFP’s role in fostering long-term development to promote peace and stability in troubled regions, extending the agency’s focus beyond emergency food assistance. Before joining WFP in 2017, he worked with leaders and program managers in over 100 countries, participating in numerous conferences and missions aimed at peace and economic progress. His efforts have built strong relationships with global leaders and significantly impacted regions such as Kosovo, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Previously, as Governor of South Carolina from 1995 to 1999, Beasley spearheaded economic transformation, achieving low unemployment rates and increased private sector investment. He also earned the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for advocating the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the state capitol dome. An alumnus of Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, he holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree and has taught at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Married to Mary Wood Payne, he is the father of four children.

All attendees are expected to adhere to the Carolinian Creed and the Gamecocks Code of Conduct.

Carolinian Creed

As a Carolinian …I will practice personal and academic integrity; I will respect the dignity of all persons; I will respect the rights and property of others; I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas, and opinions; I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need for the conditions which support their work and development.

Gamecocks Code of Conduct

– Conduct themselves in a manner that represents their University with honor, dignity, and respect

– Not use vulgar, abusive, racist, sexist, demeaning, or intimidating language at any time

– Treat the panelists, event staff, and other patrons with courtesy and respect at all times

– Demonstrate the qualities of civility at all times

– Not engage in language that is vulgar, crass, or demeaning

– Refrain from becoming belligerent or engaging in disruptive behavior

– Be a positive role model for those around them by treating others with courtesy and respect

Noncompliance with the code may result in ejection from the event.