New JEDA Bonds Lower Interest Load for Southern Wesleyan

Retains 310 Existing Jobs

CENTRAL, SC – Southern Wesleyan University is using a $9,279,000 revenue bond issued through the S.C. Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) to reduce its debt and further its educational mission.

The Series 2013 Educational Facilities Revenue Bond will be used to refund 1999 and 2004 bonds used to finance and re-finance construction of housing facilities, campus library, heating system, auditorium and gymnasium construction and improvements, as well as the renovation of the fine arts facilities at the Pickens County-based institution.

Southern Wesleyan University was founded in 1906 and now serves approximately 600 students at its Central campus and approximately 1,500 additional students at its regional learning centers in Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, North Augusta, Greenwood and Spartanburg. The University currently has 310 employees.

“Our ability to leverage favorable terms and lower interest rates through tax-exempt JEDA bonds has helped us to continue to meet and indeed expand our mission as a statewide provider of leadership and graduate studies in fields including business, education, religion, music, pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-law and a variety of civic and social service professions,” said Marty Atcheson, the school’s Senior Vice President for Finance.

“Southern Wesleyan has been a keystone of South Carolina’s educational community for more than a century. Helping this venerable institution better secure its financial footing is a privilege,” said Bond Counsel Kathy McKinney of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. in Greenville.

“Financing and refinancing institutions of higher learning is one of many ways that JEDA helps the people of the Palmetto State prepare for their own futures as well as our collective prosperity and well-being. We’re pleased to work with Southern Wesleyan yet again,” said Harry A. Huntley, CPA, Executive Director of JEDA in Columbia.

About JEDA

For more than 30 years, JEDA has promoted the business and economic welfare of South Carolina by assisting in the financing of public and private projects throughout the Palmetto State. JEDA serves as a statewide conduit issuer of special obligation revenue bonds and acts on behalf of the borrower to access financial markets and capital. Since its creation in 1983, JEDA has facilitated the issuance of 446 bonds for over $8.1 billion and resulting in the creation and retention of more than 213,000 jobs.

For more information regarding JEDA, please visit our website at www.scjeda.com or contact 
Harry A. Huntley, CPA, Executive Director, at (803) 737-0268 or [email protected].