In a ceremony at the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) on August 2, 2018, Governor Henry D. McMaster presented former CHE Commissioner, Dr. Louis Lynn, with the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor in the state of South Carolina. Dr. Lynn served for over six years as a dedicated member of the CHE, first from 2006 to 2009 and most recently from 2015 to 2018.
In his remarks, Governor McMaster – who noted he also previously served as a member of the Commission on Higher Education – stated that he chose to award Dr. Lynn the Order of the Palmetto for his contributions not only to education, but also to the South Carolina community as a whole.
CHE Chairman, Tim Hofferth, also praised Dr. Lynn for his work both on the Commission and in the community, stating:
“On behalf of the whole Commission, I want to congratulate Louis on receiving this prestigious award. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. He is a person who knows what he stands for, is true to his beliefs, and always tries to do the right thing. His selfless dedication to duty and service have had a profound impact on the work of the CHE and the people of South Carolina. Students and families for years to come will benefit from his efforts.”
Clemson University leaders commended their longtime Board of Trustee member for his achievements.
“Dr. Lynn is an incredible leader who has contributed so much, not only to Clemson University but to the entire state of South Carolina,” said Clemson President James P. Clements. “He is a successful entrepreneur who gives back to his community in so many ways and is simply a wonderful person. I am thrilled that he has received this recognition from Governor McMaster.”
Dr. Lynn was joined by his family, close friends, several fellow members of the Clemson Board of Visitors, and BB&T South Carolina Regional President, Mike Brenan. At the end of the ceremony, Bishop Ted Myers shared a prayer on behalf of his longtime friend and congregant. Dr. Lynn concluded by saying:
“In the business community, you need to pay your civic rent. Board service has allowed me to contribute to the greater good of my community. It’s been a labor of love.”
About Dr. Lynn:
Dr. Louis B. Lynn, a native of Lamar, S.C. in Darlington County, is Chairman of ENVIRO AgScience, Inc., a 30-year-old family-owned construction and landscape firm with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. Dr. Lynn received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Clemson University and his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. He currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Horticulture at Clemson University and has served on the Clemson Board of Trustees since 1988. Dr. Lynn has served on numerous local, statewide, and national boards. Currently, he serves on the Corporate Board of BB&T Bank in Winston-Salem, N.C. and the Board of Trustees of the National Urban League in New York. Previously, he served on the Executive Committee of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the board of the American Horticultural Society in Washington, D.C., the board of the National Association of Minority Contractors in Washington, D.C., and was President of the South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors. In 2012, Dr. Lynn was recognized by the US Department of Commerce as the National Small Businessman of the Year. He has also received numerous other awards and recognition for the work of his company for his dedication to civic service.
About the Order of the Palmetto:
The Order of the Palmetto is the state’s highest civilian honor awarded to citizens of South Carolina for extraordinary lifetime service and achievements of national or statewide significance. The Order of the Palmetto is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
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