New academic hub will expand early childhood education, dual enrollment and higher education opportunities in Fort Mill
FORT MILL, S.C. — September 3, 2026 — State Representative David Martin announced that he secured $1 million in state funding for the Town of Fort Mill Academic Hub, helping move forward the partnership to bring Winthrop University directly into the Fort Mill community.
The funding was included in recently approved supplemental appropriations and will support development of the Winthrop University Fort Mill Campus at 123 North White Street in downtown Fort Mill.
“This is exactly the kind of investment I came to Columbia to fight for,” Martin said. “Fort Mill is one of the fastest-growing communities in our state, and we need to make sure opportunity grows with it. Bringing Winthrop University directly into our community will create new opportunities for our children, students, working professionals and families.”
The partnership between the Town of Fort Mill and Winthrop University will create a multigenerational academic hub serving residents from early childhood through adulthood.
Plans include an early childhood development and laboratory program, expanded dual enrollment opportunities for Fort Mill School District students, undergraduate and advanced educational programs, professional certifications and continuing education. The partnership also creates opportunities for programs focused on growing fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering and technology.
Construction and development are expected to move forward in 2027, with the academic hub targeted to begin serving the community as early as fall 2027.
Martin credited Mayor Guynn Savage, the Town of Fort Mill, Winthrop University, the Fort Mill School District and other local leaders for their partnership and work in helping turn the vision for the Fort Mill Academic Hub into a reality.
Mayor Savage and Representative Martin Announce Winthrop University Is Coming to Fort Mill
York County Delegation Secures Additional Community Investments
The Fort Mill Academic Hub is part of a broader package of investments secured for York County through the supplemental appropriations legislation. Working together, members of York County’s legislative delegation helped bring millions of dollars back to local communities for education, public safety and infrastructure, including:
* $1 million for the Fort Mill Academic Hub and Winthrop University Fort Mill Campus
* $4 million for renovations to the Moss Justice Detention Center
* $1 million for the new Clover Police Department headquarters
* $3 million for a new fire ladder truck for the City of York
These investments represent continued cooperation among York County’s local and state leaders to address growth, strengthen public safety and invest in projects that will serve residents for years to come.
The Town of Fort Mill and Winthrop University formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2026 establishing the Winthrop University Fort Mill Campus at 123 North White Street.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
