CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – A major gift is coming to the College of Charleston and leaders say this will allow its School of Business to expand into one of Charleston’s iconic locations.
The College of Charleston announced Saturday that it will be receiving a major gift from Beemok, the family office of Benjamin and Kelly Navarro, which officials say will allow the expansion of its School of Business in what they call “one of Charleston’s most iconic locations.”
In a post on Beemok’s website, Benjamin Navarro says Beemok purchased the abandoned Carroll building at the intersection of Market Street and East Bay Street. He says the company is now giving that land to the College of Charleston.
“We are inspired by the Navarro family’s act of generosity and stewardship,” says College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu. “This new site will allow us to build a best-in-class business school where students enjoy direct access to Charleston’s dynamic business environment.”
The College says the land will allow for the construction of a new world-class business school near the entrance of Union Pier, with the School of Business planned to be a centerpiece of its future. The site will include state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative spaces and unprecedented access to local and global business leaders.
“This is a game-changer for the School of Business,” says Paul Schwager, dean of the School of Business. “Strategically placing our School in the center of what will be one of Charleston’s most visible corridors will reinforce the College’s position as an integral part of the city and offer students more unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning, internships and community engagement.”
The College of Charleston says it has already seen a 39% increase in enrollment in recent years, growing to 2,557 students in 2024.
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