Great Scott! CSU alumnus running for president

By Jan Joslin | May 22, 2023

Tim Scott Photo by Ty Cornett

United States Senator Tim Scott announced his bid for the presidency to a packed crowd at Charleston Southern University, May 22.

Scott, a 1988 Charleston Southern political science graduate, was introduced by Republican party officials, his nephew Ben Scott III, and 12-year-old Southerlyn Surratt, a friend from his church. She said, “He is thoughtful, generous, and smart. I want to be like him when I grow up.”

Scott told of overcoming a life of poverty in a single family home in North Charleston. He gave praise to his mother for her hard work and dedication. “When you think about someone who loves unconditionally, for me it’s my mom,” said Scott.

Buccaneer Field House

He said America is the land of opportunity, where it is possible for a kid raised in poverty to one day serve in the people’s house and maybe one day the White House.

Scott’s grandfather had to drop out of school in the third grade to pick cotton. “My grandfather’s stubborn faith was not just in America but faith in God and self. He lived long enough to see his grandson pick out a seat in Congress,” he said. “He told me, ‘Son, you can be bitter or you can be better, but you can’t be both.’”

Scott started his collegiate career at Presbyterian College on a football scholarship and then transferred to Charleston Southern University. He became a Christian while in college and credits Ephesians 3:20 which says, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,” with showing him Jesus should be the priority of his life, and football was just a game.

Scott said, “With God and a good family, the United States can do all things if we believe.”