Academics, Campus wide, Christian Studies, College of Christian Studies

Mayo family donates Dr. S.M. Mayo’s books to CSU

By Jan Joslin | April 1, 2024

Dr. S.M. Mayo in 1994.

The family of Dr. S.M. Mayo, former chair of the BCC/CSU religion department, has donated his personal library to Charleston Southern.

Mayo was a professor from 1976 until his death in 1997. Something of a Renaissance man, Mayo set out to become an aeronautical engineer until God changed his pathway. He was a graduate of Southern Illinois University, completing his degree in 10 years because he worked to pay for his education. He went on to study at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas.

A man of broad interests, Dr. Mayo rode a Moped from his home in Summerville to campus in an effort to be economical.

Eric Kistler, director of the Rivers Library, said, “Dr. Mayo’s book collection contains a rich variety of very highly regarded theological treatises. The Charleston Southern research community will benefit greatly from this most generous donation.”

“Dr. Mayo was a kind, gentle professor who cared for his students,” said Dr. Michael Bryant, vice president for strategic planning, faith integration, and Christian leadership. “He invested deeply in their education and worked hard to help them learn.”

Mayo was an early adopter of computer technology and taught a computer class on campus, using the Apple IIe.

His son Stacy “S.M.” Mayo ’90 of Lexington, and his wife, Stephanie, made the donation to the university. Dr. Mayo’s daughter, Kisa Mayo ’91, and his wife, Parmelee, are both deceased.