The citizens of Allendale, Bamberg, and Hampton counties led an effort in 1964 to establish a center of higher education for their region of South Carolina. The proposal was warmly received by the General Assembly, and the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission was created to investigate the possibility of a college for the region. House Speaker Solomon Blatt pleaded with the University of South Carolina to build two year colleges across the state so as to prevent any possible expansion by Clemson. As a result, USC planned a campus for the area, and it was decided that the campus be placed in Allendale because it was the hometown of Lieutenant Governor Robert Evander McNair. Barnwell County joined the commission in 1967 and Colleton County followed in 1984 thereby the campus was named after the Salkehatchie River because it runs through all five counties of the commission. The first classes were held in 1965 at an unused elementary school building in Allendale with an initial enrollment of 76 students. The campus gradually expanded its programs and it began offering extension courses in 1978 at Walterboro. A permanent campus was established at Walterboro in 1982 through the acquisition of the old Walterboro High School building and gymnasium.

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, a regional campus of the University of South Carolina, has as its mission to provide higher education and intellectual leadership for its service area. At the heart of this mission is a teaching faculty of high quality dedicated to excellence in instruction, scholarship, public and professional service and creative endeavor which enrich the classroom experience. USC Salkehatchie offers a varied curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and focused on preparing students to continue their education in the University and throughout life. The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie recruits students prepared to succeed in completing a baccalaureate-level education. While the institution does not offer remedial instruction, it is nonetheless able to admit most students who apply due to the close working relationship between students and faculty. Enrollment varies with community need, but is expected to remain at approximately 950 students.

Urban, 220 Acres (89�Ha)