South Carolina State University Foundation Selects Graystone Consulting from Morgan Stanley as New Investment Manager
Orangeburg, S.C. – November 28, 2025 – The South Carolina State University Foundation today announced that it has selected Graystone Consulting from Morgan Stanley to serve as its new investment manager following a comprehensive national search aligned with the Foundation’s investment governance requirements.
The Foundation’s Board is dedicated to a strong, forward-looking investment strategy that supports South Carolina State University’s long-term needs. Graystone distinguished itself during the competitive evaluation for its disciplined approach, institutional resources, and understanding of higher-education foundations.
Under the Foundation’s investment governance policies, all investment management relationships are subject to competitive review every three to five years. This year’s review cycle included a structured evaluation of firms’ investment performance, institutional consulting capabilities, fee structures, and social-responsibility alignment.
Graystone Consulting, a business of Morgan Stanley, is one of the industry’s largest institutional consulting practices, serving more than 195 education clients with over $13 billion in assets under management. Its consulting team provides customized investment guidance, rigorous manager research, and comprehensive fiduciary support all critical factors in the Foundation’s selection.
“Choosing the right investment partner is crucial to our mission. Graystone Consulting stood out for their advanced platform, commitment to impact investing, alignment with our values, and expertise in inclusive practices. We look forward to working with them to benefit our students, faculty, and the University’s financial health,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director, Lorne Steedly.
The Graystone team will be led by Chuck West, Senior Institutional Consultant and Managing Partner, who is also a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, an HBCU, underscoring Graystone’s longstanding engagement with and support for higher-education institutions and diverse communities.
The transition to Graystone Consulting will begin immediately, including alignment of the Foundation’s Investment Policy Statement, an asset-allocation review, and a smooth transfer of investment-management responsibilities.