Marie LePrince Farmer Annual Scholarship

Renee Black is a pro-active, results oriented Biotechnology Professional with expertise in government payer plans, healthcare policy, reimbursement, product distribution and contract negotiation. She has strong clinical knowledge coupled with the ability to build and leverage customer relationships, influence key decision makers, and communicate value proposition of products and coverage. She is a trusted advisor that leads accountably, builds trust, understands her clients, and defines the essential value of the business proposition.

Renee’s work experience includes the following: Nurse Practitioner, Nurse educator, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sales, marketing, lobbyist, government affairs, as well as initiating and implementing health care policy in both public and commercial business sectors. Since retirement, Renee served in the following positions: Chair of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing Board and member of the Sea Island Hunger Awareness Foundation. She currently serves on the Roper St. Francis Foundation Board, Charleston Library Society Even Committee, and College of Charleston School of Education, Health, and Human Performance Development Council.

Renee is establishing the Marie LePrince Farmer Annual Scholarship in memory of her paternal grandmother, Marie LePrince Farmer. Marie was born in Charleston, SC in May 1890. She was the eldest of five daughters. She and her sisters attended Charleston Normal School attaining college degrees. She was employed by the mayor’s office for two years before she met and married Charles E. Farmer, also from Charleston. Charles Farmer graduated from Clemson University with a Civil Engineering degree. Charles and Marie had three sons, each attending Clemson University as engineering students. Renee’s father, Charles E. Farmer II, graduated summa cum laude from Clemson with two engineering degrees: one in Mechanical Engineering and the second in Electrical Engineering in four years.

Renee loved and admired her grandmother, known as Mimi Farmer. Mimi Farmer was very intelligent, curious, strong, and charming. She loved to read and would complete the New York Times crossword puzzle daily. Her mantra was: enjoy your life, look for fine qualities in everyone, be kind, be diligent, work hard and play often.