COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The future of South Carolina State University was the topic of discussion Thursday.

Orangeburg Senator John Matthews and Orangeburg Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter appeared on "This Week in the State House" with Lt. Governor Glenn McConnell. Both agree that the university is vital to the region.

"They've got the only nuclear engineering graduate program and undergraduate degree." said Matthews. "They've produced over 2,000 military officers; the largest producer of minority officers in this country except West Point."

In March, former school President George Cooper resigned amid concerns over financial mismanagement and possible criminal and ethics allegations. Cooper fired eight high level employees in February  for not following university rules; but offered no further details. Since then, six Board of Trustee members have also resigned.

Cobb-Hunter said lawmakers have drawn up several bills to implement change at the school.

After two votes, the SC State National Alumni Association has agreed to support total abolishment of the board. They have agreed to support a hybrid concept which involves an interim board.

Last month, Cobb-Hunter along with other lawmakers listened to concerns from university students and staff. Many said the board never opened the door for student body representation.

"The amended bill gives students a vote on the Board of Trustees." said Cobb-Hunter. "You have a board that meets for five minutes and goes into executive session for four or five hours, then come back. How is that a democracy?"

Both Matthews and Cobb-Hunter believe there is enough time in this year's session to get a bill passed to restructure the South Carolina State Board of Trustees. But the election process would have to wait until next year.

An S.C. State spokesperson said the school's Board of Trustees will hold a meeting next week for an update on the search for an interim president. The board plans to interview those candidates during a retreat in June.