The regular terms of office of the elected members in office on April 18, 1947, who are still in office shall end on the last day of June in the years stated in the table in Act 108 of the regular session of 1947 (Acts 1947, p. 144). The regular terms of office of the elected members who were not in office on that date and of all members hereafter elected shall be six years; provided, that the third member authorized to be elected by the Association of Citadel Men shall serve an initial term of four years. All elected terms shall begin on the first day of July and end on the last day of June; provided, however, that each incumbent shall be entitled to hold office until his successor is duly elected. In electing members of the board, the General Assembly shall elect members based on merit regardless of race or economic status and shall strive to assure that the membership of the board is representative of all citizens of the State of Carolina.

The term of office of the at-large trustee appointed by the Governor shall be effective upon certification to the Secretary of State and shall be six years.