SUMMER 2023


Strategic Planning Process to Shape Winthrop’s Future


Key stakeholders from across campus, includ- ing faculty, staff, students and beyond, engaged this spring with Winthrop’s partners at Berkeley Research Group (BRG) on the important work of strategic planning. When the process wraps up in the 2023-24 academic year, Winthrop will have a roadmap for the future, including goals and objec- tives that identify clear outcomes for the next three to five years. The multi-phase planning process includes approach, process and design (largely complete), community engagement (current focus), preliminary planning, and development of the final strategic plan.


Alumnus Gary Simrill ’91, assistant to the pres- ident for community engagement, is working closely with the Winthrop Board of Trustees, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and BRG on this vital initiative. BRG has completed dozens of interviews, presentations, and focus groups, in addition to receiving stakeholder responses through email, questionnaires and surveys.


President Edward Serna noted the progress made to date is encouraging. “It’s exciting to me that common themes are emerging through this work. We will continue to connect throughout the summer with off-campus stakeholders, and BRG will present initial findings through a robust schedule of fall events and activities that will fully engage the campus community,” he said.


COMPLETE THE SURVEY


College of Education Renamed


Beginning July 1, the Richard W. Riley College of Education will be known as the Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences. The Board of Trustees approved the name change at its April 28 meeting.


According to Dean Beth Costner, the renaming better reflects the diversi- ty of the college’s programs and


provides an opportu- nity to expand and/ or redesign existing


programs to meet disciplinary trends and com- munity needs. Additionally, the new name will make it more evident to current and prospec- tive students where programs such as exercise science, human development and family studies are located.


Read about additional recent board action. 22


Hughes Named VP for Advancement


Kevin Hughes joined the Division of University


Advancement as vice president on Jan. 17.


He formerly served as the associate vice pres- ident of advancement with the New College Foundation, The


Honors College of Florida, where he oversaw major gifts, the annual fund and alumni relations programs. He also previously served for 12 years in roles at both Denison University and Stetson University College of Law.


A first-generation college graduate, he is pas- sionate about providing educational oppor- tunities to students of all backgrounds and experiences. Hughes received his bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania.


CAMPUS NEWS


Richard Lee Named to Board of Trustees


Richard V. Lee Jr. ’82 has joined the Winthrop University Board of Trustees as the designee for S.C. Governor Henry McMaster.


Lee, for the past six years, has worked as a consultant specializing in developing operational innova-


tions. He served four years as the Fifth Congressional District representative to the S.C. Board of Health and Environmental Control. He vacated that seat to join the Winthrop board.


Lee also serves as chairman of the S.C. Governor’s Nuclear Advisory Council. He served eight years on the York County Council. At Winthrop, Lee earned a bache- lor’s degree in political science.


Five Faculty Members Honored with Awards


Five exceptional faculty members were recently recognized with prestigious awards:


Jane Thomas, professor of marketing, received the Distinguished Professor Award, the highest award the university bestows upon a faculty member.


O. Jennifer Dixon- McKnight, assistant professor of history, earned the Outstanding Junior Professor Award.


Joel Hamilton Appointed to Winthrop Board


Rock Hill attorney Joel T. Hamilton ’06 has joined the Winthrop University Board of Trustees as the


designee for South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver.


A former York County Council representative, Hamilton is co-founder of the Schiller and Hamilton law firm and manages the operations of the statewide firm’s office in Rock Hill.


Hamilton earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business/economics from Winthrop. After graduating from Winthrop, Hamilton attended Case Western Reserve School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor in 2009.


Tracy Griggs,


associate professor of management, accepted the Jane LaRoche Graduate Faculty Award.


Sara English ’14, assistant professor of social work, was selected as the 2023-24 Thompson Scholar.


Adriana Cordis, an accounting professor, was named the College of Business Administration’s William H. Grier Professor, an honor bestowed every four years.


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