SCWHE 2025 PROGRAM

2025 SCWHE Annual Conference

Advancing Women in Leadership And Making Strides in South Carolina

February 27-28, 2025 Cooperative Conference Center Columbia, SC

Dear 2025 Annual Conference Attendees, I believe gratitude is the best way to start any message because I deeply value people and the time they invest. With that, I say "thank you" for joining us for the 2025 South Carolina Women in Higher Education (SCWHE). Your support of SCWHE is invaluable and we are honored to serve this incredible community.

The Annual Conference is a dynamic endeavor that allows us to collaboratively learn together and celebrate with our scholarship recipients and Women's Leadership Academy graduates.

A special round of thanks goes to those who made this event possible: To our attendees: Your support through conference registration and silent auction participation directly contributes to SCWHE’s ability to provide invaluable resources to graduate students and new professionals in education.

To our speakers and presenters: Dr. Elizabeth Davis, Ms. Kandy Peacock, Dr. Susan Elkins, Dr. Anita Olson Gustafson, Dr. Hope Rivers, and Dr. Shelley Haddock Dempsey, thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights.

To Mauricio Richardson of Pressmark LLC: We appreciate your professional photography services, capturing the moments that make this event special.

I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to the SCWHE Annual Conference Committee and Executive Board members: LaNaé, Paige, Doretha, Jackie, Melissia, Devetta, Leila, Kandy, Susan, Evelyn, and Leah. Your dedication, time, and talents continuously uplift and empower the women of South Carolina. It is truly an honor to serve alongside you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tondaleya G. Jackson President and State Chair South Carolina Women in Higher Education Advancing Women in Leadership and Making Strides in South Carolina

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Thursday, February 27, 2025 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Pre-Conference Registration, Professional Headshots, & Silent Auction

12:00 p.m.

Conference Opening & Welcome Dr. Tondaleya G. Jackson, Chief Operating Officer Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation, Voorhees University President & State Chair, SCWHE

12:05-1:30 p.m.

Awards & Recognition Luncheon Scholarship Recipient Recognition Presidential Pinning Acknowledgment Women’s Leadership Academy Graduation Institutional Representative Recognition SCWHE Board Recognition

1:30-1:45 p.m.

Break Time Visit the Silent Auction Gallery & Professional Headshot Station

1:45-2:45 p.m.

Opening Keynote Dr. Kimberly Lee, Director of Community Strategy and Engagement American Council on Education (ACE)

2:45-3:30 p.m.

Networking & Dessert Bar

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Ballroom

Navigating Leadership in Academia: Women in Higher Ed as Agents for Change Dr. Elizabeth Davis, President Furman University This session delves into the unique challenges women face when pursuing leadership roles in academia. Participants will explore practical strategies for leadership development, navigating institutional dynamics, and breaking down systemic barriers. Attendees will gain tools to advocate effectively and leverage their influence to drive positive change within their institutions.

Classroom

Job Search Strategies for Salary Negotiation Ms. Kandy Peacock, Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer South Carolina Technical College System Embarking on a job search can be a daunting task, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. One of the most critical aspects of this process is the ability to effectively negotiate your salary. This session aims to provide you with valuable insights and actionable steps to navigate your job search successfully and negotiate a salary that sets the foundation for your future earnings and career growth.

4:30-5:00 p.m.

Conference Closing Visit the Silent Auction Gallery & Professional Headshot Station

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Friday, February 28, 2025

8:00-9:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast & Silent Auction

9:00-10:00 a.m.

Leadership Panel Dr. Susan Elkins, Chancellor University of South Carolina Palmetto College Anita Olson Gustafson, Ph.D., President Presbyterian College Dr. Hope Rivers, President Piedmont Technial College

10:00-10:15 a.m.

Break Time

10:15-11:00 a.m.

Women’s Leadership Academy Group Project Showcase

11:00-11:30 a.m.

Conference Closing Silent Auction Winners Evaluation Closing Remarks

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Lunch and Departure

CONFERENCE EVALUATION We kindly ask you to take a few minutes to complete our conference evaluation survey. Your responses will help us understand your experience and ensure that future SCWHE events and programs meet your needs and expectations.

https://tinyurl.com/SCWHE2025

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Conference Speakers Dr. Kim Lee American Council on Education Kim Lee serves as the director of community strategy and engagement with the American Council on Education (ACE). Within her ACE portfolio, she has responsibility for the Women’s Network. She is an advocate for social justice and equity. Prior to her role with ACE, she held executive leadership roles within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the Alabama Community College System. She is also a past president of the Georgia Association for Women in Higher Education (GAWHE).

During her time with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG – formerly the Department of Technical and Adult Education – DTAE) at both Albany Technical College and Southern Crescent Technical College she led accreditation, strategic planning, capital outlay and special projects efforts, respectively.

Prior to serving on the for-credit side of higher education, Kim served as vice chancellor for adult education with the Alabama Community College System and as director of assessment, evaluation and GED® Testing with TCSG. Under her leadership, program evaluation processes were modified to include a comprehensive review of data analytics to inform practice for both academic affairs and student affairs. Dr. Lee is also credited with improving performance with professional development particularly in the areas of data analytics for technical colleges and the attainment and promotion of women represented in higher education executive leadership positions.

Kim received her PhD in adult education from the University of Georgia. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science degrees in International Relations and Learning Disabilities, respectively from Florida State University. She is also an alum of the Aspen Fellowship Program and a graduate of both the Institute for Education Management with Harvard University, and the Executive Leadership Institute with the League of Innovation for Community Colleges.

Dr. Elizabeth Davis Furman University Dr. Elizabeth Davis became Furman’s 12th President on July 1, 2014. Before coming to Furman, she spent 22 years at Baylor University in Texas, where she was a member of the accounting faculty and most recently held the position of Executive Vice President and Provost. Under her leadership at Furman, the University has instituted The Furman Advantage. In September 2019, Dr. Davis was the recipient of the William M. Burke Presidential Award for Excellence in Experiential Education in recognition of her significant contributions to experiential education, including creating The Furman Advantage.

She has been recognized as one of Greenville Business Magazine’s “50 Most Influential People,” and is now included in the “Most Influential Hall of Fame.”

Dr. Davis is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way and has served on the board of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on the board of the Council of Independent Colleges, the Association of Governing Boards Council of Presidents, and on the American Council on Education’s Women’s Network Executive Committee Dr. Davis received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor in 1984, and earned her Ph.D. from Duke University in 1992.

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Conference Speakers

Ms. Kandy Peacock South Carolina Technical College System

Kandy Peacock serves as Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer for the South Carolina Technical College System. In this pivotal role she is responsible for the overall direction of human resource management programs and initiatives through the development, implementation, and coordination of policies and procedures for the State Board and sixteen colleges. Additionally, she is responsible for providing support, guidance, advice and counsel to the State Board, the System President, State Board Vice Presidents, Division Directors, Presidents’ Council, Area Commissioners, and Technical College Peer Groups on matters relevant to sound human resource practices to include adherence to applicable agency, federal, and state guidelines. She received a bachelor’s degree in business/ retail management from the University of South Carolina and dual master’s degrees in human resource development and management from Webster University.

She is an active member in several organizations including the South Carolina Women in Higher Education (board member) the National Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Association, the South Carolina College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, and the South Carolina Technical Education Association.

Anita Olson Gustafson, Ph.D. President of Presbyterian College Olson Gustafson, Ph.D. was installed as the 20th president of Presbyterian College on April 26, 2024. She returned to PC after seven years as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a professor of history at Mercer University, a private research university in Macon, Ga. Before joining Mercer in 2016, Gustafson served on the PC faculty and administration for nearly two decades. She is PC’s first female president. While at Mercer University, Gustafson managed the university’s largest academic undergraduate college with nearly 2000 students. She collaborated consistently with the provost and deans from 11 other university programs, including the Schools of Law, Business, Engineering, Education, Theology, Professional Advancement, Music, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions. In 2018, she worked with faculty to develop and implement a strategic plan for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

During her 19 years at PC, Gustafson worked to deliver a high-quality liberal arts program as a member of the faculty and as an administrator. She served on the president’s cabinet for more than two years while the presidential position was in transition due to a retirement. She also served as interim provost, interim dean of academic programs and history department chair. Gustafson held a number of faculty leadership roles at PC, including chair of the Senior Faculty Council and chair of the PC Launch Program for Vocation, Leadership and Service.

Gustafson earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in history from Northwestern University in Evanston, Il. She holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in economics and Swedish and a minor in history from North Park University in Chicago.

During her first year and a half at PC, Dr. Gustafson has introduced several new initiatives, including EPIC Service—a program that brings Presbyterian College’s long-lived out motto, While We Live, We Serve, into the academic program to embed service learning in the curriculum; the Center for Inquiry, Research and Scholarship, established to provide a central point for collaboration on the various research opportunities our faculty and students participate in; and Civil Conversations that provides structures for students to have conversations where they can dive deeply into the complex issues surrounding events that shape our world.

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Conference Speakers Dr. Susan Elkins Chancellor of the University of South Carolina Palmetto College Dr. Elkins has led Palmetto College's administrative operations since 2013, overseeing its regional campuses and online bachelor’s programs. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tennessee Technological University (TTU), and earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Vanderbilt University. Under her guidance, Palmetto College saw a 21% enrollment increase since 2013. Dr. Elkins previously served as Vice President of Extended Programs and Regional Development at TTU, focusing on expanding off-campus programs through strategic partnerships. A tenured Professor of Education, she emphasizes student access and success, with her research and presentations centered on leadership and continuing higher education. Dr. Elkins is the Immediate Past President of ACHE International, a former ACHE South President, and has received Leadership Awards from both organizations.

In addition, she is the immediate past president of the Society of Advancement of Management.

Dr. Elkins is dedicated to fostering educational opportunities and excellence, both regionally and nationally, while also cherishing her family life with her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

Dr. Hope Rivers President of Piedmont Technical College Dr. Hope E. Rivers, President of Piedmont Technical College (PTC), has been instrumental in advancing the college's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education and training. Under her leadership, PTC, which serves the largest area in South Carolina’s technical college system, has seen a 6% increase in enrollment and secured funding for ten renovation and capital improvement projects. These include a new health science facility in Greenwood and advanced manufacturing centers in Saluda and Edgefield counties. Dr. Rivers has spearheaded initiatives like establishing The Hope Pantry food bank, reviving the Honors Program, expanding work-based learning opportunities, redesigning math and English curricula, and implementing new technology systems to enhance student services and communications, setting a new standard for excellence.

Her outstanding contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the USC Distinguished Black Alumni Award and the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners 2024 Chief Executive Officer Award. In 2024, Dr. Rivers was elected as the SC Technical College System Presidents’ Council Chair. Most recently, Dr. Rivers was one of 25 leaders selected nationwide to participate in the second cohort of the Aspen Presidents Fellowship. She has also been honored with a commemorative brick on the historic University of South Carolina Horseshoe.

As a first-generation college student from a small rural town, Dr. Rivers serves as an inspiring role model, tirelessly working to enhance student success and drive economic mobility in South Carolina through technical education.

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Executive Board SCWHE is a 501(c)(6) organization and a partner of The American Council on Education’s (ACE) Women’s Network, which provides the national direction for women’s leadership development and career advancement. We offer exceptionally valuable professional development opportunities to promising women employed in our higher education institutions. For over 18 years, our network has used a model created by ACE to provide opportunities for professional development and networking. Our conference is open to all women working in higher education in the state of South Carolina.

President/State Chair

Vice President

Dr. LaNae’ Budden Dr. Tondaleya Jackson University of South Carolina Voorhees University

Secretary

Treasurer & Parliamentarian

Dr. Paige Ouzts Lander University

Ms. Doretha Glymph Midlands Technical College

Dr. Jacquelyn Blakley Tri-County Technical College

Dr. Melissa Brannen Columbia College

Ms. DeVetta Hughes Trident Technical College

Ms. Leila McKinney Spartanburg Community College

Ms. Kandy Peacock SC Technical College System

Ms. Susan Wright Pope The Citadel

Ms. Leah Schonfeld The Citadel

Ms. Carolyn Watkins Greenville Technical College

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Honorary Members

Advisory Board

Dr. Mary Alexander University of South Carolina – Columbia

Dr. Elizabeth Davis President Furman University

Dr. Sally Boyd University of South Carolina – Columbia Dr. Willette Burnham Medical University of South Carolina Dr. Siobhan Craft Brownson Winthrop University Lisa Mangione Greenville Technical College Dr. Karen Gainey Limestone College Dr. Mary Holloway Midlands Technical College Ms. Evelyn Pride Aiken Technical College

Dr. Susan Elkins Chancellor Palmetto College Dr. Natalie Harder President Coker University Dr. Jeff Perez President and Executive Director SC Commision on Higher Education Dr. Walter A. Tobin President Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Dr. Terrie Smith University of South Carolina Charmaine Tomczyk Coastal Carolina University

**Institutional affiliation of Honorary Board Member (former board member) at time of appointment**

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SCWHE Receives ACE’s State Network Leadership Award South Carolina Women in Higher Education is the 2025 American Council on Education (ACE) State Network Leadership Award Recipient for its outstanding commitment to advancing women’s leadership in higher education.

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Institutional Representatives IRs are women volunteers at educational institutions across the state who actively promote the mission and goals of SCHWE among their institutions. All women on your campus may join and participate in SCWHE activities. The IR is the point of contact to ensure the women on campus remain informed about events and engage with their colleagues across South Carolina in professional and personal learning opportunities.

Aiken Technical College Shakailah C. Heard Anderson University Robyn Sanderson Charleston School of Law Margaret M. Lawton Charleston Southern University Emily Thomas Claflin University Cletra Peters Clemson University Kristy Glover Clinton College Archinya Ingram Coastal Carolina University Emma Howes College of Charleston Kristen McMullen Columbia College Dr. Tywana Chenault Hemby Columbia International University Amy Dubois Converse University Tammy Stokes

Denmark Technical College Sasha Johnson-Coleman Tia Wright-Richards Francis Marion University Elizabeth Shefton Furman University Sharen Beaulieu Greenville Technical College Bridgette Wideman Horry-Georgetown Technical College Jackie Snyder Lander University Tammie Mallory Limestone College Pennie Darwin Angela Williams Midlands Technical College Doretha Glymph Morris College Dr. Deloris McBride Newberry College Sara Peters Northeastern Technical College Lauren Odoms Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Faith McCurry

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Institutional Representatives IRs are women volunteers at educational institutions across the state who actively promote the mission and goals of SCHWE among their institutions. All women on your campus may join and participate in SCWHE activities. The IR is the point of contact to ensure the women on campus remain informed about events and engage with their colleagues across South Carolina in professional and personal learning opportunities.

Piedmont Technical College Alesia Brown Presbyterian College Dr. Selena Blair SC Commission of Higher Education Argentini Andersen SC Technical College System DeBorah White Sherman College of Chiropractic LaShanda Harris South University Deborah Harris-Sims Spartanburg Community College Ann Jones Spartanburg Methodist College Julie Landford Technical College of the Lowcountry Dr. Francine Marz The Citadel Melantha Ardrey Tri-County Technical College Terri Ann Belk Trident Technical College Dr. Karen Wrighten

USC Beaufort Karen Neese Dr. Juanita Babet Villena-Alvarez USC Columbia Julia Bellon USC Lancaster Tracey Mobley Chavous USC Palmetto College Christine Rinehart USC School of Medicine Greenville Lacey Cooper USC Sumter Kristina Grob Voorhees University Wanja Montgomery Williamsburg Technical College Gayle Tremble Winthrop University Suzie Therrell Wofford College Begoña Caballero-García York Technical College Ayanna McClurkin

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Trident Technical College Welcomes its Sixth President Congratulations to Dr. Vicky Wood, who brings a passion for student success and community growth. Previously president of Washington State College of Ohio, she has a proven track record of strengthening academic programs and community partnerships.

As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Wood is committed to helping others achieve through education and has created scholarships to support first-gen students.

Her leadership focuses on expanding opportunities for students and the community.

Dr. Vicky Wood Advancing Women in Leadership and Making Strides in South Carolina

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Congratulations Women’s Leadership Academy Graduates 2024-2025 Shana Ashford Greenville Technical College

Julia Heath University of South Carolina

Jennifer Black South Carolina Technical College System

Stefania Hiltgen Newberry College

Krista Blackwell University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Maya Bostick Midlands Technical College

Courtney Maricondo Spartanburg Community College Michiko McClary Morris College

Mila Burgess Conway Columbia College

Kenya McGregor Spartanburg Community College

Whitney Cagle University of South Carolina Columbia

Shakerra Miller Spartanburg Community College

Leah Carlisle Midlands Technical College

Morgan Osborne University of South Carolina

Kelli Carroll University of South Carolina

Geleen Reed-Toresdahl University of South Carolina

Takecia Clayton Voorhees University

Leah Simmonds Winthrop University

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2025

Scholarship Recipients

The South Carolina Women in Higher Education (SCWHE) Annual Conference Scholarship is awarded to women graduate students and new professionals in the field of higher education (3 years or less). Applicants’ responses to a short essay are evaluated by a committee of SCWHE board members.

Ashley Hubbard

Atena Pasha

Genna Malatino

Dominique Purdie

University of South Carolina Manager, Pre-Med/Health Advising & Graduate Student University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives Operations

Amorita McClam

University of South Carolina School of Medicine Learning Specialist

Angela McDowell

Aiken Technical College Academic Student Success Coach & Graduate Student

La Ruchala Murphy

Converse University Adjunct-Arts Administration & Graduate Student

University of South Carolina Postdoctoral Research Fellow University of South Carolina Interpersonal Violence Advocate

Alexus Ray

Newberry College Academic & Career Success Coach

Angela Saxon

University of South Carolina Aiken Communication Coordinator & Graduate Student

D’Asia White

University of South Carolina Program Coordinator for the College of Arts & Sciences

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Silent Auction Electronic Bid Payment

We are pleased to announce that the proceeds from the silent auction will go directly towards funding scholarships for women in higher education at colleges and universities throughout South Carolina. Your contributions will make a tangible difference, providing recipients with opportunities for professional growth. Invest in the professional development of new professionals and graduate students.

Bid often. Donate big! *Auction winners using an electronic payment method are responsible for paying the total amount for their bid and Eventbrite transaction charges.

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Learn more about SCWHE at scwhe.org