Page 33 - Georgetown NCG 2021

Q: What attracted you to your current its growth and accomplishments have served
position at HGTC? as tremendous points of pride for the entire
A: The attraction to the President position at region. And, my kids absolutely love Chauncey
HGTC was due to my many years of experience the Chanticleer!
working to meet the needs of our community Q: How does your organization impact
and students. Those experiences and passion for Georgetown County and the surrounding areas?
higher education have allowed me to lead the A: We are one of the largest employers in the
College into the future to the best of my ability region and our employees live, work, raise
with the goal of being the best technical their families and pay taxes right here in Horry
college possible. DR. MICHAEL T. and Georgetown counties. That’s an enormous
Q: What are some of your favorite things BENSON impact. Many of our students choose to live
about HGTC? in the region after graduation and this has a
A: My favorite things about HGTC are the Coastal Carolina University tremendous ripple effect. So, too, does the
students, faculty, staff, state-of-the art facilities, Hometown: Born in Salt Lake City, Utah. qualified workforce we endeavor to train for
the art of teaching, use of modern technologies Spent youth in Texas, Indiana and Utah local employers. Our partnership with Horry-
and our College location in the most beautiful Education/Credentials: Georgetown Technical College is of enormous
part of the country with the finest people • Bachelor’s degree from Brigham benefit to the entire region. And our cultural arts
to serve. Young University and sports programs help improve the quality of
Q: How does HGTC impact Georgetown • Master’s degree from the University life for everyone.
County and the surrounding areas? of Notre Dame Q: What do you hope to accomplish in
A: HGTC has made an impact in Georgetown • Doctorate in history from the University the near-term?
County and surrounding areas by offering of Oxford A: During my first 100 days of service, I hope to
high-skilled, unique programs on the • Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins be out and about as much as possible (properly
Georgetown campus such as nursing, forestry University (2021) masked and physically distanced, of course!)
and wildlife technologies, and also programs in Years of Experience: 25 and meet as many people as I can to hear their
manufacturing such as welding, mechatronics, Previous Position: President and Professor views on what Coastal is doing well and what
HVAC and robotics. HGTC has also made an of Government, Eastern Kentucky University; we can do better... I hope to build on what my
impact through dual enrollment with high Visiting Professor, Johns Hopkins University predecessor, Dr. David DeCenzo, and so many
schools in Georgetown County to help students Current Position: President and Professor others have put in place.
get a head start on a college education. of History, Coastal Carolina University
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in Q: What are some long-term goals you have
the near-term? Started: January 2021 for your institution/organization?
A: I plan to finish the renovations on both Q: What attracted you to your current position A: In South Carolina and throughout the
the Georgetown and Grand Strand campuses at your institution/organization? nation, public higher education is in a perennial
by the fall of 2021 to improve the learning A: I’ve known about Coastal Carolina University campaign for support – from local, state and
environment for our students. I hope to for many years, and my family and I have loved federal sources. One of my goals is to help
increase enrollment in all programs and offer coming to South Carolina ever since moving to people understand that an investment in higher
new programs on demand as requested by Kentucky seven years ago. Coastal’s academic education is not just a private benefit but a
industry such as occupational therapy assistant, reputation, its unmatched campus and setting, public good. All of us are hugely impacted for
healthcare administration and introduction the success of its students and alumni, the good when as many people in our society get
to aviation. commitment of the institution’s faculty and as much education as they possibly can.
Q: What are some long-term goals for HGTC? staff, the prominence of the Chanticleer athletic As far as Coastal Carolina University goes,
A: My long-term goals reflect meeting the programs and its enormous potential were all we will focus on some key goals: making our
current mission of the College which is to huge attractions for my family and me. way through this pandemic and ensuring that
reach as many students as possible, provide Q: What are some of your favorite things about the experience on the other side of this global
and maintain low tuition, expand programs for your institution/organization? challenge is even better than before; raising the
industry and serve as a staunch advocate for A: When I first set foot on campus, I was academic profile and educational reach of the
technical education. impressed by the “feel” of the place and the University; securing additional private support
sense of community one immediately recognizes. by means of a comprehensive fundraising
The campus is clean, well-maintained, easily campaign; availing ourselves of the tremendous
navigable and very welcoming, and it means so recognition our programs—like this year’s
much to the local community and state. I have football team—have brought to our campus and
been impressed by the quality and commitment region; and doing all we can to ensure that the
of the faculty and staff. We are all here to Coastal Carolina University diploma means even
ensure Coastal Carolina University students are more each year to our alumni and potential
successful. While it’s a fairly young institution, employers. Go Chants!

28 Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce | 843.546.8436 | www.visitgeorge.com Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce | 843.546.8436 | www.visitgeorge.com 29