Myrtle Beach, SC, January 23, 2026
News Summary
Coastal Carolina University is pursuing over $41 million in state aid to enhance academic offerings and student life. President James Winebrake outlined this transformative strategy, emphasizing investments in student union expansion and tuition mitigation to support continued growth and affordability for South Carolina residents.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is actively pursuing a significant state investment to further its strategic vision for campus development and student support. On January 21, President James Winebrake presented a comprehensive request for over $41 million in state aid to a state budget writing committee, outlining a “transformative” strategy aimed at enhancing academic offerings, student life, and the university’s overall impact on the region.
This initiative reflects a dedication to nurturing academic rigor, fostering student growth, and upholding institutional excellence within the vibrant higher education landscape of Myrtle Beach, SC. The proposed funding is critical for CCU to sustain its rapid growth, which saw a record preliminary enrollment of 11,193 students in Fall 2024. These strategic investments are designed not only to benefit the university community directly but also to contribute substantially to the intellectual capital and economic competitiveness of South Carolina higher education.
A Vision for Transformative Growth at CCU
Coastal Carolina University’s request for over $41 million in state aid is central to its “transformative strategy,” a forward-thinking plan developed to expand opportunities for students and contribute to the broader development of the Grand Strand area. During his presentation on January 21, President James Winebrake detailed how this funding is essential for achieving the goals outlined in the university’s strategic plan, known as ‘CCU Reach’. This plan emphasizes three core areas: strengthening academic rigor, improving campus infrastructure, and deepening community engagement. The university’s enrollment has shown consistent growth, reflecting its increasing importance as a hub for learning and innovation in the state.
Enhancing the Student Experience: Student Union Expansion
A substantial portion of the state aid request, $24 million, is allocated for the expansion of the student union. This investment underscores a commitment to providing modern facilities that enrich the student experience and cultivate a vibrant campus community. The student union serves as a central hub for student life, offering spaces for collaboration, recreation, dining, and social interaction. Such facilities are vital for fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging personal responsibility, and developing leadership skills outside the classroom environment. The Lib Jackson Student Union has historically undergone multi-phase renovations and expansions to include student organization spaces, enhanced recreational facilities, expanded food service options, and multi-purpose event areas, demonstrating a continuous commitment to student infrastructure. Further expansion would build upon this foundation, ensuring that CCU can adequately support its growing student body and their diverse needs.
Prioritizing Affordability: Tuition Mitigation
Another key component of CCU’s request includes $3 million for tuition mitigation. This funding directly addresses the critical issue of affordability in higher education, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that a quality university experience remains accessible to South Carolina residents. Tuition mitigation efforts play a significant role in helping to keep in-state tuition rates stable, a policy that has seen in-state tuition at Coastal Carolina University remain unchanged for several consecutive years. Affordability is a cornerstone of personal responsibility, empowering more students to pursue higher education and contribute to the state’s workforce without undue financial burden. The statewide higher education budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes significant appropriations, with over $1.3 billion from the General Fund and additional support from the Education Lottery, demonstrating a broader state focus on supporting its colleges and universities.
Beyond Infrastructure: Academic and Research Development
The proposed state aid extends beyond physical infrastructure and direct tuition relief, creating a foundation for continued academic and research development at Coastal Carolina University. Investing in the university’s overall capacity supports academic freedom and fosters a culture of innovation. President Winebrake has articulated a philosophy for leadership in higher education that centers on “four Ps”: people, places, programs, and partners. He has also expressed a commitment to expanding CCU’s academic programs and research portfolios, aligning the university’s offerings with regional needs and student demand. These efforts are designed to ensure that CCU continues to deliver high-quality education and conduct impactful research that benefits the state and beyond, producing graduates prepared to lead in various fields.
Cultivating Leadership and Community Impact
A thriving university like Coastal Carolina plays a pivotal role in cultivating future leaders and delivering significant community impact. The strategic investments sought through this state aid request are anticipated to strengthen CCU’s ability to prepare students with the discipline, knowledge, and critical thinking skills necessary for civic engagement and professional success. President Winebrake highlights CCU’s deep roots within the community, citing established partnerships with local and state governments, as well as with non-profit and for-profit organizations. These collaborations underscore the university’s role as an integral part of Myrtle Beach, SC college news and the broader South Carolina higher education ecosystem, contributing to regional development and providing a skilled workforce that drives economic growth and societal well-being.
Conclusion
Coastal Carolina University’s proactive pursuit of state aid represents a strategic commitment to its students, its faculty, and the future of the Myrtle Beach region. The proposed investments in student infrastructure and tuition mitigation are vital steps in ensuring that CCU remains a beacon of academic excellence and opportunity within South Carolina higher education. By empowering students, fostering innovation, and strengthening community ties, CCU continues to build a legacy of leadership and positive impact for the entire state. Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse programs offered by Coastal Carolina University, engage with campus events, and stay informed about the ongoing contributions of the vibrant college community in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Summary of Coastal Carolina University’s State Aid Request
| Category | Requested Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Total State Aid | Over $41 million | Part of a “transformative” strategy to expand student opportunities and enhance regional development. |
| Student Union Expansion | $24 million | To enhance student life and provide modern facilities for a growing student body. |
| Tuition Mitigation | $3 million | To support affordability and help stabilize in-state tuition rates. |
Frequently Asked Questions About CCU’s State Aid Request
Q: What is the total amount of state aid Coastal Carolina University is seeking?
A: Coastal Carolina University is seeking over $41 million in state aid.
Q: What are the main components of this state aid request?
A: The main components of the request include $24 million for a student union expansion and $3 million for tuition mitigation.
Q: Who presented the state aid request on behalf of Coastal Carolina University?
A: President James Winebrake presented the request before a state budget writing committee on January 21.
Q: What is the overall strategy behind Coastal Carolina University’s state aid request?
A: The overall strategy is described as “transformative,” aiming to expand opportunities for students and enhance the region’s overall development.
Q: How does this request relate to student enrollment at Coastal Carolina University?
A: The request is intended to help the university keep up with its rapid growth, which included a record preliminary enrollment of 11,193 students in Fall 2024.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
