Myrtle Beach, SC, January 5, 2026
News Summary
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) exemplifies a commitment to student engagement and community impact through innovative programs and strategic planning. With initiatives like the Dalton and Linda Floyd Family Mentoring Program and the Incarcerated VOICE Initiative, CCU empowers its students to develop leadership skills and take on active roles within their communities. The university’s focus on academic excellence aligns with its dedication to foster a vibrant campus atmosphere and contribute positively to the Myrtle Beach region.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Coastal Carolina University (CCU) stands as a prominent institution in South Carolina, actively engaging its students in experiences that extend beyond traditional academics into meaningful community impact. The university emphasizes the development of leadership skills, personal responsibility, and a strong sense of civic duty through a diverse range of programs and strategic initiatives. This focus on cultivating well-rounded individuals prepares students not just for careers, but for active and impactful roles within their communities and the broader South Carolina landscape.
CCU’s commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and institutional distinction is deeply intertwined with its dedication to the local community. By fostering innovation and discipline, the university contributes significantly to the educational and economic vitality of the Myrtle Beach region and the state. This proactive approach ensures that the pursuit of knowledge directly translates into tangible benefits and positive change.
Building an Engaged Campus and Community
Coastal Carolina University is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and engaged campus community, serving as a hub for both academic and civic engagement. The Department of Student Engagement plays a crucial role in advancing this mission by supporting student success through various initiatives focused on engagement, service, and education. This approach aims to connect students with the wider community, educating them on their responsibilities as active citizens through service and advocacy.
Mentorship for Future Generations
A cornerstone of CCU’s community partnerships is the Dalton and Linda Floyd Family Mentoring Program. Established in 2004, this program provides an invaluable opportunity for college students to serve as role models for children in kindergarten through eighth grade in area schools. Since its inception, over 4,500 undergraduate students have participated, guiding primarily fourth and fifth graders in Horry and Georgetown counties. The program has also expanded to include high school students in other areas of South Carolina, with college students acting as guides to prepare younger students for post-secondary education. This initiative not only benefits the mentees by offering guidance and encouragement but also provides college students with significant opportunities to build their leadership and mentoring skills.
Innovative Outreach: The Incarcerated VOICE Initiative
Coastal Carolina University demonstrates its commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through programs like the Incarcerated VOICE Initiative. This program involves a sociology course, “The Jail Experience” (Sociology 440), where traditional CCU students learn alongside incarcerated individuals at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Conway. This unique learning environment fosters mutual understanding and challenges preconceptions, allowing students to learn from diverse perspectives. The course is being developed into a program to allow incarcerated students to pursue college courses and potentially earn an undergraduate degree, overcoming societal barriers to higher education. The program highlights CCU’s dedication to providing resources and opportunities for individuals striving to reintegrate into society. Dr. Jennifer Schlosser, an Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology, is the founding director of this initiative.
Strategic Planning for Sustained Impact
The university’s future growth and development are guided by its 2023 Master Plan Update, a strategic blueprint designed to guide the institution over the next decade. Developed in collaboration with BOUDREAUX, the plan aligns with CCU’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. This comprehensive plan involved a broad-reaching community engagement process, including interactive focus groups, town hall meetings, and design workshops with various stakeholders, including college deans, department chairs, and campus organizations. This collaborative approach ensures that the master plan reflects the university’s strategic goals and the aspirations of the broader community. CCU President Michael T. Benson stated that the plan reflects the dedication to creating a dynamic environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of place for students, faculty, and staff.
Academic Excellence and Experiential Learning
Coastal Carolina University’s commitment to student academic and professional success, along with impactful community engagement, is further underscored by its AACSB accreditation. The E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration focuses on providing an experiential business education tailored to the unique aspects of the coastal community. Strategic priorities include faculty and staff development, experiential and career-focused learning, and impactful community engagement. This accreditation reflects the college’s mission to prepare students as problem-solvers and leaders who can thrive in a globally competitive environment, offering hands-on learning experiences, leadership development programs, and internship opportunities.
Leadership Development Through “Pathway 1954”
Further solidifying its dedication to student leadership and community involvement, Coastal Carolina University introduced “Pathway 1954,” a new leadership and engagement program. This program encourages students to participate in various community service and club organizations, tracking their involvement throughout the year. Such initiatives provide students with opportunities to build their resumes, develop crucial professional skills, and contribute actively to local communities, reinforcing the university’s mission to cultivate responsible and engaged citizens.
Coastal Carolina University continues to be a driving force for positive change in the Myrtle Beach area and across South Carolina. Through its rigorous academic programs, innovative research, and robust community engagement initiatives, CCU empowers its students to become leaders who are prepared to make a tangible difference. The university’s unwavering focus on personal responsibility, academic freedom, and institutional excellence ensures a vibrant future for its students and the communities they serve.
Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse academic programs offered by Coastal Carolina University, attend upcoming campus events, and stay informed about the ongoing contributions of Myrtle Beach’s dynamic college community to regional progress and innovation. For more information on student involvement and leadership opportunities, visit the university’s official resources.
Keywords: Coastal Carolina University, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, CCU community engagement, Student leadership development
Summary of Key Coastal Carolina University Engagement Programs
| Program Name | Primary Focus | Community Impact / Student Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Dalton and Linda Floyd Family Mentoring Program | Mentorship for K-8 and high school students | College students serve as role models, develop leadership skills; younger students receive guidance for academic and post-secondary success. |
| Incarcerated VOICE Initiative (“The Jail Experience”) | Higher education for incarcerated individuals | Promotes mutual learning between CCU students and incarcerated individuals; offers opportunities for incarcerated students to pursue degrees and reintegrate into society. |
| 2023 Master Plan Update | Strategic growth and community integration | Guides university development with broad community input, aligning academic excellence with regional aspirations and fostering innovation. |
| Pathway 1954 | Leadership and engagement program | Encourages student participation in community service and clubs, fostering leadership skills and active civic engagement. |
| AACSB Accreditation Initiatives | Experiential business education | Develops problem-solvers and leaders with hands-on learning, career development, and impactful community engagement through the Wall College of Business. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Dalton and Linda Floyd Family Mentoring Program?
The Dalton and Linda Floyd Family Mentoring Program at Coastal Carolina University provides an opportunity for college students to serve as role models for children (K-8) in area schools and also assists high school students in preparing for post-secondary education.
How does Coastal Carolina University engage with the local community?
Coastal Carolina University engages with the local community through various initiatives, including student volunteerism, service-learning programs, partnerships with local schools and organizations, and strategic planning that incorporates community input.
What is the Incarcerated VOICE Initiative at CCU?
The Incarcerated VOICE Initiative at Coastal Carolina University involves a sociology course (“The Jail Experience”) where CCU students and incarcerated individuals learn together, fostering mutual understanding and providing opportunities for incarcerated students to pursue higher education.
How does CCU’s Master Plan incorporate community engagement?
Coastal Carolina University’s 2023 Master Plan Update supported a robust and broad-reaching community engagement process, including interactive focus groups and town hall meetings, to ensure the plan aligns with both university goals and community aspirations.
What is “Pathway 1954” and how does it benefit students?
Pathway 1954 is a new leadership and engagement program at Coastal Carolina University where students participate in various community service and club organizations to build leadership skills, enhance their resumes, and contribute actively to local communities.
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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.
