Myrtle Beach, SC, February 6, 2026
News Summary
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is enhancing its academic programs and community involvement, fostering student development and economic growth in the Grand Strand and South Carolina. Initiatives like the Teal Impact program focus on holistic growth for student-athletes, while strategic investments in health sciences and research bolster workforce readiness. The university’s commitment to sustainability and community partnerships emphasizes engagement and prepares students for impactful careers, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Coastal Carolina University (CCU) continues to expand its academic offerings and deepen its engagement with the community, creating a dynamic environment that fosters student development and contributes to the economic vitality of the Grand Strand and South Carolina. These initiatives underscore the university’s commitment to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence.
The university’s strategic investments in academic programs, research opportunities, and community partnerships are designed to prepare students for impactful careers and responsible citizenship. Through a blend of rigorous academics and practical, real-world engagement, CCU is shaping future leaders and strengthening the region’s educational and economic landscape.
Fostering Holistic Student-Athlete Development
Coastal Carolina University launched the Teal Impact student-athlete development and engagement program in January 2025. This comprehensive program is dedicated to the holistic growth of student-athletes, focusing on five core pillars: Career Development, Community Engagement, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Advocacy. Teal Impact aims to inspire student-athletes to excel as leaders, professionals, and engaged citizens both during their time at CCU and beyond graduation. The program’s initiatives include transitional skills, economic literacy, achievement and branding, leadership training, internships, career planning, mentoring, networking, and fostering academic success.
The university also supports its student-athletes through the Alise Svihla Student-Athlete Development Department, which has launched new initiatives for growth and support. Additional resources have been added to Student-Athlete Academic Services, contributing to a strong academic performance across athletic programs. In a recent spring semester, the department achieved a 3.40 GPA, with 18 out of 19 programs earning a 3.0 GPA or better.
Expanding Community Engagement and Research Opportunities
CCU has earned national recognition for its commitment to community engagement, integrating it across academics, research, service, and civic life. This commitment is guided by its strategic plan, CCU Reach.
The Community Action Research and Engagement (CARE) Lab at Coastal Carolina University supports academic programs and other opportunities for growth, aligning with the university’s mission to expand community involvement with businesses and other organizations at local, regional, and national levels.
Through educational programs, collaborative projects, and networking opportunities, the university creates pathways for faculty, students, and professionals to engage with the community. Community & Civic Engagement at CCU supports student success through engagement, service, and education, connecting students to the wider community to learn about their roles as active citizens through service and advocacy.
Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
CCU demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through education, research, and community engagement. The TD Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative, established in 2005 as Sustain Coastal, coordinates sustainable projects and programs on campus and within the surrounding community. This initiative works towards transforming Coastal Carolina University into an environmentally sustainable institution through campus operations, student curriculum, and engaging students through learning and outreach, as well as collaboration in the community through sustainable resource stewardship.
Efforts include educating the campus community on green practices, developing programming that impacts student and campus operations such as recycling and waste reduction, and fostering collaboration between various departments. The university measures and reports its sustainability efforts and coordinates to meet the goals of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.
The Anne Tilghman Boyce Coastal Reserve, which includes a portion of Waites Island, serves as a fundamental resource for marine science students and local communities, functioning as a valuable outdoor laboratory.
Investments in Health Sciences and Academic Facilities
Coastal Carolina University has received significant funding, including $2.4 million, for nursing simulation laboratory equipment and other equipment for nursing and health sciences education and training. These investments are crucial for preparing students for high-demand fields and addressing workforce shortages in South Carolina.
The Health Lab at Coastal Carolina Community College is equipped with software for students enrolled in medical, dental, and nursing programs, offering internet access, printing, and professional support. While Coastal Carolina University and Coastal Carolina Community College are separate institutions, this highlights a broader regional commitment to health sciences education.
Beyond health sciences, CCU is making significant investments in its athletic and academic facilities, including a new state-of-the-art indoor practice facility and upgrades to various sports facilities. These enhancements, alongside improvements in academic resources like the Thompson Library, reflect the university’s dedication to providing a robust learning environment and developing future leaders. These initiatives aim to provide an enriching environment for students, drive advancement, and ensure sustainable growth across the university.
Driving Economic Impact and Community Partnerships
Coastal Carolina University generates a substantial economic impact for South Carolina. The university’s commitment to student success, research excellence, and strategic community engagement initiatives contributed an estimated $565.8 million to the state’s economy in the past year.
The RISE Internship Program, a partnership between CCU and Partnership Grand Strand, connects local businesses with students. In 2024, half of the twelve student interns received employment offers after their internships concluded. In 2025, fifty percent of the fourteen interns also received job offers, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in bridging academic learning with workforce opportunities.
Coastal Carolina University also maintains strong partnerships, such as with Conway Medical Center, which is the official orthopedic and sports medicine provider for Chanticleer athletic programs and a Premier Medical and Innovation Partner with the CMC College of Health and Human Performance.
Coastal Carolina University’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and robust community engagement initiatives continues to broaden opportunities for its students and strengthen the Myrtle Beach area and South Carolina higher education landscape. By emphasizing personal responsibility and discipline in academic pursuits and athletic endeavors, CCU nurtures leaders prepared to make meaningful contributions. Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse programs at Coastal Carolina University, attend campus events, and stay informed about the impactful contributions of Myrtle Beach’s vibrant college community.
Key Coastal Carolina University Initiatives
| Initiative | Primary Focus | Impact on Students/Community |
|---|---|---|
| Teal Impact Program | Holistic student-athlete development | Career readiness, leadership, community engagement, personal growth for athletes. |
| CCU Reach Strategic Plan | Academic excellence, catalyst for positive change | Integrates community engagement across academics, research, service, civic life. |
| CARE Lab | Community Action Research and Engagement | Supports academic programs, fosters community involvement, growth opportunities. |
| TD Campus & Community Sustainability Initiative | Environmental sustainability | Student learning, outreach, sustainable campus operations, community stewardship. |
| RISE Internship Program | Workforce development & internships | Connects students with local businesses, leading to employment opportunities. |
| Nursing Simulation Lab Funding | Nursing & health sciences education | Enhances training equipment for high-demand health fields. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Carolina University’s Initiatives
Q: What is the Teal Impact program at Coastal Carolina University?
A: The Teal Impact program, launched in January 2025, is a holistic student-athlete development and engagement program at Coastal Carolina University. It focuses on career development, community engagement, leadership, personal growth, and advocacy to help student-athletes excel as leaders and engaged citizens.
Q: How does Coastal Carolina University engage with the community?
A: Coastal Carolina University integrates community engagement across its academics, research, service, and civic life, guided by its strategic plan, CCU Reach. Initiatives include the Community Action Research and Engagement (CARE) Lab, which fosters involvement with businesses and organizations, and various educational programs and collaborative projects.
Q: What is the economic impact of Coastal Carolina University on South Carolina?
A: Coastal Carolina University generates a substantial economic impact, contributing an estimated $565.8 million to South Carolina’s economy in the past year through its student success, research excellence, and strategic community engagement initiatives.
Q: What is the purpose of the TD Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative?
A: The TD Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative, also known as Sustain Coastal, was established in 2005 to coordinate sustainable projects and programs on Coastal Carolina University’s campus and in the surrounding community. Its purpose is to transform the university into an environmentally sustainable institution through campus operations, student curriculum, and community stewardship.
Q: What opportunities does the RISE Internship Program provide students?
A: The RISE Internship Program, a collaboration between Coastal Carolina University and Partnership Grand Strand, connects students with local businesses for internships. This program has successfully led to employment offers for a significant percentage of participating students after their internships.
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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.
