Coastal Carolina University Appoints New President

Coastal Carolina University Appoints New President

Conway, South Carolina – Coastal Carolina University has officially appointed James J. Winebrake as its next president, scheduled to begin his tenure on July 7. Winebrake will succeed Michael Benson, who has served as president since 2021 and will transition to the role of president at West Virginia University.

New Leadership Transition

Winebrake becomes the fourth president in the university’s history. He previously held the position of provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at The University of North Carolina Wilmington from 2020. The appointment of Winebrake follows a comprehensive national search that commenced in February, culminating in his selection based on his extensive academic background and leadership experience.

Pending Approval and Compensation Details

The finalization of Winebrake’s contract is currently pending approval from CCU’s board of trustees. If his compensation resembles that of his predecessor, it is expected that his annual salary will see a marked increase. By the end of Benson’s tenure, his total compensation had reached approximately $575,000. Winebrake’s previous salary at UNCW was around $362,000 as of 2024.

Winebrake’s Academic Credentials and Experience

James J. Winebrake boasts a distinguished academic career with several notable positions. These include serving as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and as the professor and chair of RIT’s Department of Public Policy. Additionally, he has worked as an associate professor at James Madison University and held a role as a scientist and policy specialist with the U.S. Department of Energy.

Educational Achievements

In terms of education, Winebrake holds a Ph.D. in energy management and policy from the University of Pennsylvania, in addition to a Master of Science in technology and policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Science in physics from Lafayette College.

Looking Forward

Upon his appointment, Winebrake expressed enthusiasm for the future of Coastal Carolina University, highlighting its strong foundation and expressing a commitment to building on past successes. He pointed out ongoing challenges alongside historic enrollment growth and the university’s impressive academic achievements, indicating a promising path forward under his leadership.

Background of the University

Coastal Carolina University has experienced significant growth and development over the years, both in terms of its student population and academic offerings. The transition of leadership comes at a time when the institution is poised for further achievements and advancements in higher education. The community looks forward to Winebrake’s contribution to the university’s mission and objectives in the coming years.