Myrtle Beach, SC, January 4, 2026

News Summary

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) has appointed Dr. Lori Heafner as Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective January 1, 2026. With over two decades in higher education and nearly 20 years at HGTC, Dr. Heafner’s leadership will enhance academic rigor and student success. Her extensive experience includes strategic planning and securing over $10 million in grants, contributing to the college’s focus on educational advancement. This transition emphasizes HGTC’s commitment to community impact and the growth of the South Carolina workforce.

Myrtle Beach, SC —

Dr. Lori Heafner Ascends to Academic Affairs Leadership at HGTC

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Lori Heafner as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs, a pivotal role effective January 1, 2026. This leadership transition underscores HGTC’s commitment to sustained academic excellence and innovative student-centered education within the vibrant Myrtle Beach and larger South Carolina higher education landscape.

Dr. Heafner’s extensive experience and dedication to educational advancement are set to further strengthen HGTC’s comprehensive offerings, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge essential for contributing to the region’s economic vitality and their personal growth. Her appointment reflects a strategic move by the college to enhance academic rigor, foster student success, and reinforce its position as a cornerstone of workforce development in the Grand Strand area.

A Foundation of Expertise and Dedication

Dr. Lori Heafner brings over two decades of experience in higher education, with nearly 20 years of service specifically to HGTC, to her new position. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Heafner served as HGTC’s Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness & Development. In that capacity, she was instrumental in leading significant initiatives related to strategic planning, institutional research, grants development, and academic quality. Her leadership helped secure more than $10 million in grant funding, which contributed to regional workforce initiatives, including the establishment of the Marine Technology Center in Georgetown.

A native of North Carolina, Dr. Heafner commenced her career at Cleveland Community College before joining HGTC in 2006. Throughout her tenure, she has held various leadership roles of increasing responsibility, earning statewide recognition for her expertise in institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement. She also holds a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences (Higher Education Administration) from Coastal Carolina University, an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Appalachian State University, and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Heafner is also a first-generation college graduate.

The Critical Role of Academic Affairs Leadership

As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Heafner will assume the responsibilities of the college’s chief academic officer. This role is fundamental to the planning, development, administration, supervision, and evaluation of all instructional programs at HGTC. Her duties will include directing and coordinating educational activities, developing academic policies and programs, and ensuring the quality of both faculty and curriculum. The position also involves strategic planning, aligning academic goals with the college’s overall mission, and managing the academic budget to effectively allocate resources across departments.

This leadership is crucial for nurturing an environment of academic freedom and discipline, promoting innovative teaching, and ensuring that HGTC’s educational offerings remain responsive to the evolving needs of students and employers in South Carolina. The Vice President for Academic Affairs also plays a key role in faculty recruitment, retention, evaluation, and professional development.

HGTC’s Commitment to Student Success and Community Impact

HGTC is a vital component of the South Carolina Technical College System, which is recognized for its significant contributions to the state’s economic development and workforce training. The college offers more than 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs across diverse fields such as Health Science, Business, Engineering & Industrial Technology, and Information/Computer Technology. HGTC’s mission emphasizes enriching lives and empowering communities through accessible and affordable education, fostering economic development, and innovation.

A remarkable 90 percent of HGTC graduates remain in the local area, directly contributing to the regional workforce. The college’s dedication to student success is further highlighted by resources like the Student Success and Tutoring Center (SSTC), which provides free academic tutoring, writing assistance, and academic coaching to help students achieve their educational goals.

Strategic Vision for Educational Advancement

Dr. Heafner’s prior experience in institutional effectiveness and strategic planning will be invaluable in her new role. She has previously led the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan (EPIC) and chaired various SACSCOC reaffirmation and substantive change committees, which are essential for maintaining accreditation and ensuring academic standards. Her work has been focused on guiding collegewide initiatives that promote continuous improvement and high academic standards.

The strategic goals of HGTC, as outlined in its Strategic Impact Plan 2024–2027, include ensuring continuous student success, providing robust resources and support services, and continuously modernizing information technology. Dr. Heafner’s appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs aligns with these goals, promising a continued focus on relevant, high-quality academic programs and student-centric support.

Strengthening South Carolina’s Educational and Economic Ecosystem

The South Carolina Technical College System, of which HGTC is a key member, annually educates and trains over 147,000 South Carolinians through credit and continuing education programs. These colleges are strategically located, making quality higher education geographically accessible to nearly all residents within a 30-minute drive. The system offers a wide array of programs in high-demand fields, boasting a 93% job placement or further education rate for its graduates.

HGTC’s role within this system is critical, providing a cost-effective pathway to skilled employment and higher education. The average annual tuition at a South Carolina technical college is approximately 36% of the average annual tuition at a four-year institution, making education more affordable. Dr. Heafner’s leadership in academic affairs will contribute to ensuring that HGTC continues to deliver responsive, high-impact programs that align with the state’s economic development priorities, fostering a skilled workforce and promoting individual prosperity.

Looking Ahead for Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Dr. Lori Heafner’s appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs marks a significant step for Horry-Georgetown Technical College as it moves forward into 2026. Her proven leadership in academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and grant acquisition positions her to advance HGTC’s mission of empowering students and strengthening the community. As HGTC continues to evolve, its dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education remains steadfast, serving as a vital resource for individuals seeking to build strong careers and for local industries requiring a skilled workforce. Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse programs offered by HGTC and stay informed about the impactful contributions of Myrtle Beach’s college community.

Keywords: Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, HGTC academic affairs, Dr. Lori Heafner

Key Details of Dr. Lori Heafner’s Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is Dr. Lori Heafner?

A: Dr. Lori Heafner has been appointed as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), effective January 1, 2026. She has over two decades of experience in higher education, with nearly 20 years of service at HGTC.

Q: What is Dr. Lori Heafner’s new role at Horry-Georgetown Technical College?

A: Dr. Lori Heafner’s new role at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is Vice President for Academic Affairs, a position she will assume on January 1, 2026.

Q: What are the key responsibilities of the Vice President for Academic Affairs at HGTC?

A: The Vice President for Academic Affairs at HGTC is responsible for the planning, development, administration, supervision, and evaluation of all instructional programs. This includes directing educational activities, developing academic policies and programs, ensuring faculty and curriculum quality, strategic planning, and managing the academic budget.

Q: What was Dr. Heafner’s previous position at HGTC?

A: Dr. Heafner’s previous position at HGTC was Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness & Development, where she led initiatives in strategic planning, institutional research, grants development, and academic quality.

Q: When does Dr. Lori Heafner’s appointment become effective?

A: Dr. Lori Heafner’s appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Horry-Georgetown Technical College becomes effective on January 1, 2026.

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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.