Myrtle Beach, SC, February 6, 2026
News Summary
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) plays a crucial role in enhancing the economic and workforce development of the Grand Strand. By continually adapting its programs to meet industry demands, HGTC sustains significant annual economic contributions while also celebrating its 60th anniversary. The new Nursing & Health Sciences Institute exemplifies the college’s commitment to healthcare education, addressing local needs and fostering community partnerships to support student well-being.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
Horry-Georgetown Technical College Fuels Grand Strand’s Economic and Workforce Growth
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) continues to solidify its role as a vital contributor to the economic prosperity and educational advancement of the Grand Strand. Through strategic initiatives, significant infrastructure developments, and a steadfast commitment to workforce training, HGTC consistently demonstrates its impact on the region. The institution’s dedication to academic rigor and student success not only enriches individual lives but also fortifies the broader South Carolina economy.
As a cornerstone of higher education in the Myrtle Beach area, HGTC’s growth mirrors the dynamic expansion of the community it serves. The college actively responds to regional needs by developing programs that directly address industry demands, preparing a skilled workforce, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. This sustained focus on institutional excellence, coupled with practical application, underscores its crucial position within the state’s educational landscape.
Economic Engine for the Grand Strand
Horry-Georgetown Technical College is recognized as a major economic driver for the Grand Strand and surrounding communities. An independent economic impact study has confirmed that HGTC delivers more than $503.8 million annually for the local economy. This substantial contribution underscores the college’s essential role in generating economic return and strengthening the regional workforce. Across South Carolina, the technical college system collectively generates approximately $6.4 billion in annual economic impact statewide, supporting over 38,000 jobs each year.
Celebrating Six Decades of Service and Growth
Marking a significant milestone, Horry-Georgetown Technical College is celebrating its 60th anniversary. To commemorate this enduring legacy, a new state historical marker was officially unveiled on January 29, 2026, at the Conway Campus. The marker recognizes the institution’s founding in 1966 as the Horry-Marion-Georgetown Technical Education Center and its subsequent evolution, expansion, and profound community impact over six decades. Originally opening its doors in 1966, the college initially served 123 to 130 full-time and 400 part-time students, offering associate degree and certificate programs focused on vocational training, agriculture, hospitality, and forestry, among other industry-driven needs. Today, HGTC offers more than 80 fields of study, encompassing associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs.
Innovating for Healthcare Futures: The Nursing & Health Sciences Institute
In a forward-thinking move to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals, Horry-Georgetown Technical College held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Nursing & Health Sciences Institute on the Grand Strand Campus on April 22, 2024. A dedication ceremony on July 29, 2025, marked the official opening of this facility. This $15 million state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in healthcare education and workforce development, transforming the historic Building 100 into a modern simulation and training center. The 20,000-square-foot expansion supports all 18 healthcare programs, with a primary focus on nursing and emergency medical services (EMS). The institute is designed to increase healthcare student enrollment, introduce new programs, and provide a technology-enhanced simulation environment that mirrors contemporary healthcare settings. Programs such as Emergency Medical Services, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Vascular Sonography will be housed within the facility. This strategic relocation of medical imaging programs will also create space for new offerings, including Occupational Therapy Assistant and Medical Lab Technology. The Grand Strand campus, HGTC’s second-largest, is experiencing rapid growth in facilities and student enrollment, serving over 2,000 students each fall and spring semester.
Strengthening Community Ties and Student Well-being
Beyond academic and infrastructure growth, HGTC actively fosters community partnerships to support its students holistically. In December 2025, HTC, a local telecommunications company, expanded its support for the HGTC Pantry. This collaboration significantly strengthens food assistance services, ensuring they are readily available to students across the Conway, Grand Strand, and Georgetown campuses. Such initiatives highlight the college’s commitment to addressing the practical needs of its student body, promoting personal responsibility, and enhancing their overall well-being and academic focus.
Visionary Leadership Driving Progress
The sustained progress and impactful initiatives at Horry-Georgetown Technical College are guided by the leadership of Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, the institution’s President. Dr. Fore, who became the first female president of HGTC in April 2017, has dedicated nearly five decades to higher education in South Carolina. Her extensive experience and commitment to academic excellence have been pivotal in shaping the college’s trajectory. Her contributions have earned her recognition as one of the Grand Strand’s 50 Most Influential by B2B: The Grand Strand magazine. Dr. Fore’s academic background includes degrees from the University of South Carolina and an honorary Doctor of Public Service from Coastal Carolina University. She has been instrumental in the design of numerous academic programs and campus facilities, including the Dr. Robert E. Speir, Jr. Healthcare Education Center and the naming of the science building on the Grand Strand campus in her honor. Furthermore, HGTC is exploring a potential campus expansion in northwest Horry County, demonstrating a proactive response to the region’s significant population growth and a commitment to further enhancing access to quality education and workforce development.
HGTC: A Pillar of Progress
Horry-Georgetown Technical College stands as a testament to the power of disciplined education and responsive institutional leadership. From its profound economic contributions to its unwavering commitment to workforce development through innovative programs like the Nursing & Health Sciences Institute, HGTC is integral to the Grand Strand’s continued prosperity. As the college looks toward the future, its focus on student success, community partnerships, and strategic expansion underscores its enduring impact on South Carolina’s higher education and economic ecosystem. Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse programs offered by Horry-Georgetown Technical College and engage with the vibrant academic community that enriches Myrtle Beach.
Key Features and Impact of Horry-Georgetown Technical College
| Feature/Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual Local Economic Impact | Over $503.8 million for the Grand Strand |
| System-wide SC Economic Impact | Approximately $6.4 billion annually, supporting over 38,000 jobs (State-level) |
| Year Founded | 1966 |
| Number of Programs Offered | More than 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs |
| Nursing & Health Sciences Institute Cost | $15 million |
| Nursing & Health Sciences Institute Size | 20,000-square-foot expansion |
| Grand Strand Campus Enrollment (Fall/Spring) | Over 2,000 students |
Frequently Asked Questions about Horry-Georgetown Technical College
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What is Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s annual economic impact on the local Grand Strand economy?
Horry-Georgetown Technical College delivers over $503.8 million annually for the local Grand Strand economy.
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When was the historical marker for Horry-Georgetown Technical College unveiled?
A state historical marker commemorating Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s founding, expansion, and community impact was unveiled on January 29, 2026.
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What is the purpose of the new Nursing & Health Sciences Institute at HGTC’s Grand Strand Campus?
The new Nursing & Health Sciences Institute aims to foster innovation and training opportunities, increase healthcare student enrollment, and support all 18 healthcare programs, with a strong focus on nursing and emergency medical services (EMS).
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Who is the President of Horry-Georgetown Technical College?
Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore is the President of Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
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How many programs does Horry-Georgetown Technical College offer?
Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers more than 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs.
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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.
