Myrtle Beach, SC, January 11, 2026
News Summary
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) has appointed Dr. Lori Heafner as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective January 1, 2026. This appointment underscores HGTC’s commitment to academic excellence and workforce development in the Myrtle Beach region. Dr. Heafner brings over two decades of experience in education and has previously contributed significantly to the college’s institutional effectiveness. Her leadership aims to enhance academic programs and ensure student success, reinforcing HGTC’s mission within the community.
HGTC Appoints Dr. Lori Heafner as VP for Academic Affairs
Myrtle Beach, SC — Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Lori Heafner as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs, a leadership transition that became effective on January 1, 2026. This strategic appointment underscores HGTC’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student success, and its pivotal role in the Myrtle Beach region’s higher education landscape. The institution aims to continuously provide high-quality educational experiences that foster student growth and institutional excellence, with a focus on community and economic impact.
Dr. Heafner’s extensive background in higher education is expected to further strengthen HGTC’s comprehensive academic offerings. Her leadership is anticipated to ensure students are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills essential for contributing to the region’s economic vitality and their personal advancement. This move reflects HGTC’s dedication to reinforcing academic rigor and its position as a cornerstone of workforce development in the Grand Strand area.
A Foundation of Expertise and Dedication
Dr. Lori Heafner officially assumed her role as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Horry-Georgetown Technical College on January 1, 2026. She brings more than two decades of experience in the field of education to HGTC’s senior leadership team, including nearly 20 years of service specifically to HGTC. This extensive background provides a solid foundation for overseeing the college’s diverse academic departments and programs.
Prior to this appointment, Dr. Heafner served as HGTC’s Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness & Development from 2022 to 2025. In that capacity, she was instrumental in leading significant initiatives related to strategic planning, institutional research, grants development, and academic quality. Her leadership contributed to securing more than $10 million in grant funding for regional workforce initiatives, including the establishment of the Marine Technology Center in Georgetown. Dr. Heafner also contributed to classroom instruction as an adjunct instructor at HGTC, providing her with valuable insight into the teaching and learning experience.
The Role of Academic Leadership in Student Success
As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Heafner is responsible for administering and evaluating the college’s instructional programs and services. This crucial role involves providing leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of all academic programs, curriculum, and faculty development initiatives. The Vice President for Academic Affairs is instrumental in guiding curriculum development, ensuring program quality, and supporting faculty in their pursuit of teaching excellence.
The position emphasizes maintaining academic rigor and fostering an environment where both students and faculty can achieve their full potential, underscoring personal responsibility in learning and teaching. HGTC’s focus on strong academic leadership directly impacts student preparedness for the workforce and further educational pursuits. This includes promoting a culture of continuous improvement based on evidence and assessment efforts, and aligning academic initiatives with workforce demand.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Mission and Community Impact
Horry-Georgetown Technical College is dedicated to enriching students’ lives and empowering communities through accessible and affordable education. As a public, two-year technical college and a member of the South Carolina Technical College System, HGTC enrolls students in college credit curriculum courses and provides non-credit courses and programs for workforce development and job training. The college primarily serves individuals and employers in Horry and Georgetown Counties, while also addressing regional, national, and international needs.
HGTC offers more than 70 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs for students seeking entry into the workforce or desiring to transfer to a four-year institution. The college emphasizes partnerships with business, industry, community agencies, and other educational and governmental institutions, which supports community growth and development. HGTC’s commitment to affordability means it maintains some of the lowest tuition rates in South Carolina, enhancing accessibility to higher education. The institution plays a vital role in providing a premier, comprehensive two-year collegiate and workforce education experience.
Leadership Beyond Campus: Community Engagement
Beyond her direct responsibilities at HGTC, Dr. Lori Heafner is slated to become the incoming board chair for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for the 2026 term. This dual leadership role highlights her commitment to both the academic advancement of the region and its economic prosperity. She has served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors since 2023 and as Vice Chair since 2024.
Her involvement with the Chamber of Commerce underscores the symbiotic relationship between robust higher education institutions and a thriving local economy, emphasizing the community impact that dedicated leaders can cultivate. This type of collaborative leadership ensures that educational initiatives align with workforce needs and economic development goals, creating a cohesive strategy for regional advancement.
The South Carolina Technical College System’s Broader Impact
The South Carolina Technical College System, comprising 16 colleges including HGTC, is a key driver of economic growth and workforce transformation across the state. The system trains over 147,000 South Carolinians annually through credit and continuing education programs, and its colleges are strategically located to be within a 30-minute drive for nearly every resident. It offers a variety of programs in high-demand, high-paying fields, including 74 degrees, 19 diplomas, and over 900 certificate programs.
The system’s programs, such as readySC™ and Apprenticeship Carolina™, are nationally recognized for preparing the workforce for companies relocating or expanding in South Carolina, and for enabling customized apprenticeship programs. These initiatives highlight the critical role of technical colleges in building leadership capabilities among their graduates and fostering an environment of discipline and academic freedom. The continuous effort to adapt and excel ensures that South Carolina’s higher education remains a powerful engine for progress and opportunity.
Conclusion
Dr. Lori Heafner’s appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Horry-Georgetown Technical College marks a significant development for higher education in the Myrtle Beach area and across South Carolina higher education. Her extensive experience, commitment to academic excellence, and demonstrated leadership in both institutional effectiveness and community engagement position HGTC to continue its vital work in preparing students for successful careers and contributing to the region’s economic strength. This leadership transition reinforces the college’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that cultivates personal responsibility and impactful community contributions.
Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse academic programs offered by Horry-Georgetown Technical College and stay updated on campus events and achievements that shape the vibrant Myrtle Beach SC college news community. HGTC’s ongoing dedication to innovation and student-centered learning ensures it remains a cornerstone of educational and workforce development in the Grand Strand.
Key Information Regarding Dr. Lori Heafner’s Appointment
| Role | Institution/Organization | Effective Date/Period |
|---|---|---|
| Vice President for Academic Affairs | Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) | January 1, 2026 |
| Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness & Development | Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) | 2022 – 2025 |
| Incoming Board Chair | Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce | 2026 Term |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Dr. Lori Heafner’s appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs at HGTC effective?
A: Dr. Lori Heafner’s appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Horry-Georgetown Technical College is effective January 1, 2026.
Q: What was Dr. Lori Heafner’s previous role at Horry-Georgetown Technical College?
A: Dr. Lori Heafner previously served as the Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness & Development at Horry-Georgetown Technical College from 2022 to 2025.
Q: How many years of experience does Dr. Lori Heafner bring to her new role?
A: Dr. Lori Heafner brings more than two decades of experience in higher education to her new role.
Q: Is Dr. Lori Heafner involved in other community leadership roles?
A: Yes, Dr. Lori Heafner is slated to become the incoming board chair for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for the 2026 term.
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, curriculum, and faculty development initiatives.
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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.
