Myrtle Beach, SC, December 24, 2025
Horry-Georgetown Technical College will host the Emerging Leaders: Student Life Conference, promoting leadership development among students. The event aims to empower attendees with essential leadership skills necessary for academic and athletic success, while also bolstering community engagement in the Myrtle Beach area. It showcases the commitment of local institutions like HGTC and Coastal Carolina University in fostering the next generation of leaders who will navigate complex challenges and contribute to regional economic vitality.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
Charting a Course for Success: HGTC to Host 2025 Emerging Leaders Conference, Bolstering Regional Collegiate Excellence
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is set to host the 2025 Emerging Leaders: Student Life Conference, a pivotal event scheduled for Thursday and Friday, October 23–24, 2025, at its Conway Campus. This conference underscores the region’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders, with a direct impact on student success across all disciplines, including the competitive landscape of collegiate athletics and the broader economic vitality of South Carolina.
As local institutions like Coastal Carolina University (CCU) and the University of South Carolina (USC) navigate dynamic athletic seasons and strategic leadership transitions, the emphasis on developing strong student leaders becomes ever more critical. This gathering at HGTC provides a foundational platform, fostering essential skills that translate directly from academic environments to the athletic arena and ultimately into the workforce, driving responsible growth and community strength within the Myrtle Beach area and beyond.
Fostering Leaders for Collegiate Success
The Conference’s Core Mission
The 2025 Emerging Leaders: Student Life Conference at HGTC is designed to empower students with the leadership acumen necessary for navigating complex challenges and excelling in their respective fields. Through focused sessions and collaborative opportunities, attendees will gain insights into effective communication, strategic planning, and resilient problem-solving. This initiative by HGTC reflects a proactive approach to student development, recognizing that a robust student life experience, enriched with leadership training, is integral to academic achievement and personal perseverance.
Beyond the Classroom: Leadership in Athletics
For student-athletes, the principles championed at such leadership conferences are not merely theoretical; they are fundamental to competitive performance and team cohesion. The discipline, strategic thinking, and ability to perform under pressure honed in leadership development directly parallel the demands of collegiate sports. As athletes strive for excellence on the field and court, the capacity for self-reliance and initiative, nurtured through events like the Emerging Leaders conference, provides a crucial edge, contributing to both individual achievement and team success.
The Competitive Edge: Leadership in Local Athletics
Recent Athletic Dynamics in South Carolina
The importance of robust leadership and student development is evident in the recent activities of the region’s prominent athletic programs. Coastal Carolina University’s men’s basketball team recently demonstrated impressive resilience, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Saint Joseph’s 68–62 on Monday, December 22, 2025. Key performances from AJ Dancler, Rasheed Jones, and Joshua Beadle showcased not just athletic talent, but also the teamwork and leadership required for a balanced effort. Their upcoming game against Georgia Southern on January 1, 2026, will be another test of these qualities.
Similarly, the University of South Carolina men’s basketball team secured a decisive 95-70 victory over South Carolina State on Monday, December 22, 2025, with Myles Stute and Mike Sharavjamts leading the scoring. Such victories highlight the culmination of individual effort and collective leadership within the team. On the football front, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks have seen significant movement, with quarterback LaNorris Sellers and edge rusher Dylan Stewart confirming their return for the 2026 season. The Gamecocks also announced new coaching staff, including Kendal Briles as offensive coordinator and Deion Barnes as defensive ends/outside linebackers coach, signaling strategic leadership decisions aimed at future competitiveness. These developments underscore the constant need for strong leadership, both from coaching staff and student-athletes, to foster a culture of success and adaptation in competitive environments.
A Regional Commitment to Cultivating Talent
Synergies in Student Development
The HGTC conference does not operate in isolation but is part of a broader regional ecosystem dedicated to student and civic development. Coastal Carolina University’s Center for Applied Civic Leadership (CACL), launched in February 2025, actively connects students to leaders and hosts impactful events, such as a panel discussion with former members of Congress. Furthermore, CCU’s Coastal Civic Initiative, set to launch in Fall 2025, along with HGTC’s Spring 2025 C2Lead Leadership Development Event, featuring prominent figures like Dr. Marilyn Fore, President of Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and Gibbs Knotts, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Coastal Carolina University, demonstrates a concerted effort to build a robust leadership pipeline for the entire state. These initiatives collectively strengthen the foundation upon which successful athletic programs and a thriving civic society are built.
Economic Vitality Through Collegiate Engagement
Fueling Local Growth and Entrepreneurship
The robust presence and active engagement of educational institutions like HGTC and CCU are significant drivers of the Myrtle Beach and broader South Carolina economy. Events such as the Emerging Leaders conference attract participants, stimulating local businesses and showcasing the region’s capacity for hosting impactful gatherings. Strong collegiate athletic programs also contribute substantially, drawing fans, generating tourism revenue, and fostering a sense of community pride and identity. The emphasis on developing well-rounded, leadership-capable students through private initiative and institutional commitment ensures a pipeline of skilled individuals ready to contribute to the local workforce, promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth. This spirit of self-reliance, fostered within educational and athletic endeavors, underpins the region’s prosperity.
The Value of Perseverance and Initiative
Building Character for a Competitive World
In a rapidly evolving world, the traits of perseverance, initiative, and ethical competition are more valuable than ever. Collegiate athletics, supported by comprehensive student development programs like the Emerging Leaders Conference, serves as a powerful crucible for forging these characteristics. By providing opportunities for students, including athletes, to hone their leadership capabilities, local institutions are not just preparing individuals for professional careers; they are cultivating responsible citizens and innovators. This commitment to holistic development reflects a belief in the power of individual effort and principled competition to drive progress and reinforce community self-reliance, ensuring that South Carolina remains a place where talent thrives and aspirations are realized.
The upcoming 2025 Emerging Leaders: Student Life Conference at Horry-Georgetown Technical College represents a vital investment in the future of South Carolina’s students, its athletic programs, and its economic landscape. Locals are encouraged to stay engaged with their area colleges and universities, supporting the programs that build character, foster leadership, and contribute to the ongoing success of our vibrant coastal community and state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where is the 2025 Emerging Leaders: Student Life Conference?
The 2025 Emerging Leaders: Student Life Conference will be held on Thursday and Friday, October 23–24, 2025, at Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Conway Campus. - Which institutions are involved in regional leadership development initiatives?
Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Coastal Carolina University are key institutions involved in regional leadership development initiatives. - What are some recent athletic achievements of Coastal Carolina University?
Coastal Carolina University’s men’s basketball team defeated Saint Joseph’s 68–62 on Monday, December 22, 2025. - What are some recent athletic developments at the University of South Carolina?
The University of South Carolina men’s basketball team defeated South Carolina State 95-70 on Monday, December 22, 2025. LaNorris Sellers and Dylan Stewart have announced their return to USC football for the 2026 season. Kendal Briles was hired as offensive coordinator and Deion Barnes as defensive ends/outside linebackers coach for USC football.
Feature Table: Regional Collegiate Leadership & Athletics Highlights
| Event/Initiative | Institution(s) | Date/Period | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerging Leaders: Student Life Conference | Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) | October 23–24, 2025 | Hosted at Conway Campus; focuses on student leadership development. |
| CCU Center for Applied Civic Leadership (CACL) | Coastal Carolina University (CCU) | Launched February 2025 | Connects students to leaders; hosted panel with former members of Congress on Jan 28, 2025. |
| Coastal Civic Initiative | Coastal Carolina University (CCU) | Fall 2025 launch | Further strengthens civic engagement and leadership development. |
| C2Lead Leadership Development Event | Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) | Spring 2025 | Features leaders like Dr. Marilyn Fore (HGTC) and Gibbs Knotts (CCU). |
| CCU Men’s Basketball Victory | Coastal Carolina University (CCU) | December 22, 2025 | Defeated Saint Joseph’s 68–62. |
| USC Men’s Basketball Victory | University of South Carolina (USC) | December 22, 2025 | Defeated South Carolina State 95-70. |
| USC Football Player Returns | University of South Carolina (USC) | Announced Dec 2025 | LaNorris Sellers (QB) and Dylan Stewart (EDGE) returning for 2026 season. |
| USC Football Coaching Hires | University of South Carolina (USC) | Announced Dec 2025 | Kendal Briles (OC) and Deion Barnes (DE/OLB Coach) hired. |
Now Happening on X
- @TheBigSpur247 (Dec 10, 2025): Announcement of the complete football coaching staff for South Carolina, including hires for offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and running backs coach, pending Board of Trustees approval. View on X
- @GamecockCentral (Dec 17, 2025): South Carolina football is adding a former NFL Draft first-rounder to the offensive coaching staff. View on X
- @SSN_NCState (Dec 22, 2025): Breaking news on coaching hires including Sherrone Moore as Defensive Coordinator, Brian Smith as OL coach, and Brian Harsin for TE/WRs at NC State, relevant to regional coaching trends. View on X
- @MDPetrillo (Dec 21, 2025): Update on new coaching staff for a program, featuring hires like Jon Sumrall as HC, Dave Caldwell as GM, and various coordinators from Tulane, Georgia Tech, and others. View on X
- @YouGotHusked (Dec 18, 2025): Summary of athletics updates including strong performance in men’s and women’s sports, ticket policy changes, upcoming big announcement for women’s sports in 2026, and stadium construction in 2027. View on X
- @JaredB_BSBL (Dec 18, 2025): Reflection on building a baseball program from 5 players to 45+, improving facilities with an indoor space and locker room, in response to a “rebuilding” comment. View on X
- @LukeRandleTV (Dec 17, 2025): SEMO’s Board directs preparation for bidding on Phase 2 of Houck Field Stadium Project, with bids reviewed in March and decision in April, as noted by Athletic Director Brady Barke. View on X
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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.
