Myrtle Beach, SC, January 31, 2026
News Summary
Horry-Georgetown Technical College recently hosted a leadership development session on its Conway Campus, featuring insights from a prominent university president. This event emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership in enhancing educational excellence and community engagement in Myrtle Beach. The gathering aimed to cultivate future leaders and foster inter-collegiate dialogue, reinforcing the commitment of local institutions to academic success and responsible citizenship. Dr. James Winebrake, President of Coastal Carolina University, shared valuable perspectives on leadership and education.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) recently hosted a significant leadership development session on its Conway Campus, an event underscoring the collaborative spirit and commitment to cultivating future leaders within the Grand Strand’s higher education landscape. This gathering brought together institutional strengths, highlighting the shared vision for academic excellence and community advancement in South Carolina.
The session featured Dr. James Winebrake, the esteemed President of Coastal Carolina University (CCU), who shared insights into leadership, discipline, and the profound impact of education. Such events not only foster inter-collegiate dialogue but also reinforce the importance of strong leadership in guiding students toward academic success and responsible community engagement, foundational principles championed across Myrtle Beach’s colleges and universities.
Higher Education Leaders Convene for Impactful Session
The leadership development session at HGTC took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, commencing at 10 a.m. at the Conway Campus. This initiative exemplifies HGTC’s dedication to providing opportunities for growth and professional enrichment for its community. The presence of a university president from a neighboring institution signifies a valuable cross-pollination of ideas and strategies, which can benefit both faculty and students by expanding their understanding of effective leadership in today’s complex world.
President Winebrake’s Vision for Leadership
Dr. James Winebrake, as President of Coastal Carolina University, is recognized for his leadership in advancing the university’s mission to challenge students to lead boldly and inspire them to make a difference. His participation in the HGTC session underscores a broader commitment to nurturing leadership qualities that extend beyond the classroom, emphasizing personal responsibility and the drive for innovation. This perspective aligns with the ethos of higher education, where fostering principled leadership is as crucial as academic instruction.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College: A Pillar of Local Education
Horry-Georgetown Technical College serves as a vital component of the Myrtle Beach SC college news landscape, offering accessible two-year community and technical college programs across three campus locations in South Carolina. By hosting events such as this leadership development session, HGTC reinforces its role as a hub for educational and professional growth within the region. Such initiatives contribute to the overall development of skilled individuals prepared to enter the workforce or continue their higher education journeys, thereby strengthening South Carolina’s economic and social fabric.
Coastal Carolina University’s Commitment to Student Leadership and Achievement
Coastal Carolina University, located in Conway, minutes from Myrtle Beach, is a comprehensive public university focused on student success and community engagement. CCU’s commitment to leadership development is evident in its various programs and student organizations. For instance, the university’s National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) chapter recently received national recognition, with its Vice President, Kenyatta Smith, earning a $500 student scholarship for her leadership and service. This highlights the university’s dedication to recognizing and rewarding student efforts in leadership and community impact, fostering an environment where students are inspired to excel and contribute meaningfully to society.
Academic Rigor and Community Impact: Broader Initiatives
Beyond leadership development sessions, both HGTC and CCU engage in broader initiatives that underscore academic rigor and community impact, enriching the South Carolina higher education ecosystem. Coastal Carolina University, for example, annually hosts the Subhash Saxena High School Math Contest, inviting South Carolina students to compete, promoting academic excellence in STEM fields. Additionally, CCU launched the CORE Center in 2025, established by the Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance, to advance community health through valuable health assessments, demonstrating a commitment to public welfare alongside academic pursuits. These endeavors illustrate how education extends its influence beyond campus borders, providing tangible benefits to the broader community.
Fostering a Culture of Excellence Through Collaboration
The collaboration between institutions like Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Coastal Carolina University on initiatives such as leadership development sessions exemplifies the strength of South Carolina’s educational partnerships. These interactions help to cultivate a culture of excellence, where students are prepared not only with academic knowledge but also with the leadership skills, discipline, and personal responsibility necessary to navigate challenges and drive positive change. Such partnerships are crucial for building a resilient educational and economic ecosystem in the region, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to contribute to their communities and the state at large.
The leadership development session at HGTC, featuring CCU President James Winebrake, represents a significant event in the ongoing effort to nurture strong leaders and foster collaborative growth in the Myrtle Beach area’s higher education landscape. It underscores the value of academic freedom, discipline, and personal responsibility in preparing students for impactful roles in society. Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse programs offered by both Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Coastal Carolina University, attend future campus events, and stay informed about the dynamic advancements within the Myrtle Beach SC college news community.
Key Educational and Leadership Initiatives
| Initiative/Event | Host Institution | Key Focus | Date/Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership Development Session | Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) | Leadership insights, professional enrichment | January 30, 2026 |
| NSLS National Recognition & Scholarship | Coastal Carolina University (CCU) | Student leadership, service, academic achievement | Reported January 2026 |
| Subhash Saxena High School Math Contest | Coastal Carolina University (CCU) | Promoting STEM excellence among high school students | March 7, 2025 |
| CORE Center Launch | Coastal Carolina University (CCU) | Advancing community health, health assessments | January 2025 |
FAQ Section
Q: What was the main event discussed in the article?
A: The main event was a leadership development session hosted by Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
Q: When and where did the leadership development session take place?
A: The session took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10 a.m. on Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Conway Campus.
Q: Who was the featured speaker at the HGTC leadership session?
A: The featured speaker was Dr. James Winebrake, President of Coastal Carolina University.
Q: What are some other initiatives mentioned that highlight Coastal Carolina University’s commitment to leadership and community?
A: Coastal Carolina University’s NSLS chapter earned national recognition and a student scholarship was awarded to its Vice President, Kenyatta Smith. Additionally, CCU hosts the Subhash Saxena High School Math Contest and launched the CORE Center to advance community health.
Q: How many campus locations does Horry-Georgetown Technical College have in South Carolina?
A: Horry-Georgetown Technical College has three campus locations in South Carolina.
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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.
