News Summary
Dr. James J. Winebrake has been appointed as the fourth president of Coastal Carolina University, succeeding President Michael T. Benson. Following a comprehensive nationwide search, he will officially begin his tenure soon, bringing extensive academic leadership experience, including his previous role as provost at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Dr. Winebrake is well-regarded for his contributions to academic growth and excellence.
Conway, South Carolina – Dr. James J. Winebrake has been appointed as the fourth president of Coastal Carolina University (CCU), as announced by the CCU Board of Trustees on Thursday, June 8, 2025. He is set to officially begin his tenure on July 7, 2025, succeeding President Michael T. Benson, who has accepted a position at West Virginia University.
This appointment follows a comprehensive nationwide search that commenced in February 2025, in which the CCU Board engaged various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and the public. Input was gathered through numerous meetings and listening sessions, ensuring a fair and inclusive selection process.
Leadership Experience
Dr. Winebrake has extensive experience in academic leadership, having served as the provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) since 2020. During his tenure at UNCW, he notably oversaw significant growth in both enrollment and retention rates, as well as the approval of two new academic programs, further enhancing the university’s academic offerings.
Prior to his role at UNCW, Dr. Winebrake held several key positions in higher education. He was the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) from 2011 to 2020 and the Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Policy at RIT from 2002 to 2011. Earlier in his career, he worked as an associate professor at James Madison University (JMU) and as a physical scientist and policy specialist for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Academic Qualifications
Dr. Winebrake possesses a strong academic background, holding a Ph.D. in energy management and policy from the University of Pennsylvania. He also earned a Master of Science in technology and policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Bachelor of Science in physics from Lafayette College. His contributions to academia include authoring and co-authoring over 100 scholarly articles, reflecting his commitment to research and education.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Dr. Winebrake has received several accolades, including being named a National Associate of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in 2020. He has also been honored with the Madison Scholar Award, the Outstanding Teacher Award at JMU, and the RIT Trustees Scholar Award, underscoring his achievements in both teaching and leadership.
Contract and Compensation
The terms of Dr. Winebrake’s contract are still pending final approval by CCU’s Board of Trustees. His annual compensation at UNCW was approximately $362,000, and if approval aligns with that of his predecessor, it could rise to $575,000 at CCU, reflecting the university’s commitment to attract and retain top leadership talent.
Context of Appointment
Dr. Winebrake’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Coastal Carolina University, which has been experiencing various changes in leadership. He will be stepping into the role at a point when the university aims to build on its reputation and expand its academic initiatives further. The selection of a new president is seen as an important step in guiding CCU towards its future goals and fostering an environment conducive to academic success and growth.
As he prepares to assume his new role, Dr. Winebrake’s proven track record in educational administration, along with his academic credentials, positions him well to lead Coastal Carolina University into its next chapter.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Coastal Carolina University
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Carolina University
- GoCCUSports
- Google News: Dr. James Winebrake
- WBTW News
- Google Scholar: James Winebrake
- Myrtle Beach Online
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