News Summary
James Winebrake has officially started his role as president of Coastal Carolina University, marking a significant leadership transition for the institution. With nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, Winebrake aims to prioritize student-centric initiatives and enhance community ties during his tenure. His leadership comes at a crucial time for the university, which is experiencing growth in enrollment and academic offerings while celebrating achievements in athletics.
Conway, SC – James Winebrake officially began his tenure as the president of Coastal Carolina University on July 7, 2025, following a leadership transition from his predecessor, Michael Benson. Winebrake is the fourth president since the university became independent in 1993, marking a new chapter for the institution.
The new president expressed his enthusiasm about joining Coastal Carolina University, noting a strong alignment with the university’s mission, culture, and growth trajectory. Winebrake has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, showcasing a robust leadership background that positions him to support and advance the university’s ongoing success. He previously served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and spent 18 years at the Rochester Institute of Technology in various academic leadership roles. His career began at James Madison University, where he served as a faculty member for seven years.
In his inaugural address, Winebrake recognized the importance of maintaining a student-centric focus at Coastal Carolina University. His administration’s priorities include expanding access to higher education, further enhancing the university’s offerings, and navigating the challenges that come with growth. With an enrollment exceeding 11,000 students last year, the university boasts not just new facilities and research opportunities but also a successful athletics program, highlighted by the baseball team reaching the College World Series finals in 2025.
Winebrake’s leadership comes at a crucial time as the university continues to build a strong community connection. Since his appointment, he has prioritized developing relationships with the Conway community and fostering partnerships with local organizations. This community outreach is emphasized by the display of Coastal Carolina University decorations at Conway City Hall, which celebrated the baseball team’s remarkable performance in the College World Series.
Natasha Hanna, the chair of Coastal’s board of trustees, commented on Winebrake’s extensive leadership experience, suggesting that it would sustain the university’s momentum and overall success. Winebrake has demonstrated a commitment to being approachable and is focused on listening to the needs of the community, indicating a collaborative approach to leadership.
The background of James Winebrake enhances the optimism surrounding his presidency. He grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, attended Lafayette College for his undergraduate studies, and holds advanced degrees, including a master’s from MIT and a doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania. This academic foundation, coupled with his extensive professional experience, positions him as a capable leader for Coastal Carolina University.
As Coastal Carolina University embarks on a new phase under Winebrake’s leadership, he acknowledges that growth comes with challenges. However, he is dedicated to ensuring that the student experience remains a top priority while managing the expanding needs of the university. The initiatives and vision that Winebrake intends to implement will be fundamental for the future trajectory of the institution.
In closing, the university community and local residents alike are keenly observing Winebrake’s steps and are hopeful for a successful tenure that enhances educational access, strengthens community ties, and maintains excellence in academic and extracurricular programs.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Coastal Carolina University President James Winebrake
- Wikipedia: Coastal Carolina University
- WBTW: Coastal Carolina University Housing Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Carolina University
- ECUPirates: ECU Baseball Drops to Coastal Carolina
- Google News: Coastal Carolina University
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.
