The university aims to make a difference in the greater community by leveraging the impact of women and their donations of time, talent and resources.
Exceptional Educational and Infrastructural Facilities
Coastal Carolina University is a dynamic, public, comprehensive liberal arts institution located in Conway, just minutes away from the resort area of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with a student population of more than 10,600 and a full-time faculty and staff of more than 1,200. The University offers 74 areas of study toward the baccalaureate degree, 18 master’s degree programs, two educational specialist degrees and a Ph.D. in marine science: coastal and marine systems science.
The diverse student body interacts with a world-class faculty, and they all enjoy a nationally competitive NCAA Division I athletic program, an inspiring cultural calendar, and a tradition of community interaction that is fueled by more than 160 student clubs and organizations. The nationally recognized Osher Lifelong Learning Institute housed at CCU offers an array of noncredit courses at locations throughout the Grand Strand.
The University comprises of 115 main buildings on 633 acres land, including the Coastal Science Center and the Burroughs & Chapin Center for Marine and Wetland Studies, located on the East Campus, and the General James Hackler Golf Course, a public 18-hole golf facility adjacent to the campus. The University also offers courses and events at several satellite locations in the region.
Coastal Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.
About the President
David A. DeCenzo is the President of Coastal Carolina University, a position he has held since May 7, 2007. As president, DeCenzo has implemented a comprehensive strategic planning process, assured fiscal accountability through policy and practice, and promoted assessment and transparency throughout the University. During his tenure, the academic program has expanded from 39 to 74 undergraduate degree programs. DeCenzo began his tenure at Coastal Carolina University in 2002 when he became the Dean of the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, a position he held until 2006 when he was named provost of the University. He was instrumental in the establishment of the MBA program in 2006.
Accomplished Alumni
Coastal Carolina University’s history is rich with strong and impactful women who have helped build this University from the ground up. Some consummate alumni include Pat Singleton-Young ’75, ’78, who has been a vital advocate for student growth and multiculturalism at Coastal Carolina University—as well as an inspiration to hundreds of students. Thanks to the experiential learning she acquired at CCU, Meg Carter is a young alumna who is living her dream by running her own sea glass jewelry company, ‘Made by Meg’. Three-time USA Olympian Amber Campbell ’04 finished her collegiate career as the most decorated student-athlete in CCU history. Some other notable alumni include Dustin Johnson, the No. 1 golfer in the world, Josh Norman, starting cornerback for the Washington Redskins, and Michael Kelly, an Emmy Award nominated actor.
Career Opportunities and Exposures
Coastal Carolina embraces the teacher-scholar model and places primary emphasis on high-quality teaching and engaged learning, and it supports faculty research, creative activities, and expert collaboration in the community, state, nation and world. This focus enables faculty and staff to mentor students in collaborative research, creative opportunities, and internships. To nurture this active learning community, Coastal Carolina maintains a broad range of contemporary technologies, programming, support services, and innovative course offerings and delivery methods. The result is alumni who are well prepared for professional careers or graduate programs in their chosen fields and who continue to be connected to Coastal Carolina.
The University also has a robust study abroad program, with options available for students to study abroad for as little as one week or for as long as a full academic year. The CCU Center for Global Engagement staff members are available to help students identify and apply for a study abroad program that best suits their academic and personal goals. CCU is one of the original groups of universities to sign on as a Generation Study Abroad Partner and this partnership brings additional opportunities to the students. Students are able to apply for study abroad funding, participate in exchange programs, and seek international internships.
