Conway, S.C. – September 20, 2026 -- The Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) Area Commission has selected Lori A. Heafner, Ph.D., as the college's next president, following a national search that concluded with a special-called meeting on Sept. 18. Heafner will take office Jan. 4, 2027.
Area Commission completes national search with finalist visits and public forums
The decision followed campus visits and public forums held on the Conway Campus, where three finalists met with faculty, staff, students and community members. The search was conducted with assistance from the Association of Community College Trustees.
Heafner brings 20 years of internal leadership at HGTC to the role
Heafner currently serves as HGTC's vice president for academic affairs and has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, including two decades at HGTC since joining in 2006. She previously held the role of vice president for institutional effectiveness and development and has worked as an adjunct instructor. Her background spans academic affairs, institutional effectiveness, strategic planning, accreditation, grants and assessment.
Incoming president has driven workforce and K-12 partnerships across the region
Heafner has been involved in advancing academic and workforce pathways, transfer opportunities, dual enrollment and early college partnerships. Her collaborations have extended to K-12 schools, universities, health care organizations and regional businesses. She began her higher education career at Cleveland Community College and holds a doctorate in educational sciences with a concentration in higher education administration from Coastal Carolina University.
HGTC ranks as South Carolina's fourth-largest technical college
Robert P. Hucks, II, chairman of the HGTC Area Commission and Presidential Search Committee, said Heafner distinguished herself through her depth of experience and understanding of the region. HGTC operates campuses in Conway, Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, offering more than 80 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs, and is among the fastest-growing higher education institutions in South Carolina.