CONWAY, S.C., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) Area Commission has selected Lori A. Heafner, Ph.D., as the next president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College following a comprehensive national search.

The Area Commission made its selection during a special-called meeting Friday, Sept. 18, following finalist visits and public forums held on the Conway Campus. Heafner will assume the presidency Jan. 4, 2027.

“The Area Commission entered this national search determined to identify the leader best prepared to build upon HGTC’s strong foundation and guide the college confidently into the future,” said Robert P. Hucks, II, chairman of the HGTC Area Commission and Presidential Search Committee. “Lori distinguished herself through her depth of experience, knowledge of higher education, commitment to students and understanding of the communities we serve. She knows this college and our region and has demonstrated throughout her career an ability to bring people together around a shared commitment to student success and institutional excellence. We are confident in her ability to lead HGTC forward.”

Heafner currently serves as vice president for academic affairs at HGTC and has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, including 20 years at HGTC. Her leadership experience spans academic affairs, institutional effectiveness, strategic planning, accreditation, grants, assessment and community and workforce partnerships.

Throughout her career, Heafner has helped advance academic and workforce pathways, transfer opportunities, dual enrollment and early college partnerships, and collaborations with K-12 schools, universities, health care organizations, businesses and community leaders. She previously served as HGTC’s vice president for institutional effectiveness and development and has also served as an adjunct instructor.

A community college graduate, Heafner began her higher education career at Cleveland Community College before joining HGTC in 2006. She earned a doctorate in educational sciences with a concentration in higher education administration from Coastal Carolina University.

The Area Commission’s selection followed a comprehensive national search conducted with assistance from the Association of Community College Trustees. Three finalists were invited to HGTC for campus visits and public forums, providing faculty, administrators, staff, students and members of the community an opportunity to hear from the candidates and provide feedback.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the next president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College,” Heafner said. “For 20 years, HGTC has been an important part of my life, and I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary faculty and staff who are deeply committed to our students and communities. I am grateful for the confidence of the Area Commission and excited to build upon the college’s strong foundation as we expand opportunities for our students, strengthen our partnerships and continue meeting the changing educational and workforce needs of our region.”

About Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is a public, two-year college serving Horry and Georgetown counties with campuses located along the Grand Strand in Conway, Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, South Carolina. A member of the South Carolina Technical College System, HGTC offers more than 80 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs, including many online options, designed to prepare students for careers or transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The college also provides workforce development programs that support regional economic growth. HGTC is the fourth largest of South Carolina’s 16 technical colleges and among the fastest-growing higher education institutions in the state.

For more information, visit www.hgtc.edu.

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SOURCE Horry-Georgetown Technical College