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HGTC Announces Dr. Lori Heafner as Vice President for Academic Affairs
兔子先生 () is pleased to announce that Dr. Lori Heafner has been appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective January 1, 2026. With more than two decades of experience in higher education and nearly 20 years of service to HGTC, Dr. Heafner brings a proven record of academic leadership, student-centered innovation, and strategic excellence to her new role.
Dr. Heafner most recently served as HGTC鈥檚 Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness & Development, where she led major initiatives in planning, accreditation, institutional research, grants development, and academic quality. She has also contributed to classroom instruction as an adjunct instructor at HGTC, giving her valuable insight into the teaching and learning experience. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in advancing the College鈥檚 strategic priorities, supporting faculty and academic programs, and strengthening student success outcomes across all three campuses.
Her extensive experience includes leading the College鈥檚 Quality Enhancement Plan (EPIC), chairing multiple SACSCOC reaffirmation and substantive change committees, and guiding the development of essential collegewide initiatives that promote continuous improvement and high academic standards. Dr. Heafner completed her Ph.D. in Educational Sciences (Higher Education Administration) at Coastal Carolina University in 2025.
HGTC President Dr. Marilyn Fore praised Dr. Heafner鈥檚 leadership, stating,
鈥淒r. Heafner is a respected leader whose deep understanding of academic systems, data-driven decision-making, and student success makes her an exceptional choice for Vice President for Academic Affairs. She has contributed significantly to the advancement of HGTC, and I am confident her leadership will continue to strengthen our academic programs, support our faculty, and elevate the success of our students.鈥�
As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Heafner will provide strategic leadership for all academic divisions and programs, ensuring the College continues to meet regional workforce needs, uphold accreditation standards, expand innovative learning pathways, and provide high-quality instruction for the more than 9,000 students HGTC serves each year.
鈥淚 am honored to serve HGTC in this new capacity,鈥� said Dr. Heafner. 鈥淭he College鈥檚 commitment to student success, community impact, and academic excellence inspires me every day. I look forward to continuing this important work alongside our faculty and staff.鈥�
A native of North Carolina, Dr. Heafner began her career at Cleveland Community College before joining HGTC in 2006. Over the past 19 years, she has held multiple leadership roles of increasing responsibility, earning recognition statewide for her expertise in institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement.
HGTC congratulates Dr. Heafner on her appointment and looks forward to the continued contributions of her leadership as the College advances its mission across Horry and Georgetown counties.