CCU names conference room for Dawsey
Dawsey was also named chairman emeritus of the commission, the governmental body that determines the use of the tax millage allocated to Coastal.
"John Dawsey has devoted his life to providing better educational opportunities for the people of this region," said Coastal President Ronald R. Ingle. "It would be impossible to count the number of young people whose lives he has touched."
Dawsey was associated with Horry County Schools for 39 years. He served in many capacities, from high school math teacher to elementary school principal to district superintendent. Since 1970, he has helped shape the development of Coastal through his service on the Horry County Higher Education Commission, which he chaired from 1993 until 2004.
The conference room in the Singleton Building is the traditional location for commission meetings. "I feel comfortable in this room," said Dawsey. "This is where we found the courage to do what we needed to do for this institution." Dawsey was one of the strongest early advocates in the movement for Coastal to leave the University of South Carolina system and become an independent, state-supported institution.
Julie Snowden and John Vaught, chair and vice-chair of the commission, presented Dawsey with a resolution from the commission honoring his accomplishments. He was also presented with a Founders' Society Plate and a framed print depicting Coastal's Atheneum in recognition of his services to Coastal.
A native of Horry County, Dawsey earned a bachelor's degree from Clemson University and master's and education specialist's degrees from Appalachian State University. He lives in Aynor and has for many years been active in civic affairs. Dawsey served on the Aynor Town Council and has been mayor of Aynor since 1993. He is a recipient of the state's highest civilian award, the Order of the Palmetto.
Dawsey will receive the honorary degree Doctor of Public Service at Coastal's upcoming commencement ceremony on May 7.