Timothy Meacham, class of 1979, was named the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. This award is given to a graduate of Coastal who has made a significant contribution to his/her profession or community over a period of time.

Meacham, of Conway, has served on the 15th Judicial Circuit as an assistant solicitor since 2003. From 1993 until 2003 he was a partner in the firm of Jebaily, Glass and Meacham, P.A. He served as an assistant solicitor in the 12th Judicial Circuit from 1990 to 1993. He also served as City of Florence attorney from 1986 to1990. From 1986 to 1993 Meacham served on the Carolina Regional Legal Services Board of Directors, ultimately serving as chair in 1994. Meacham graduated magna cum laude from Coastal in 1979, earning a bachelor’s degree in government and international studies. He graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1982. Meacham served as president of Coastal’s Alumni Association in 1997-1998.

Outstanding alumni recipients, representing each college of the university, are:

• E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration — Michael Pruitt of Charlotte, N.C., class of 1984, is managing director of Cain Capital Advisors. Pruitt, a businessman and entrepreneur with a background in finance, and two CCU graduates recently launched Chanticleer Holdings, a mutual fund specializing in small and micro-cap investments. A baseball player during his collegiate years, Pruitt has made significant gifts to Coastal’s baseball program, including contributions toward a new baseball clubhouse and new dugouts at Coastal’s Charles L. Watson Baseball Stadium, as well as new dugouts at the softball complex. Pruitt serves on the Board of Visitors of the Wall College of Business.

• College of Natural and Applied Sciences — Christine Shutter of Myrtle Beach, class of 1994, is a certified school psychologist and a licensed psycho-educational specialist employed by Florence School District Five. Since 2000, she has worked as an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychology and Sociology at Coastal. She also serves on the School of Psychology Advisory Committee at Francis Marion University. Shutter was recently recognized by her inclusion in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers 2004-2005.”

• Spadoni College of Education — Jody Hyden of Charleston, class of 1988, has recently formed the financial advising firm, McGuire, Tapscott, Hyden and Associates. Previous to the formation of this firm, Hyden was a financial adviser with American Express Financial in 2001. From 1995 to 1998 he was head coach of the Duke University women’s tennis team where he amassed a record of 59-13 overall and 20-0 in conference play. He is an active member of the Lowcountry Chapter of the Coastal Carolina University Alumni Association.

• Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts — Bruce Maggi of Myrtle Beach, class of 2001, is a financial crimes detective and a forensic artist with the City of Myrtle Beach Police Department. Maggi has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Secret Service for his outstanding support and service as a financial crimes detective. He volunteers with the American Red Cross as an instructor of CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding. Maggi is also the host of the WDPE TV-15 program “Grand Strand and Pee Dee’s Most Wanted,” and he has taught in the City of Myrtle Beach Citizens Police Academy.