Ronald R. Ingle

President, Coastal Carolina University: 1993-2007
Chancellor, USC Coastal Carolina College: 1992-1993

Ronald R. Ingle became Coastal Carolina University's first president on July 1, 1993, after the institution gained its status as an independent, public university. He served as president until May 7, 2007. 

His 14-year presidency was a period of remarkable institutional growth; enrollment doubled to more than 8,000 students, campus residence halls expanded to accommodate 2,200 students, international programs were expanded, and academic accolades and major grants became reality. Community outreach was highlighted by a visit from Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu 1999. The average SAT scores and high school GPA’s of entering freshmen improved and topped the national averages; the academic program expanded to 40 baccalaureate degree programs and new graduate programs included the MBA, introduced in 2006. The marine science, professional golf management, and resort tourism management programs gained national prominence. To meet the challenges of the University’s burgeoning growth, Ingle led a $75 million capital expansion that increased campus space by more than 30 percent. By the end of his tenure as president, the economic impact of the University reached $225 million per year.

In 2004-2005, he led the University’s 50th Anniversary Initiatives, an ambitious capital campaign to raise $10 million to support the academic, physical and athletic needs of the University. In May 2005, the campaign surpassed its goal and raised more than $14 million in gifts and pledges. 

Beginning in 1993, he guided the establishment of traditions – the University seal, mace, and alma mater. Chanticleer football, launched in 2003, generated increased loyalty of community members and alumni to the University. The University won the Big South Conference George F. "Buddy" Sasser Cup trophy for best overall athletic program for four-straight years. 

Raised in Moncks Corner, Ingle earned a bachelor's degree in English from Wofford College in 1962 and a master's degree in higher education administration from Florida State University in 1963. After serving on active duty as a U.S. Army officer from 1964 to 1966, he earned a doctorate in psychology from Ohio State University in 1972.

Before coming to Coastal Carolina in 1988 as vice chancellor for academic affairs, Ingle held administrative and faculty positions at Kennesaw College, South Georgia College and Ohio State University. He also served as associate dean of the College of Applied and Professional Sciences at the University of South Carolina.

He was recognized as an Honorary Founder of the University in 2006. The Board of Trustees voted to rename Waccamaw residence hall – Ronald R. Ingle Hall – in his honor; the dedication was held in April 2011.