The David A. and Theresa M. DeCenzo Residence Hall was dedicated at Coastal Carolina University on Friday, Sept. 16, during Founders Week activities. In December 2020, CCU’s board of trustees approved naming one of the University’s newer residential facilities after President Emeritus DeCenzo and his wife, Terri, in recognition of their many years of dedicated service to the University.

That evening, DeCenzo also was recognized as an honorary founder and received a Founders Medallion during the Founders Day Convocation held in Wheelwright Auditorium. The convocation honors individuals and organizations that have been instrumental in the development of the University as well as of higher education in the region.

DeCenzo served as the University’s second president for more than 13 years – 2007 to 2020. During his presidency, he dramatically raised the profile of the University. CCU expanded its academic program from 39 to 95 undergraduate majors; and graduate-level offerings grew from a handful of master’s degrees to feature 27 master’s degrees, two educational specialist degrees, and two doctoral programs. DeCenzo also orchestrated the growth of the University’s enrollment to 10,000-plus students, which reflected a more than 35% increase from when he took office. The University also experienced its most ambitious construction program in school history with a more than $300 million building campaign.

Terri DeCenzo was instrumental during her many years of service as the executive director of Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL) at CCU. In 2011, the inaugural Celebration of Inspiring Women and Women’s Leadership Conference was held. The daylong conference featured guest speakers from around the country and grew to attract more than 800 attendees each year. WIPL also is credited with awarding more than 400 students in excess of $420,000 in financial support through annual awards and a fully endowed scholarship.