Coastal Carolina University President Emeritus Ronald R. Ingle was fondly remembered through inspirational words and music during a Celebration of Life ceremony in Wheelwright Auditorium in late April. Ingle, who passed away on Jan. 18, 2023, became the University’s first president on July 1, 1993, after the institution gained its status as an independent, public university. He served at the helm of the University until May 7, 2007. Ingle originally joined the institution in 1988 when it was known as the University of South Carolina – Coastal Carolina College, serving as vice chancellor for academic affairs and then as chancellor (1992-93).
Among those participating in the ceremony were Diane Sanders ’05, vice president for advancement and alumni engagement; Gabrielle Ryder, Student Government Association president; Daniel Ennis, then-provost and executive vice president for academic affairs; Mac Stewart, one of Ingle’s lifelong friends; Elise Testone ’05, 2012 American Idol finalist who sang Ingle’s favorite song, “Let’s Stay Together”; Pete Green ’00, Student Government Association past president; David Bennett, CCU’s first-ever head football coach; and the Coastal Inspirational Ambassadors.
“President Ingle accepted the challenge of leading the University when it gained its independence in 1993,” said Sanders during the ceremony. “He had a vision of the University that Coastal Carolina College could be and wanted to be a part of building something that others could never imagine, right here in Conway, South Carolina.”
Ingle’s 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 realities. The academic offerings expanded to 40 baccalaureate degree programs and new graduate programs included the MBA, introduced in 2006.
Ingle guided the establishment of CCU’s traditions – the University seal, mace, and alma mater. He also orchestrated the 2003 launch of Chanticleer football, which now competes at the NCAA Division I FBS level, the highest in intercollegiate athletics.
In 2005, Ingle and his wife, Judy, who was a curriculum coordinator and assistant principal in the Georgetown County School District, established the Ron and Judy Ingle Endowed Scholarship for Dependent Children or Grandchildren of CCU Faculty and Staff, to encourage the pursuit of higher education within the University community. Two scholarships are awarded annually.
Two weeks prior to Ingle’s Celebration of Life ceremony, CCU dedicated the Ronald R. Ingle Memorial Oak in Blanton Park, which is the site of the Chanticleer Celebration of Life, an annual event that remembers CCU students, faculty, and staff who have passed away. The namesake of Ronald R. Ingle Hall, which was dedicated in April 2011, Ingle was recognized as an Honorary Founder of the University in 2006.
The Ingles have two sons, David and Stephen, and three grandchildren: Joseph, Madeleine, and Eliza.
