COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Coastal Carolina University is a public mid-sized (4,000-6,500 students), comprehensive liberal arts institution offering baccalaureate degrees in the traditional liberal arts and sciences, interdisciplinary studies, and professional schools, along with Master's degrees in several specialized areas. Located in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation, the campus primarily serves its immediate five-county area, while honoring its commitment to the citizens of Horry County who founded the University and continue to provide funding to it. Recognizing its responsibility to ensure a student population that is diverse both culturally and geographically, the institution also aggressively recruits statewide, out-of-state, and internationally.

Coastal Carolina is a community of students and teacher-scholars dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom and goodness in an environment where intellectual understanding is encouraged, individual dignity respected, and creativity stimulated. The University seeks to provide a rational view of the world and human experience through student-centered participatory learning to help students make intelligent and informed decisions as free and active citizens in modern society. To this end, the institution affords opportunities for personal development and provides a common grounding in the Western intellectual tradition. Anticipated acquired skills and knowledge include the ability to express oneself effectively both orally and in writing, to locate and process information, to reason analytically and abstractly, to interpret and evaluate scientific evidence, to demonstrate competency in the use of modern technology, and to appreciate accomplishments in the arts. Attitudes ideally to be developed embrace a sense of ethics, honesty, truth, and justice, a willingness to accept responsibility for one's own actions and choices, an appreciation for work and self-discipline, and appreciation of and desire for lifelong learning, and a respect and tolerance for the ideas, values, and opinions of others.

As a major intellectual and cultural center for the Waccamaw region, the University enriches the quality of the life through the performing and fine arts, community service, external programs, distance learning, continuing education programs, and the encouragement of faculty development and research, especially in problem areas that are indigenous. Recognizing regional needs, the campus provides Master's degrees in several areas for professional advancement. In its public service role, the institution is a major resource in the economic and intellectual development of the region, urging faculty participation on local boards and councils, and providing research and consulting services to local businesses, non-profit agencies, and governmental bodies. The University facilitates student participation in the community through internships, community service, and cooperative learning, as part of a comprehensive educational experience that renders students competitive for entry-level jobs or graduate and professional training leading to practical and productive careers in business, the public service, the professions, and education.

Toward this accomplishment of its mission, Coastal Carolina covenants its cooperation with its sister public institutions, with the public schools, with the business community, and with elected and appointed officials who are responsible to the voting public for the oversight and governance of post-secondary education. The University understands that such cooperation necessarily includes coordination of programs and activities, along with a duty to use public funding efficiently and effectively to make its offerings both affordable and accessible. The institution also recognizes the fact that any public funds appropriated to it must be considered as an investment in the betterment of society, with the anticipated returns being an enlightened populace and economic growth.

COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY:  A HISTORY 

On the evening of July 23, 1954, a group of citizens met in the Horry County Memorial Library to discuss a daring proposal - the creation of a local college. The group soon becomes a non-profit organization, the Coastal Educational Foundation, Inc. Coastal Carolina Junior College opens September 20, 1954, as a branch of the College of Charleston. Fifty-three students were enrolled, taught by a handful of part-time faculty, with classes meeting after hours in Conway High School.

1958
Coastal Carolina Junior College becomes independent when College of Charleston discontinues its extension program. Horry County voters approved a referendum that raises taxes by three mills to provide funding for the college.

1959
The South Carolina General Assembly created the Horry County Higher Education Commission, a government regulatory agency to oversee use of Coastal Carolina's county tax money.

1960
The Horry County Higher Education Commission is responsible for a contract that establishes Coastal Carolina Regional Campus of the University of South Carolina, effective fall 1960.

1961
Members of the Horry County Higher Education Commission and Coastal Educational Foundation, Inc., agree it is time to move to a campus suitable for institutional growth. They select the present site of the University, most of which was donated by Burroughs Timber Company and International Paper Company. A major fund-raising drive raised $317,000 for construction.

1962
Ground is broken for the campus and less than a year later Coastal Carolina's 110 students move into the first campus building, the Edward M. Singleton Building.

1966
With an idea and a gift from William A. Kimbel and L. Maud Kimbel, the Atheneum, the campus symbol, is completed.

1973
USC Coastal Carolina College added a junior year; in 1974, a fourth year is added.

1975
USC Coastal Carolina College awarded its first four-year degree.

1981
Wheelwright Auditorium, the first center for the performing arts in northeast South Carolina, is dedicated. The $3.1 million facility is funded almost entirely by private donations, including a $1.2 million gift from the Kimbel family. The facility is named for L. Maud Kimbel's maternal grandfather, John Wheelwright, who was involved with the cotton trade in South Carolina in the early 1900s.

1987
The first on-campus residence halls opened.

1989
Enrollment reached more than 4,000 students. The number of full-time faculty increased to 175.

1990
The Campaign for Progress surpassed its goal of $5.5 million in fewer than five years, spurring growth in capital projects, the arts, and academic enrichment programs.

1991
On July 23, 1991, the Coastal Educational Foundation, Inc., and the Horry County Higher Education Commission vote to seek legislative approval to establish an independent Coastal Carolina University. USC System President John Palms recommended to the USC Board of Trustees that Coastal pursue independence from the University in name and administration. The trustees adopt President Palms' recommendation in June 1992.

1993
The South Carolina Legislature passed legislation establishing Coastal Carolina University as an independent, public institution, effective July 1, 1993. Governor Carroll Campbell signed the bill during a ceremony at Coastal Carolina on May 14, 1993. The University's first Board of Trustees met for the first time July 1, 1993. Ronald R. Ingle was named the University's first president. Coastal Carolina University began offering its first graduate programs in education in the fall of 1993. The E. Craig Wall Sr. School of Business Administration Building was completed and dedicated in honor of Mr. Wall, who was one of the University's original founders.

1994
The Eldred E. Prince Building, funded by the Horry County Higher Education Commission, was completed and dedicated. New projects included plans for a humanities building, residence hall/dining facility, athletic administration complex, printing services facility, and renovations to existing buildings. The University's first formal Inauguration is held to install President Ingle. A new 400-bed residence hall and dining facility is completed for fall 1996 occupancy; the number of students who live in campus residence halls reached 1,000. President Ingle unveiled a $68 million campus master plan that will guide development of the University to the 50th anniversary of the institution, to be celebrated in the year 2004.

1997
The Board of Trustees adopted A Journey of Excellence, a plan to guide the University into the next century. The South Carolina General Assembly approved $11.7 million for the new Humanities and Fine Arts Building.

1998
The R. Cathcart Smith Science Center was dedicated and a $2 million campaign to upgrade the facility was announced. The E. Craig Wall Sr. School of Business Administration gained accreditation by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business.

1999
The South Carolina General Assembly approved the final funding for the new Humanities and Fine Arts Building. Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited the campus as part of the Kimbel Distinguished Lecturer Series. The School of Education gained accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Board of Trustees approved the sale of revenue bonds to begin construction of a 350-bed residence hall, expansion of the dining facility, and University Hall. Football will be added to the intercollegiate mix in 2003; with football, the University will offer 17 NCAA Division I intercollegiate programs.

2000
To reflect the growth of academic programs and the maturity of the institution, the four academic schools of the University are renamed colleges. The College of Humanities and Fine Arts is named for Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards. A statewide awareness campaign bolstered the University's visibility. The University endowment topped $12 million, reflecting a more than 300 percent increase since 1993; the total number of donors increases by 17 percent in the past year.

2001
The largest freshman class in the university's history boosts enrollment to 4,965 students who represent 47 states and 50 countries. The average SAT for entering freshmen tops the national average. New degree programs in Middle Grades Education, Music, Philosophy, Spanish, and Special Education-Learning Disabilities are approved. A major construction boom which increased campus space by 30 percent is highlighted by the opening and formal dedication of the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the largest building on campus. A $1.8 million gift from the estate of Rebecca Randall Bryan marks the largest single cash gift in Coastal's history. The University brought the Freedom Schooner Amistad to Georgetown for a two-week stay; more than 16,000 visitors, including more than 8,000 school children from Horry and Georgetown counties, tour the ship to learn the Amistad story.

UNIVERSITY TRADITIONS

The University Seal

The seal of Coastal Carolina University designates the founding year of the institution and associates the campus symbol, the Atheneum, with the coastal locale of the University. Carrying the Latin motto, Ex Libertate Veritas _ From Liberty, Truth, the seal refers to the Temple of Athene in ancient Athens where professors and students came together. The Greek temple was named for Athena, the daughter of Zeus, who embodies wisdom and reason. The waves at the foot of the Atheneum acknowledge a diversified coastal environment encompassing a distinctive geography and history, a vital present and an abundant future. The seal was commissioned by Trustee Oran P. Smith as a gift to celebrate the July 1, 1993, establishment of the University as an independent, public institution of higher education.

The University Logo

The identifying symbol of Coastal Carolina University captures the dynamic and traditional commitment of the University to teaching and learning. The Atheneum, constructed on the campus in 1966, is a recognized architectural symbol of a meeting place for persons engaged in literary and scientific pursuits. In the logo, the Atheneum is set against an undulating background that captures the energy and unbounded promise of the institution.

The Presidential Medallion

As symbols of events and affiliations, medallions in academic regalia can be traced to religious orders during the Middle Ages. Since many orders, societies and universities used similar designs _ a circle, cross or an oval _ the detailed artwork in the center of the medallion was adopted to differentiate each affiliation. Colleges and universities traditionally use ceremonial and commemorative medallions for formal occasions such as commencements, convocations and inaugurations, when academic regalia is worn. As part of the first year of Coastal Carolina's status as an independent University, the institution's medallion was commissioned in 1994. The installation of President Ronald R. Ingle on October 22, 1994, was the first time the Coastal Carolina University Medallion was publicly displayed.

The University Mace

The University mace, the symbol of the Coastal Carolina University community, attaches significance to important events of the academic calendar. Commissioned by the Horry County Higher Education Commission, the mace was designed and crafted by silversmith Alfred D. Ward and presented to the University in the spring of 1997. The mace is carried by the senior member of the faculty at the head of the procession during official convocations of the University. When not being used for convocations, the mace is on display in the Wall College of Business Boardroom. The three dimensional 48-inch staff is topped with a 22 carat gold-plate model of the campus symbol, the Atheneum. Modified relief seals of the University and engraved lettering embellish the sterling silver cup. Supported by a base of solid walnut, the stem of the mace is adorned with sterling silver shells, reflecting the coastal location of the University. On the base of the stem is an engraved seal of the state of South Carolina, representing the University's status as a public institution. Originally used as weapons during the Middle Ages, maces came to be symbols of authority and were adopted by officials of English municipalities by the end of the 16th century. Maces are now used for legislative assemblies, ecclesiastical processions, and at college and university ceremonies of outstanding importance, such as commencements.

The Coastal Carolina University seal and logos are registered and are fully protected trademarks. These images may be used only for University-approved purposes and may not be modified in any manner. Unauthorized use of these images is prohibited by law. For information, call the Office of Marketing and Communications at 843-349-2017 or 843-349-2103.

THE CAMPUS

Coastal Carolina University is located in Conway, South Carolina, nine miles from the Atlantic Ocean resort of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The campus comprises 41 buildings on 260 acres including the Center for Marine and Wetland Studies in the Atlantic Center on Highway 501. The University also offers courses from the Coastal Carolina University Higher Education Center in Myrtle Beach and a campus in Georgetown, Couth Carolina. Waites Island, 1,062 acres of pristine barrier island on the Atlantic coast, provides a natural laboratory for extensive study in marine and wetlands biology.

Kingston Hall (Admissions Building)

The Admissions Building houses the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Scholarships and Veteran Affairs, and the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services and enrollment services staff. A laundry facility is also housed in this building.

Arcadia Hall (Athletics Administration Building)

The Athletics Administration Building, completed in 1994, houses the Director of Athletics and the Department of Athletics.

University Hall

The University Hall, completed in 2001, houses the Welcome Center, the School of Continuing Studies and the Campus Bookstore.

Coastal Carolina University Higher Education Center

Established in 2001, the Center is located in Myrtle Square mall, nine miles east of the main campus. Selected undergraduate courses are offered.

E. Craig Wall, Sr. College of Business Administration Building

The E. Craig Wall, Sr. Building, completed in 1993, houses the E. Craig Wall, Sr. College of Business Administration, the Department of Computer Science, the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Psychology and Sociology, Information Technology Services, and the Center for Economic and Community Development.

Edward M. Singleton Building

The Edward M. Singleton Building, built in 1963, houses the Offices of the President, Provost, Executive Vice President, Vice President for University Advancement, Registrar, Bursar, the Honors Program, the Office of Marketing Communications, and the Office of Grants and Sponsored Research.

Eldred E. Prince Building

The Eldred E. Prince Building, completed in 1994, houses the classrooms and offices of the Department of Foreign Languages of the Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the Waccamaw Center for Cultural and Historical Studies, the Office of Academic Advising, the Academic Center, the Office of International Programs, Career Services, Student Employment Services, Career Resource Lab, and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Georgetown Education Center

The Georgetown Education Center, established in 1984, is located in Georgetown, South Carolina, 45 miles south of the main campus. Selected undergraduate, graduate, and community interest courses are offered.

Kearns Hall

Kearns Hall, completed in 1974, houses the classrooms and offices of the graduate and undergraduate College of Education and the Center for Education and Community.

Kimbel Library

The Kimbel Library, completed in 1977, houses a growing 250,000-volume book and media collection.

Atheneum Hall (Public Safety Building)

Renovated in 1989, this building houses the Chief of Public Safety and the Department of Public Safety.

R. Cathcart Smith Science Center

The Science Building, completed in 1982, houses the classrooms, offices, and laboratories of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Residence Halls

The Residence Halls are three separate complexes consisting of six apartment-style buildings (The Woods), housing approximately 410 residents, two apartment-style buildings (The Gardens), housing approximately 90 residents, and another two-building complex (The Rivers) housing 750 residents. Each apartment in The Woods houses four residents. Each apartment in The Gardens houses two residents. The apartments in The Woods and The Gardens are for upperclassmen. The Rivers consists of two buildings,

Waccamaw Hall and Santee Hall. Suites in The Rivers are traditional style. Waccamaw Hall is open to all residents while Santee Hall is reserved for freshmen. The Office of Residence Life is located in Waccamaw Hall 129.

Student Center

The Student Center, completed in 1978, contains services of the Student Affairs Division, student activities; meeting rooms and lounges; a game room; some student organization offices; a snack bar and cafeteria, and a "Cybercorner".

Student Recreation Center

The Student Recreation Center, completed in 1972 houses a regulation basketball gymnasium and complete physical education facilities and the offices of the Recreational Services, Basketball and Volleyball offices, and the Department of Physical Education and Recreation. A later expansion offers a 25-meter swimming pool, two racquetball courts, an activities gym, dance studio, and a weight training room.

Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts

The Edwards College, completed in 2001, houses the administrative offices of Humanities and Fine Arts. It also houses six of the College's seven departments: Arts, English and Journalism, History, Performing Arts, Philosophy and Religion, and Politics and Geography. The building features a recital hall, the Edwards Black Box Theater, and the Rebecca Bryant Art Gallery.

United States Post Office

The US Post Office Contract Station is located in Room 105 of the Campus Services Building on Founders Drive. It handles all student mail and mailboxes, intercampus mail, incoming and outgoing campus mail. It also offers some basic postal services to the community, such as sale of postage stamps, envelopes and the mailing of packages. It does not include general box rental or money orders.

Wheelwright Auditorium

The Wheelwright Auditorium, completed in 1981, offers an 800-seat performance facility for the dramatic and performing arts of the Waccamaw Region.

Coastal Carolina University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the baccalaureate degree and the master's degree.

The College of Education is nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Education.

The E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration is accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Coastal Carolina University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Accreditation documents are on file in the Kimbel Library and may be reviewed in the library upon request.

(SC Code of Laws 59-103-160)

All candidates interviewed for University positions will be evaluated on both their written and spoken English proficiency. Faculty employed will possess adequate written and spoken English skills so as to be able to deliver instruction in an understandable manner. Students with specific concerns should schedule a meeting with the immediate supervisor of the instructor involved.