Student Success - Coastal Carolina University
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Celebrating Student Success

We take immense pride in the accomplishments of our students who continually demonstrate excellence, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their fields. Meet some of our outstanding students who have achieved remarkable success:

Mackenzie Cannon: Illuminating Change Through Data

Mackenzie Cannon, exemplifies the power of data to drive positive change. Mackenzie's dedication to data analysis and visualization led her to create an interactive dashboard for the South Michigan Food Bank, revolutionizing the way in which the food bank viewed the needs in their service area.  Her work caught the attention of ESRI, a global leader in mapping and spatial analytics, featured her work in their industry journal in a story entitled A Food Bank for the Future.  Mackenzie's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to us all, showcasing the transformative potential of data in addressing real-world challenges.   Mackenzie is currently working as an Administrator in Training for CareRite Centers in Nashville, TN.  She is also pursing her MBA with a concentration in Health Administration here at CCU

Diana Rodriguez Hernandez: Pioneering Change in Health Policy

Diana Rodriguez Hernandez made history as the first recipient from the Health Administration program of the prestigious Dyer's Fellowship.  The highly competitive program provides students the opportunity to connect academic theory to practice.  

Diana embarked on a groundbreaking research project that delved into the critical issue of opioid use reduction in Horry County. Her work was more than academic; it was a quest to address a pressing public health crisis.  Her findings offered valuable insights into the strategies and interventions needed to combat the opioid epidemic. Diana's work not only contributed to the academic community but also had the potential to shape real-world policies aimed at saving lives. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the profound impact that CCU students can have on the world.  Diana is currently working as a Data Analyst at Cregger, Inc in Columbia, SC.  

Whether it's through groundbreaking research, community engagement, or entrepreneurial ventures, at CCU, we empower our students to make a difference and leave a lasting impact.