Winter Break

Dec. 21, 2021

Dear CCU faculty and staff,

It brings me great joy to wish you the happiest of holidays and to share with you my sentiments as we transition from our daily work here at CCU to the precious time off just ahead. The one finite resource we all have in common is time, and we can’t make any more of it. So enjoy this time away from campus and from your respective duties and obligations. Unplug. Unwind. And refresh.

While the holidays are celebrated by honoring many diverse customs and traditions, we can share a common intention. My hope is that everyone in Teal Nation will take this time to slow down, and thoughtfully focus on cherishing these moments.   

COVID has taught us many lessons. One thing is for sure – every single moment is a gift.

So I ask you to please, with all intent and focus, ENJOY! Step away from your email and text messages so that you can totally engage in having fun, celebrating the time off, and getting some well-deserved rest.   

I count myself so blessed to be surrounded by such dedicated faculty and staff who genuinely love Coastal Carolina University. In order for us to stay in love with this special place, we must step away from our work responsibilities during the winter break.  

My family and I love being Chanticleers. Teal Nation encompasses every aspect of this amazing University, from the prospective students and their families, to the alumni and retired faculty and staff. And I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge how CCU football and its historic win in the Cure Bowl expand the reputation of Teal Nation. Just yesterday, Coastal was featured in Forbes about the reach of our national brand and the positive impact this has had on our entire campus. Congratulations, CCU football, and thank you for your hard work.   

As we turn the page on 2021 to begin this next chapter, our shared passion for Coastal Carolina will serve us well. It’s the perfect foundation to build our future together, a future that holds limitless possibilities. This makes me both grateful and energized.  

Please know how fortunate I feel to be here with you at CCU. Thank you for making this first year as your president such a welcoming experience for the entire Benson family.

We join together in wishing very happy holidays to those who celebrate, with hopes for a magnificent 2022.  

In Teal Nation spirit,

Michael T. Benson