- Individuals who are committed to supporting and advancing women in higher education
Are you new to academia and looking for ways to connect with other scholars in or outside of your field of expertise? Need to jump-start your career and are looking for mentors to guide you? Then SCWHE events are a wonderful opportunity for you!
You become a member of SCWHE when you support, participate and/or contribute to SCWHE activities. There are no membership dues.
Be a part of a dynamic group of individuals who support the advancement of women – Get involved in SCWHE!
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SCWHE is a partner of the American Council on Education Women’s Network, which provides the national direction for women’s leadership development and career advancement.
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Advancing women in higher education
Welcome to the 2026 SCWHE Annual Conference!
Join us on Thursday, February 19 and Friday, February 20, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Columbia for the 2026 SC Women in Higher Education Annual Conference. This year’s theme is Voices of Change: Learning, Lifting, & Thriving in Higher Education.
This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with women in higher education and gain valuable insights from experts in academia, administration, and student affairs. Institutional Representatives will begin Thursday morning with a pre-conference workshop. All others may begin check-in on Thursday between 11:00am-12:00pm. Conference sessions will conclude at 4:00pm. On Friday, we will begin with a continental breakfast at 8:00am, and sessions will take place from 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.
Don’t miss out on engaging sessions and inspiring keynote speakers. Whether you’re a seasoned higher education professional or just starting out in your career, there’s something for everyone at the 2026 SCWHE Annual Conference.
Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to see you there!
In this practical virtual session, pre-recorded by Dr. Keshia Jackson Gilliam, participants will explore how to negotiate total compensation and advance their careers beyond base salary. Drawing on her experience as a human resources professional and higher education leader, as well as her expertise in synchronous and asynchronous online teaching, Dr. Gilliam will share strategies women professionals can use to seek dedicated professional development funding, flexible work arrangements, and targeted leadership opportunities.
The session also includes a bonus Q&A panel featuring HR experts from colleges and universities across South Carolina. Panelists will offer perspectives on navigating institutional policies and advocating for professional growth.
Dr. Keshia Jackson Gilliam is the Associate Vice President and Director of Human Resources at Converse University. She brings more than 30 years of professional human resources, leadership, and management experience across a variety of industries, including hospitality, nonprofit organizations, retail, corporate sales, higher education, and K–12 district administration.
Dr. Gilliam previously served as Director and faculty member of Converse University’s online Master in Management (MiM) Professional Leadership Program (PLP) and as a faculty member in the Doctorate in Professional Leadership Program. Her areas of expertise include employee relations, organizational development, authentic leadership, professional growth, team collaboration, and workplace culture.
She is serving her second term as a committee member for the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) South Carolina Chapter. She is also a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), CUPA-HR, the Spartanburg Human Resources Association (SHRA), and the Greenville Human Resource Association (GHRA).
A first-generation college graduate and proud Converse II alumna, Dr. Gilliam holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a master’s degree in Human Resource Development. She is passionate about developing people, strengthening organizations, and creating workplace cultures grounded in fairness, accountability, belonging, authentic leadership, and grace.
Be a part of a dynamic group of individuals who support the advancement of women – Get involved in SCWHE!