Officers

Executive Board

Dr. Tondaleya Jackson

President/State Chair

Voorhees University

Tondaleya Green Jackson, EdD, is the Director of the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation and an Associate Professor at Voorhees University, Denmark, SC. Dr. Jackson is a former public-school teacher and licensed educator with certifications in English Language Arts, Secondary Administration, Supervision, and Online Teaching. She has served in various capacities, including academic administrator, faculty member, and program facilitator at diverse higher-education institutions. Her research focuses on adult learners and transfer students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Dr. LaNae’ Budden

Vice President

University of South Carolina

A Virginia native, Dr. LaNaé Budden is a first-generation college graduate who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Old Dominion University, a Master of Arts degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Formerly, she served as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students & Director of Student Activities at Columbia College and Program Advisor for Leadership Programs and Women’s Student Services at the University of South Carolina. She is an executive board member for South Carolina Women in Higher Education and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She loves supporting others who are striving to become their best self!

Dr. Paige Ouzts

Secretary

Lander University

Paige Ouzts, Ph.D., is a Professor of Physics at Lander University. She is a native South Carolinian.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Furman University and both her Master of Science and Doctorate at the University of Alabama.  Her research specialty is applications of Infrared Lasers as well as infrared detection in biological systems.

Doretha Glymph

Treasurer & Parliamentarian

Midlands Technical College

Doretha Hibler Glymph is the Director of CAREERS and TRiO Programs, and serves as the Perkins Administrator at Midlands Technical College where she has worked for 21 years in various capacities. Her involvement in the education arena spans 35+ years.  Doretha holds a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of South Carolina, a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Columbia College, and Global Career Development Facilitator and Instructor Certifications. She is also a former 3rd Grade educator and Adjunct Professor. Doretha has been affiliated with South Carolina Women in Higher Education (SCWHE) for twelve (12) years. She was elected to the SCWHE Executive Board in 2018, has served as the Secretary and Parliamentarian, and is currently the Treasurer.

Members

Executive Board

Dr. Jacquelyn Blakley

Tri-County Technical College

Jacquelyn Blakley, PhD, is the Dean for Business and Public Services at Tri County Technical College (TCTC).  She has been employed at TCTC for 25 years.  Her research focuses on students of color in higher education in community colleges. Prior to working at TCTC, Dr. Blakley was employed with Cryovac as an accounting analyst.  Dr. Blakley serves on various professional and community boards.  She is the past recipient of the Martha Kime Piper award given by SCWHE. She also mentors young people through various organizations. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is married to Milton and they have 3 children, Sterlin (Michael), Briana (Kennedy), Jamal, and one grandson, Michael III. 

Dr. Melissia
Brannen

Columbia
College

Melissia Brannen, EdD, oversees the Office of Multicultural Affairs & Community Resources and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She is an advocate for students and enjoys sharing opportunities that build capacity for acceptance and belonging in higher education communities. In 2022, she completed a doctorate in Professional Leadership at her undergraduate alma mater, Converse University, with a research focus on assessing diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices at U.S. institutions of higher education.

DeVetta
Hughes

Trident
Technical College
DeVetta Williams Hughes is Associate Vice President for Human Resources at Trident Technical College.  Williams Hughes graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Personnel Management and Marketing and a master's degree in management from Webster University.  She is an active member of various organizations.

Leila
McKinney

Spartanburg
Community College
Leila McKinney, MEd is the Director of the AIM Center (Aspiration Inspiration Motivation) at Spartanburg Community College. Leila started her career as a suicide prevention counselor. Leila transitioned to higher education at Clemson University as an Admissions Counselor.  Leila is active in her volunteer roles with Interim Hospice and Project R.E.S.T. for persons experiencing domestic violence.

Kandy
Peacock

SC Technical College System
Kandy Peacock serves as Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer for the South Carolina Technical College System. In this role she is responsible for the overall direction of human resource management programs and initiatives through the development, implementation, and coordination of policies and procedures for the State Board and sixteen colleges. Additionally, she is responsible for providing support, guidance, advice and counsel to the State Board, the System President, State Board Vice Presidents, Division Directors, Presidents’ Council, Area Commissioners, and Technical College Peer Groups on matters relevant to sound human resource practices to include adherence to applicable agency, federal, and state guidelines. She received a bachelor’s degree in business/ retail management from the University of South Carolina and dual master’s degrees in human resource development and management from Webster University.

Susan Wright Pope

IR COORDINATOR

The Citadel

Susan W. Pope, M.Ed. received both her BS and M.Ed. from Clemson University. She is currently the Internship Coordinator in Career Services at The Citadel. Susan has served in higher education administration for almost 40 years at a variety of institutions- private, public, small, and large. She enjoys serving and being an advocate for students in various roles. Susan has served as the first at many things. Most recently in 2021, she started a Circle of Women for female students at The Citadel, the first Circle on the college level in the state of South Carolina. This is a group she enjoys working with because it expands what women can do.

Susan has been involved in SCWHE for almost 20 years. She served two terms as the State Chair/President of SCWHE and prior to that leadership role, she served as the IR for Clemson University.
Susan is the President-elect of SCACE, another state professional association. She has national certifications through several associations and most recently through NSEE and is currently one of only three in S.C. to have the certification through the Experiential Education Academy. Susan has served in leadership roles in the following higher ed associations over the years: NACA, SCCPA, ACU-I, NIRSA, and more. She also serves on several other boards that include the Charleston County Clemson University Alumni Club and Clemson University Women’s Alumni Council. Susan is a lifetime Girl Scout and earned the First Class award (or now it’s known as the Gold Award in Girl Scouts- similar or equivalent to the Eagle award in Boy Scouts- as the highest and most prestigious award in Girl Scouting).

Susan is the proud Mama of her son who is a chef in Charleston. Susan and her husband enjoy the company of their pets- two yellow labs and two cats and the couple tries to walk on the beach a few times a week to enjoy a slower pace of life along w/exercise and fresh sea air in the low country. They also enjoy traveling to learn and see the world.

Leah
Schonfeld

The Citadel

Leah Schonfeld is the Chief Human Resources Officer at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina.  She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Charleston and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina.  Prior to The Citadel, Leah worked as a HR consultant with the Office of Human Resources at the SC Department of Administration.  She has been active with SC Women in Higher Education and served as The Citadel’s institutional representative for several years.  Leah is also an active member on the Southern Region CUPA-HR board and is a past chair of the Southern Region board. She lives on James Island with her husband, two kids, and their lively Boykin spaniel, Blue.

Carolyn
Watkins

Greenville Technical College

Carolyn Watkins is the Dean of Student Services at Greenville Technical College’s Center for Manufacturing Innovation. She is the first recipient of the 2021 Andrea Allison Advocacy Award. Holding a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.A. in Human Resources Development, she boasts a wealth of academic accomplishments, including certificates in management and project management. Throughout her tenure, she has assumed various roles, from Admissions Officer, Associate Director of Admissions, Operations Director of Admissions, Interim Director of Admissions, Dean of Admissions and Center for Manufacturing Innovation – Dean of Student Services, showcasing her versatility and dedication. Presently, she spearheads Student Services at the Center of Manufacturing Innovations, fostering partnerships with businesses and schools to promote educational opportunities. Notably, her efforts have led to a significant increase in k12 being exposed to programs in Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation Technology. Beyond her professional endeavors, Carolyn is passionate about family, friendships, and her spiritual growth. Finally, she established Joseph N. and Mary H. Watkins Scholarship, supporting aspiring GTC students.

Honorary Members

Former Board Members

Dr. Mary Alexander, University of South Carolina

Dr. Sally Boyd, University of South Carolina Columbia

Dr. Willette Burnham, Medical University of South Carolina

Dr. Siobhan Craft Brownson, Winthrop University

Dr. Karen Gainey, Limestone College

Dr. Mary Holloway, Midlands Technical College

Ms. Lisa Mangione, Greenville Technical College

Evelyn Pride, Aiken Technical College

Dr. Terrie Smith, University of South Carolina

Ms. Charmaine Tomczyk, Coastal Carolina University

Note: Institutional affiliation is at the time of appointment of the Honorary Member.

Advisory Board

Dr. Elizabeth Davis

President

Furman University

Dr. Susan Elkins

Chancellor, Palmetto College

University of South Carolina

Dr. Natalie Harder

President

Coker University

Dr. Jeff Perez

President and Executive Director

S.C. Commission on Higher Education

Dr. Walter A. Tobin

President

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College