- Individuals who are committed to supporting and advancing women in higher education
President/State Chair
Voorhees University
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!
Secretary
Lander University
Treasurer & Parliamentarian
Midlands Technical College
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
The mission of South Carolina Women in Higher Education (SCWHE) is to provide support that includes encouragement, empowerment, and professional development to all faculty, staff, and students who identify as women and work or take classes in higher education entities within South Carolina. SCWHE aims to increase diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and the number of women in leadership positions throughout higher education systems statewide. SCWHE is affiliated with the American Council on Education’s Inclusive Excellence Group, (formerly the Office on Women) and the American Council on Education’s Women’s Network. SCWHE also joins with other organizations to foster an educational, social, and political environment in which women in all their diversity and richness gain a greater voice.
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