- Individuals who are committed to supporting and advancing women in higher education
President
Florence-Darlington Technical College
Benita Yowe is an accomplished higher education leader with more than two decades of experience in teaching, academic administration, and workforce-focused education. She joined Spartanburg Community College in 2012 as an Early Care and Education instructor, quickly advancing to Department Chair in 2013 and Dean of Health Sciences in 2019. In 2024, she became Dean of the School of Education, where she championed academic excellence, student-centered innovation, and community engagement. In May 2026, she was appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs at Florence-Darlington Technical College, where she provides strategic leadership for academic programs and student success initiatives.
Before entering higher education full time, Dr. Yowe taught in Georgia’s public schools and later served on the faculty at Albany Technical College. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, and Community College Executive Leadership from Wingate University, reflecting her deep commitment to educational leadership and student achievement. Her contributions have been recognized through honors such as Spartanburg Community College’s Faculty of the Year–Student Award (2016) and Administrator of the Year (2022). She is also a graduate of the South Carolina Technical College System Leadership Academy and a member of the inaugural class of the South Carolina Women in Higher Education (SCWHE) Women’s Leadership Academy.
Vice President
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.
Secretary
Furman University
Sharen L. Beaulieu, SHRM-SCP, serves as Associate Vice President of Human Resources at Furman University, providing strategic leadership for human resources operations and workforce initiatives. She brings more than 31 years of progressive HR leadership experience spanning higher education and highly regulated industries, including manufacturing, logistics, transportation, and distribution. Prior to joining Furman, Sharen spent 13 years as Associate Vice President of Human Resources at the University of New England, where she led workforce planning, employee relations, compensation strategy, benefits administration, and organizational effectiveness efforts. Her career reflects a strong commitment to aligning people strategies with institutional mission, fiscal stewardship, and employee well-being. Sharen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Piedmont University and maintains SHRM-SCP certification. An active professional leader, she is engaged with SHRM, CUPA-HR, SCICU, and regional HR organizations.
Treasurer
Spartanburg Community College
Ann Jones is the Department Chair of Transitional Studies and the Interim Department Chair of Mathematics at Spartanburg Community College (SCC), where she has been employed for 24 years. Ann earned her bachelor's degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of South Carolina-Upstate, a master's degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University, and a graduate certificate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of South Carolina. Ann is a former public school and private school mathematics teacher. She actively participates in the SC Women in Higher Education organization and has represented SCC as its institutional representative for 12 years. She is married to Curtis, and they enjoy spending time with their adult children and granddaughter whenever possible.
Presbyterian College
Dr. Selena Blair is the Rogers-Ingram Vice President for Justice and Community Wellbeing and Title IX Coordinator at Presbyterian College where oversees Accessible Education, Counseling and Health Services, and the Presby First+ program which serves first-generation college students. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Blair understands the importance of ensuring everyone, regardless of faith, identity or background, feels welcomed, valued, respected, heard, and included. For over 22 years, Dr. Blair has worked in higher education and held various leadership positions at the state, regional and national levels. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Limestone University, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University, and a Doctor of Education in Professional Leadership from Converse University. In addition to being a wife and mother of three daughters, she is very active in her church, community, and beloved sorority - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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.
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!
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.
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).
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.
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
Susan W. Pope, The Citadel
Note: Institutional affiliation is at the time of appointment of the Honorary Member.
President and Executive Director
S.C. Commission on Higher Education
President
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
