Winthrop President Dan Mahony said Burkhalter's success as a chief student affairs
officer and the evidence of her commitment to communication, collaboration, and fiscal
stewardship made her the ideal candidate. Her duties include the leadership and strategic oversight of the Division of Student
Affairs to facilitate student success, engagement and retention; management of the
division's $7.5 million budget; and high-level collaboration with other divisions
to support the institution's strategic plan. 
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, vice president for student affairs at the University of Baltimore, was announced
today as the new vice president for student affairs at Winthrop University. She begins
her new role on July 2.
Winthrop President Dan Mahony said Burkhalter's success as a chief student affairs officer and the evidence of
her commitment to communication, collaboration, and fiscal stewardship made her the
ideal candidate.
"This position requires an experienced individual with a strong and abiding commitment
to student welfare and success," said Provost Debra Boyd. "Shelia Burkhalter brings to the position both the knowledge required and the broad
skills needed, as well as the desire and talent to work with students and colleagues
throughout the university. We were impressed with her focus on teamwork, her strong
commitment to student success and her ability to translate that commitment into measurable
results."
Since 2010, Burkhalter has served at the University of Baltimore in Maryland, a comprehensive public institution with 5,500 students. Her duties include the
leadership and strategic oversight of the Division of Student Affairs to facilitate
student success, engagement and retention; management of the division's $7.5 million
budget; and high-level collaboration with other divisions to support the institution's
strategic plan.
"I am excited to join the leadership team at Winthrop University. Throughout the search
process, I was impressed with the collegiality and collaborative spirit that exists
at all levels of the institution. I look forward to working with Dr. Mahony, Dr. Boyd,
the university community, and the impressive student affairs team to enhance the student
experience and inclusive excellence at Winthrop," said Burkhalter.
She has served as a student affairs professional in a wide range of roles. Prior
to her work at the University of Baltimore, Burkhalter served as director of the first-year
experience program at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, as the associate dean
of students for campus involvement at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, as assistant
director of student life at both Michigan State University and Loyola University (Baltimore),
and as director of a living learning center and assistant coordinator for residential
programs and services at Indiana University-Bloomington.
Burkhalter holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication and political science from
Southeast Missouri State University, a master's degree in student affairs administration
from Indiana University-Bloomington and an M.B.A. in management from the University
of Arkansas-Fayetteville.
The university conducted a national search for this vice president position, choosing
Burkhalter from a broad and deep applicant pool that the search committee narrowed
to four finalists. Each finalist interviewed on campus with the campus community.
Burkhalter will replace long-time Winthrop Vice President for Student Life Frank Ardaiolo,
who is retiring after 29 years of service as vice president.
For more information, contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at 803/323-2404 or longshawj@winthrop.edu.
