Winthrop University
Board of Trustees Retreat
February 25-26, 2026
Hilton Columbia Center
924 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Board Members Present: Trustees Joel Hamilton (Chair), Kathy Bigham (Vice Chair), John Brazell, Randy Imler, Rick Lee, David McDonald, Janet Smalley. Sandra Stroman, Isaiah Venning, Ashlye Wilkerson, and Gary Williams
Board Members Absent: Trustee Tim Sease
President’s Cabinet Present: President Edward Serna, Tammie Phillips, Gary Simrill, Shelia Burkhalter, Kevin Butler, Beverly Gilliam, Kevin Hughes, Amanda James, Chuck Rey and Sebastian van Delden
Other Attendees Present: James Grigg, Hannah Small
(Only attending Trustees, President Serna, President’s Cabinet, Board Staff, and others presenting or participating in the meeting are noted as attendees.)
The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Hilton Columbia Center in Columbia, South Carolina.
Roll Call to Establish Quorum
Secretary to the Winthrop Board of Trustees Tammie Phillips took the roll and confirmed
a quorum of the Board was present.
Public Notice
The meeting agenda was posted on the Winthrop University website with proper notice
of the meeting. The meeting was held in accordance with the Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA).
Call to Order
Chair Hamilton called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. and welcomed all present.
Report from Academic Affairs Committee
Committee Chair Imler discussed the resolution regarding establishment of new academic programs, which includes renaming the following degree programs: B.A. in Art History to B.A. in Art History and Museum Professions, B.A. in Integrated Marketing to B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising, and B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies to B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences. The resolution also adds the following new concentrations: B.P.S., new concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies; B.A. in Music, new concentrations in Choral Music Education and Instrumental Music Education; M.B.A., new concentration in Financial Technology; B.S. in Business Administration, new concentrations in Accounting and Financial Management, General Business, and Business Analytics; and B.S. in Exercise Science, new concentrations in Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning, and Pre-Allied Health.
Report from Committee on Strategic Planning and Facilities
Committee Vice Chair Bigham asked Mr. James Grigg to report on the resolution. Mr. Grigg discussed the details regarding the boiler plant oil tank environmental demolition. The contract is state funded with $1.2 million in funding.
Report from Committee on Finance
Committee Vice Chair Brazell said the resolution regarding the boiler plant oil tank environmental demolition came from the Committee on Strategic Planning and Facilities through the Finance Committee to the full Board of Trustees.
President’s Update
President Serna gave an update on the Winthrop: United in Excellence strategic plan phase 2 implementation. He reviewed achievements to date, highlighting progress across the initiative’s major goals and emphasizing the impact of the work accomplished thus far. He also provided context for upcoming priorities and opportunities for continued engagement with the strategic plan framework. He noted three areas of deeper discussion: facilities, athletics, and strategic marketing positioning.
Campus Master Plan
Mr. Kevin Butler reported that four decision points will be presented to the board for discussion. Mr. Grigg discussed the Campus Roadmap, noting particular projects ahead. Mr. Butler discussed the logistics of a second residence hall and the state approval process. Mr. Grigg discussed the cafeteria renovation, new industrial arts shops on various campus footprints, 3rd party development and the farm, and follow up on Dacus and Dinkins previous discussions. Mr. Grigg discussed working with a consultant and WUREF to initiate a development plan for the 3rd party development spaces indicated on the map. He discussed a perspective plan for the farm area, combining athletic space, 3rd party development, plus research and community space. The Dacus demolition was discussed as a goal by 2036, but Mr. Grigg noted that Winthrop will need to invest funds to extend the life of the library until 2036. The trustees requested the library come down prior to 2036 and as soon as possible. Mr. Grigg discussed various options for a new library and moving forward with state approval; EAAS (Energy-as-a-Service) as the primary path with back up of ESCO (Energy Service Companies). He also discussed the need to develop a plan to surplus the Archives, Canterbury House and Parker Building, along with a plan to transition campus power from Duke Energy to the City of Rock Hill.
Athletics Master Plan
Mr. Rey reported on the successes in Athletics, including academic success and a cumulative GPA of 3.453 among athletes, the highest in school history. Mr. Rey shared the strategic plan for Athletics, a 9-year plan broken into three 3-year cycles: surviving to thriving to excelling. A main emphasis is “student first, athlete second,” focusing on GPA, APR, and GSR. Another focus is institutional visibility and brand enhancement, with Winthrop becoming prominent in the region and nationally recognized. Men’s basketball, esports, and cornhole have been pushing this most recently with views and impressions on social media and broadcast events. Mr. Rey discussed the tiered structure NCAA Athletics will follow, noting the highest level programs will receive the greatest allocation of resources but also will have the most demanding competitive expectations. For Winthrop that will be men’s and women’s basketball as the signature team sports. Mr. Rey detailed the operational cost per student for all NCAA sports offered with a roster total of 315 athletes at ($5,693) operating cost per student athlete. Mr. Rey discussed growth through club sports and the benefits such growth can provide. He reported that Mr. Butler has redeveloped the club sports financial model, which ensures fiscally responsible growth but will not allow for scholarship opportunities (although an option may be out-of-state waivers). Mr. Rey also gave an update on external partnerships.
Strategic Positioning Across Eagle Country
Drs. James and van Delden presented on strategic positioning across Eagle country. They presented the idea of the Eagle nest as the immediate area around Winthrop’s main campus, while Eagle country could include everything from Rock Hill through the Charlotte corridor. They updated on expanding college-level coursework through dual enrollment. Other dual enrollment updates include a fall 2026 launch for general education with Fort Mill and Rock Hill. Another partnership with Rock Hill is the dual language immersion. Dr. James updated on progress from the 2024 partnership launch with CPCC, which offers 40+ academic pathways for traditional undergraduates as well as B.P.S./C.B.E. Dr. James said there are ongoing conversations regarding other ways to partner with CPCC. Dr. James provided an update on the Borders Bill. Dr. van Delden discussed efforts with the Catawba Nation, including Honors College Council, endowed named scholarship/naming opportunities on campus, career center/event participation, faculty consulting, and teaching opportunities. Dr. van Delden discussed experiential learning by leveraging the Charlotte market, such as with the new aviation program; there are also partners in education in the works with the Pearl and Levine Children’s Hospital. A potential space in Fort Mill was discussed regarding intended content areas, budgetary needs, and MOU.
Branding and Marketing Update
Dr. James provided an update on the branding and marketing initiative. An internal rollout began in February 2026, and brand execution and a public launch event are in the works. 160over90 was on campus November 18-21, 2025, for a photo and video shoot which provided a range of photography and video snippets across campus, along with portraits of our brand ambassadors. Dr. James presented assets in use, which included “Bring the You” branded items on T-shirts, canvas bags, and light-post banners. Additionally, Dr. James provided a sneak peek of the updated Big Stuff mascot coming soon.
Government Relations Update
Mr. Gary Simrill provided a summary of information items happening within the State Legislature.
Executive Session-- pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §30-4-70(a)(2)
Chair Hamilton called for a motion to enter executive session pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §30-4-70(a)(2) for discussion of legal matters covered by the attorney-client privilege and discussion of negotiations for proposed contractual arrangements and proposed lease of property for a university program. Trustee Lee moved to go into executive session, seconded by Trustee Imler. Motion to enter executive session passed by unanimous vote.
President Serna, Tammie Phillips and Hannah Small were invited to remain for executive session.
Motion to Leave Executive Session
Chair Hamilton called for a motion to leave executive session. Trustee Bigham made a motion, seconded by Trustee Stroman. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Old Business/New Business
Chair Hamilton asked if there was any old or new business to discuss; no business was brought forth.
Closing Remarks and Recess
There being no further business, Chair Hamilton recessed the meeting at 4:40 p.m. noting the Board would reconvence the following day at 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Board Members Present: Trustees Joel Hamilton (Chair), Kathy Bigham (Vice Chair), John Brazell, Randy Imler, Rick Lee, Janet Smalley, Sandra Stroman, Isaiah Venning, Ashlye Wilkerson, and Gary Williams
Board Members Absent: Trustees David McDonald and Tim Sease
President’s Cabinet Present: President Edward Serna, Kevin Butler, Amanda James, Tammie Phillips and Gary Simrill
Other Attendees Present: Hannah Small
(Only attending Trustees, President Serna, President’s Cabinet, Board Staff, and others presenting or participating in the meeting are noted as attendees.)
The Board of Trustees met on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Hilton Columbia Center in Columbia, South Carolina.
Roll Call to Establish Quorum
Secretary to the Winthrop Board of Trustees Tammie Phillips took the roll and confirmed
a quorum of the Board was present.
Public Notice
The meeting agenda was posted on the Winthrop University website with proper notice
of the meeting. The meeting was held in accordance with the Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA).
Call to Order
Chair Hamilton called for the meeting to reconvene at 9:30 a.m. with a quorum present.
Remarks from the Chairman
Chair Hamilton thanked the trustees for making the trip to Columbia and attending dinner at the Blue Marlin with the local delegation. He commended the trustees for giving the local delegation a warm welcome.
Consent Agenda
Vice Chair Bigham reviewed the consent agenda related to resolutions passed by the committees the previous day, and the October 30, 2025, and December 18, 2025, minutes. The consent agenda passed by unanimous vote.
Closing Remarks and Adjournment
Vice Chair Bigham called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Smalley so moved, seconded by Trustee Brazell. The motion was approved unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 9:47 a.m.
