Here's why Coastal Carolina University's new president chose to come to Conway

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  Food and Wine on Mon, Nov 03rd, 2025 by Post and Courier

James Winebrake Takes the Helm at Coastal Carolina University: A Vision for Growth, Innovation, and Community

When the Board of Trustees of Coastal Carolina University (CCU) announced the appointment of James Winebrake as its next president, the announcement was met with enthusiasm from students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Myrtle Beach community. Winebrake, a seasoned engineer and executive with a proven track record in academia and industry, brings a fresh perspective to a university that has long been a regional hub for research, higher education, and economic development.

A Background Rooted in STEM and Service

Winebrake earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and spent the first decade of his career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he led several high‑profile missions, including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Cassini–Huygens probe. In 2010 he transitioned to the private sector, holding senior roles at aerospace and technology companies before joining the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as Vice President for Academic Affairs. His tenure there was marked by a 20 % increase in STEM enrollment and the launch of a new interdisciplinary research center.

“I’ve always believed that education is the most powerful tool for transformation,” Winebrake said in a campus-wide address. “My goal is to make CCU a place where students, faculty, and the community can collaborate on solutions that matter.”

Expanding Academic Horizons

One of Winebrake’s first priorities has been to broaden the academic portfolio of CCU. Under his leadership, the university has introduced a new College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, designed to attract both undergraduate and graduate students interested in emerging fields such as robotics, data analytics, and sustainable energy. In partnership with local businesses and the state government, CCU is also developing a dual‑degree program that allows students to earn credentials in both engineering and business administration—an initiative that has already attracted over 150 new applicants.

Winebrake is also focused on enhancing the quality of the existing programs. He has championed faculty development grants, expanded tenure‑track positions, and invested in modernizing laboratories and research facilities. The result is a 12 % increase in grant revenue over the past two years and the launch of the “Innovation Incubator,” a startup accelerator that connects students with mentors from the tech industry.

Strengthening Community Ties

Beyond academic expansion, Winebrake has been a vocal advocate for community engagement. In 2022, he signed a memorandum of understanding with the Myrtle Beach Tourism Board and the South Carolina Coastal Council to create a “Student‑Led Conservation Initiative.” This program gives students hands‑on experience in coastal restoration projects, monitoring marine biodiversity, and developing sustainability metrics that can be shared with policymakers.

The partnership also includes an internship pipeline that places over 200 students in local nonprofit and government agencies each year, providing both workforce development for the region and experiential learning for students. Winebrake’s efforts have earned him recognition from the Coastal Carolina Chamber of Commerce, which cited CCU as a “key partner in driving economic growth along the southeastern coast.”

Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Winebrake’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is evident in his policy agenda. The university has established a new Office of Equity and Inclusion, staffed by experts in social justice, curriculum design, and community outreach. Winebrake’s administration has also expanded scholarships for first‑generation college students and implemented mandatory DEI training for all faculty and staff.

During a recent town hall, a student asked how the university plans to keep up with changing demographic trends. Winebrake replied, “We’re not just looking to be inclusive; we’re looking to be representative. The data shows that the next generation of students will be more diverse than ever, and we must adapt to serve them effectively.”

Infrastructure and Sustainability

Infrastructure upgrades are another cornerstone of Winebrake’s vision. The university’s 2024 capital plan includes a new state‑of‑the‑art student recreation center, an expanded library with 3D‑printing labs, and the renovation of the historic Hatcher Hall into a research hub. Sustainability is woven into every project, with a goal of achieving LEED Gold certification for all new buildings.

In the past year, CCU completed the installation of a 1.2‑MW solar array on the roof of the Student Union—a first for a public university in South Carolina. The project is projected to offset 5 % of the campus’s annual energy consumption and reduce operating costs by $250,000 per year.

Looking Ahead

Winebrake’s tenure is already reshaping the narrative around CCU’s role as a regional powerhouse. With a strong emphasis on STEM, community partnership, DEI, and sustainability, he is positioning the university as a model for how public institutions can innovate while staying rooted in their local context.

The Board of Trustees has expressed confidence in Winebrake’s leadership, citing his record of transformative change and his ability to galvanize stakeholders across the spectrum. As CCU moves forward, stakeholders are watching closely to see how his initiatives will translate into higher graduation rates, increased research output, and a stronger, more inclusive community.

Key Resources

• Coastal Carolina University President James Winebrake profile: https://www.postandcourier.com/myrtle-beach/news/coastal-carolina-university-president-james-winebrake/article_0d689323-3682-40f3-b0bf-d1a75103f5cf.html
• CCU’s Office of Equity and Inclusion: https://www.ccu.edu/office-equity
• Solar array project details: https://www.ccu.edu/energy-sustainability
• Myrtle Beach Tourism Board partnership announcement: https://www.myrtlebeach.com/tourism/partnerships