Winthrop University has completed the initiatives outlined in its 2025-26 Winthrop: United in Excellence strategic plan, President Edward Serna announced Monday during a welcome-back event for faculty and staff.
Nine initiatives were identified to strengthen academic programs, student success, enrollment, alumni engagement, employee development and campus space utilization.
Among the academic achievements was progress toward an advanced manufacturing engineering program, which has received significant external financial pledges and is on track for approval ahead of a potential fall 2027 launch. Winthrop’s new bachelor’s degree in health sciences has received approval from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and will have a soft launch this fall. The university is also pursuing FAA approval for its aviation and business management degree, with an anticipated 2027 launch.
Winthrop is transitioning to a centralized professional advising model for undergraduate students this fall while expanding career development programs. Construction is underway on a new Center for Career Development and Internships in the DiGiorgio Campus Center.
The university also introduced its Bring the You branding campaign and launched a Presidential Student Ambassador Program with 35 students. An alumni survey involving nearly 70,000 graduates will begin Sept. 1 following a record fundraising year that generated nearly $12 million.
Employee initiatives included expanded professional development, wellness programs, training and access to LinkedIn Learning and other resources.
Winthrop Athletics also hired its first club sports program director and introduced women’s flag football and Inspire Soccer, a community program for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The university also continued efforts to consolidate campus space and update its master plan.
Students begin moving into campus housing this week, with new-student move-in scheduled for Friday. Convocation is set for Monday, marking the official start of the new academic year.
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Patrick Byrne lives in Tega Cay with his wife and two daughters. After 25 years working for a Big 4 bank, he retired to pursue his passion for writing. Additional articles and content can be found on his blog (reverian1776.blogspot.com) and freethepeople.org.
Patrick can be reach via email at [email protected]
