Winthrop University President Edward Serna

08/29/2026

For 20 years (and we know it will be many more), ’s Master of Social Work program has produced compassionate and dedicated people who go on to improve the lives of their peers and communities in South Carolina and beyond. Today we celebrated that anniversary with a proclamation event, including recognition from city and state leadership.

08/28/2026

Did you know that 's Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, the City of Rock Hill, SC, Rock Hill Police, and local business owners have observed the Town & Gown Compact for 36 years?

This annual event brings everyone to campus to commemorate and strengthen the long-standing partnership between our organizations to work together and uphold the values of cooperation and civic responsibility. The 2026 event included signatures from myself, student representatives from all of our Greek Life organizations, Winthrop Police Chief Charles Yearta, Vice President for Student Affairs Shelia Burkhalter, Assistant Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life LaPorcha Ellick, Rock Hill Mayor Pro Tem John Black '91, Rock Hill Deputy Police Chief Michael Belk, and Walk2Campus COO Brad Hastings.

08/26/2026

Earlier this summer, incoming student Dante reached out to introduce himself virtually, so as soon as the semester began, I knew we had to connect in person. An elementary education major from Columbia, Dante is part of the Call Me MISTER program, which helps recruit, train, and certify students who are planning to teach in South Carolina's public schools. Dante's future students will be in good hands because his positive energy is just infectious.

Our conversation also reminded me that my office hours for students for the fall and spring semesters are officially live. You can sign up for the date of your choice here: https://bit.ly/469c1ed

08/25/2026

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Winthrop observes what we call common time. There are no classes scheduled from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on those days so that students can host and attend cultural events, table for their clubs and organizations, grab a bite to eat, attend meetings, and more. That’s why you’ll see so much activity around the Campus Green during that time…like today! I was on my way to a student meeting so I didn’t get to explore as much as I wanted to, but some of today’s good work included the Community Peer Educators’ meet and greet, Omega Psi Phi’s fun fundraising initiative, Baptist Campus Ministries’ promoting the upcoming luau event, Bring the Healthy You from Health and Counseling Services, and much more.

08/25/2026

Definitely feeling all the feels this morning, and I can especially relate to our students’ parents more than ever now: our oldest, Anna Kate, is officially a Eagle! 🦅 She’s participating in our awesome (and growing!) dual enrollment program.

08/24/2026

08/21/2026

Today has been one full of great conversations and great people.

This morning I had the best helpers at Move In (otherwise known as my wife Lauren and my oldest daughter Anna Kate...I'm sure my youngest daughter Caroline would have been a huge help too, but hey, she was in school!) along with Board of Trustees members, executive leadership, alumni, awesome teams like women's softball, and more.

Then we moved on over to the Coliseum to connect with our Alumni Executive Board, which had also helped at Move In. Looking forward to Convocation!

08/17/2026

Next Monday, we'll officially kick off 's 141st academic year with Convocation. But today was all about faculty and staff! We gathered together for the Welcome Back address, where we celebrated the great work from this past year (including record-breaking fundraising, national sports titles, and new programs) and looked forward to the many exciting things in store. Go Eagles!

08/14/2026

Just one week from Freshmen Move In! Provost Sebastian van Delden and I have been hitting the gym so we can be ready to lift those boxes, suitcases, and whatever else we can to help our new students move in.

Just hoping I don't have to take any futons up to the 3rd floor of Margaret Nance again...

08/06/2026

to just a week ago, when Athletics Director Chuck Rey and I had the honor of sharing 's positive momentum with the Fort Mill Rotary Club.

If you need a refresher on that "positive momentum," we mean: growing enrollment, record-setting fundraising, new partnerships that are creating opportunities for students, businesses, and communities across York County, expanded opportunities for student-athletes in our nationally recognized NCAA Division I programs, and exciting new club sports initiatives. Thank you to Fort Mill Councilman Chris Moody '08 for inviting us!

Fun fact: The Honorable Guynn Savage, mayor of Fort Mill, is a 1978 graduate.