Wofford College President Nayef Samhat will step down at the end of the 2025 - 26 academic year after 13 years of transformative leadership. Wofford College photo 

Wofford President Samhat to step down after 13 years of transformative leadership

Adapted from information provided by Wofford College News Services

Wofford College President Nayef Samhat announced he will step down at the end of the 2025-26 academic year, concluding a 13-year tenure credited with transformative advancements in the college’s academic, cultural and physical footprint.

“President Nayef Samhat is leaving Wofford College in an excellent position,” said Christopher A.P. Carpenter, chairman of the Wofford Board of Trustees and a 1990 alumnus. “By every metric — academic rigor, enrollment, graduation rates, fiscal strength, and community engagement — Wofford is thriving.”

Appointed in 2013, Samhat guided the Spartanburg-based liberal arts college through a period of major expansion and modernization. His presidency saw the completion of two strategic plans and a record-setting $470 million fundraising campaign, which included more than $300 million in endowment growth. Wofford’s total endowment now exceeds $485 million.

Those resources enabled significant investment in student-focused programming, including expanded opportunities in study abroad, research, internships and community-based learning.Under Samhat’s leadership, the college added eight new campus facilities, such as the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts and the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. Twelve other buildings underwent major renovations, and the college acquired surrounding properties, including land near the Goodall Environmental Studies Center in Glendale.

Additional milestones included the launch of new marketing initiatives, reaccreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the addition of women’s lacrosse and softball teams.

Nationally, Wofford rose in the liberal arts college rankings, gaining recognition for its undergraduate teaching and value. Samhat also served in numerous leadership roles, including chair of the Annapolis Group and as a board member for SACSCOC, the NCAA, and the Council of Independent Colleges.

Samhat, a native of Detroit, holds degrees from George Washington University, Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in political science from Northwestern University. Before coming to Wofford, he served as provost and professor at Kenyon College and previously taught at Centre College.

He and his wife, Prema Samhat, have three daughters and four grandchildren.

“When Prema and I came to Wofford, we didn’t realize how much this place — and more importantly, the people — would affect us,” said Samhat. “We came on a professional journey, and we will leave as family. Serving as the 11th president of Wofford College has been a singular honor and a great privilege.”

The college’s board of trustees has launched a national search for Samhat’s successor, with a search committee to be announced in the coming weeks. The goal is to appoint Wofford’s 12th president by May 2026.

“We are confident that the unparalleled progress Wofford has made under his leadership will make the opportunity very attractive for many great candidates,” said Carpenter.

Cole Swindell to headline concert at Fifth Third Park on June 5

Country music fans in the Upstate are in for a major treat as Cole Swindell, chart-topping singer-songwriter and three-time Academy of Country Music Award winner, will headline the 2025 BMW Charity Pro-Am kickoff concert on Thursday, June 5. The concert will be the first-ever held at Spartanburg’s brand-new Fifth Third Park, home of the Hub City Spartanburgers.

The event marks the fourth year of the tournament’s popular kickoff concert and the first time it will be hosted at the recently opened stadium at 300 W. Henry Street. Swindell, best known for hits like “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” and “You Should Be Here,” will be joined by special guests James Radford Band and Gritty Flyright.

“This is a huge milestone for our community,” said Tyson Jeffers, general manager of the Spartan-burgers. “Cole Swindell is the perfect artist to launch our concert series and celebrate the start of an exciting tournament weekend.”

Swindell’s appearance comes on the heels of his 2023 ACM Awards wins for Song and Single of the Year. With a new studio album set for release in June and four albums already to his name, the Georgia native continues to be a mainstay on country charts. In addition to performing, Swindell will also participate in the golf tournament, combining his love for music and the game in support of charitable causes.

“We’re proud to continue the tradition of starting tournament weekend with a high-energy show,” said Todd Horne of the SCCI Board of Directors. “Cole Swindell brings a new level of excitement that reflects the growth and energy we’re seeing in Spartanburg.”

Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and music begins at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale through nightintheburg.com.

South Carolina Charities, Inc. (SCCI), the non-profit foundation of the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX, was created in order to showcase the beauty of Upstate South Carolina and the hospitality of its citizens to the world; to create an event that brings the Upstate a fun and entertaining week centered around professional athletes and world-renowned celebrities; and raise money and awareness for South Carolina charities.

ReGenesis Health Care hosts 3rd annual ‘A Healthy Woman is a Powerful Woman’ 

ReGenesis Health Care recently hosted its 3rd Annual A Healthy Woman is a Powerful Woman event at the Dr. T.K. Gregg Community Center in Spartanburg. The event brought together a vibrant and diverse community of women, all united by one mission: prioritizing their health and empowerment.

This free, community-centered event featured a powerful panel discussion featuring distinguished female healthcare professionals from the fields of mental health, primary care, dietetics, and cancer research. These experts led engaging conversations on crucial topics including preventive care, nutrition, reproductive health, mental health awareness, and chronic disease management, arming attendees with the knowledge needed to take control of their health journey.

In addition, the event hosted eight vendors from various community and health-focused partner organizations. These vendors offered resources, educational materials, and practical tools to support women’s health year-round. ReGenesis Health Care also provided free blood pressure checks, helping attendees assess and understand an important marker of cardiovascular health.

The annual event draws attention to key women’s health statistics that highlight why such community-based education is vital:

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, accounting for 1 in every 5 female deaths.

• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

• Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression, yet many cases remain undiagnosed or untreated.

• Black and Hispanic women are significantly more likely to face barriers to quality health care, increasing their risk for preventable diseases.

ReGenesis Health Care’s ongoing commitment to women’s health is rooted in its mission to serve its communities of Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties with compassionate, affordable, and high-quality care. A Healthy Woman is a Powerful Woman is just one of many initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers and promoting health equity in the Upstate.

With record attendance, A Healthy Woman is a Powerful Woman has become a flagship event for women’s wellness in Spartanburg.

For more information on ReGenesis Health Care and upcoming events, visit www.myrhc.org or call (864) 582 - 2411. 

Kevin Howell, I.A.P., C.M., will become the next President and CEO of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District on January 10, 2026. Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District photo 

Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Commission names Kevin Howell as GSP’s next President and CEO 

Adapted from information provided by the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport and OneSpartanburg, Inc.

Greer - The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Commission has announced the appointment of Kevin E. Howell, I.A.P., C.M., as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District, effective January 10, 2026.

Howell, who currently serves as Executive Vice President, will continue in this role through the remainder of Dave Edwards’ tenure. Edwards, the District’s current President and CEO, will retire in January 2026 after more than 16 years at the helm and a 38-year career in aviation.

Howell joined the Airport District in 2010 as Deputy Director of Properties & Development, and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2011. Since then, he has overseen operations, capital development, public safety, maintenance, and GSP’s Cerulean Aviation division. In January 2025, he was named Executive Vice President.

During his time at GSP, Howell has led numerous major capital projects and operational advancements, helping establish the airport as one of the best in North America.“I’ve worked alongside Kevin for almost two decades, and I’m confident he will build on the momentum we’ve created and continue leading the District with the same vision and values that have guided us to date,” said Dave Edwards, current President and CEO. “I’m looking forward to continuing to lead the organization in the months ahead and working closely with Kevin and the team to ensure a smooth and successful transition.”

A seasoned airport leader with more than 25 years of experience, Howell is an accredited International Airport Professional (I.A.P.) through Airports Council International and a Certified Manager (C.M.) with the American Association of Airport Executives. Before joining GSP, he served as Director of Properties and Development at Asheville Regional Airport, and previously held positions at Little Rock National Airport and Nashville International Airport.

Beyond his leadership role at GSP, Howell is active in the aviation industry and Upstate community. He served as President of the South Carolina Aviation Association in 2023 and 2024 and has participated in several local boards and organizations.

“It’s an honor to be selected to lead the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District,” said Kevin Howell. “I’m grateful to the Commission for their trust and support, and to Dave for his leadership over the years. I look forward to continuing to work with our outstanding team to serve our community and build on the strong reputation that’s been established at GSP.”

Minor Shaw, Chair of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Commission, expressed her appreciation for Edwards’ leadership and confidence in the District’s future.

“Dave has led this organization with integrity and a focus on excellence,” Shaw said. “We are fortunate to have a leader like Kevin Howell prepared to step into this role. The Commission is confident in Kevin’s ability to lead GSP into the future.” 

S.C. Athletic Hall of Fame and the S.C. State Museum announce unique partnership

Columbia – The South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame has finally found a home, sixty-five years after inaugurating its first class of inductees.

The South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame and the South Carolina State Museum are proud to announce a unique partnership that will honor the Palmetto State’s greatest individual athletes along with its rich sports history. The State Museum will serve as the Athletic Hall of Fame’s “home” as the best center to help recognize the nearly 350 members already enshrined and those who will forever follow.

The formal announcement was made on May 18 at the Museum as part of the SCAHOF’s annual President’s Reception. Media is invited.

The State Museum, which features four floors of exhibitions housed within the historic Columbia Mills Building, is located along the banks of the Congaree River in downtown Columbia at 301 Gervais Street.

“This is another terrific day in the history of athletics in South Carolina, and we’re thrilled to partner with the South Carolina State Museum,” said SCAHOF Executive Director Andy Solomon of Charleston. “Since our inception we’ve lived by word of mouth, during our annual induction ceremony and banquet, and most recently the internet and social media.

“And as we say in sports, this is a ‘game changer’ for us both.”  

The South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, formed in the late 1950s by the South Carolina Associa-tion of Sportswriters, inducted its first class in 1960. The class included Rex Enright (USC), Walter Johnson (Presbyterian), Banks McFadden (Clemson), Dode Phillips (Erskine), Frank Selvey (Furman) and Steve Wadiak (USC). Clemson football coach Frank Howard served as the organization’s first president.

"South Carolina is filled with a sports history that’s rich and we’re delighted to share the wonderful stories and accomplishments of our inductees,” Solomon added. “To have a physical place to call ‘home’ was something we've wanted for decades and difficult to bring to fruition. Thanks to the state of South Carolina and the State Museum’s board and administration, as this dream is finally coming true."

“The State Museum is committed to preserving and sharing objects and stories that reflect the history and culture of our state,” said State Museum Executive Director, Amy Bartow-Melia. “We believe this partnership will help us further enhance our ability to spark curiosity and inspire learning in our guests and highlight the amazing achievements of South Carolina athletes.”

The 10-member induction class of 2025 includes Lower Richland High’s Richard Seymour, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, World Cup standout Clint Dempsey of Furman and Coastal Carolina baseball coach Gary Gilmore, who led the Chanticleers to the 2016 NCAA title.

Also being enshrined include the University of South Carolina’s All-American catcher Landon Powell and five-time WNBA All-Star and Olympian Shannon Johnson of Hartsville; Clemson offensive lineman Harold Olson, who helped the Tigers to the 1958 and ’59 ACC titles and Susan Hill-Whitson, the most celebrated tennis player in Clemson history; and Ralph Lundy, who led Erskine and College of Charleston soccer to unprecedented heights. Erskine basketball legend Don Whitehead and Claflin’s storied women’s basketball coach Nelson Brownlee will be enshrined posthumously.

Being recognized with the Willie Jeffries Ambassador for Sports Award will be Kerry Tharp of Darlington, and the South Carolina All-Sports Officials will be honored with the Bobby Richardson Sportsmanship Award. Jim Hudson of Columbia will be presented the Felix “Doc” Blanchard Citizen for Sports Award, while Pete Iacobelli will be bestowed the Herman Helms Excellence in Media Award.