Deborah K. Conner

Dr. Deborah K. Conner is a Clinical Professor at Coastal Carolina University's Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences, where she coordinates the Higher Education and Community Engagement BA program and teaches in the Educational Leadership M.Ed. and Ph.D. programs. With 35 years in education and a 9-year tenure as Vice President for Student Affairs at CCU, she specializes in organizational management, student success, and retention strategies.

• Education:
  • B.A. in Psychology and Secondary Education - Converse College
  • M.Ed. in Student Personnel Services - University of South Carolina
  • Ph.D. in Educational Leadership - Clemson University

Her research focuses on educational leadership frameworks and student retention mechanisms, particularly through case studies like the academic recovery program that earned her the 2022 National Best Practices Award. She has authored publications examining alumni giving patterns in comprehensive universities.

Dr. Conner has received multiple accolades including the Joseph O. Nixon Award (2020) as Chief Student Affairs Officer of the Year and the Ann DeBock Leadership Award (2012). She actively serves on boards like United Way of Horry County and was elected to the Myrtle Beach City Council in 2024.