College of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Coastal Carolina University

Please join us in congratulating Kathryn Feazel-Kwiatkowski, who is graduating with her Master of Arts in Writing degree! Reflecting on her time at Coastal Carolina University, she says the unwavering support of her professors and staff shaped her experience. “Every single one I studied or worked with was dedicated to the humanities and fostering an inclusive, encouraging culture.” A pivotal moment came when she first met Dr. Kate Oestreich, whose guidance inspired her to apply to the program. Balancing her role as a non-traditional student with family responsibilities, she persevered through challenging days. Her proudest accomplishment is simply making it through, and thriving academically. Her work on Out of the Pine, a book commemorating the Wall College of Business’s 50th anniversary, is a testament to her desire to utilize her honed writing skills and love for CCU. Researching Coastal’s history and its impact on the community deepened her connection to the university. After graduation, she plans to pursue an MFA at Sewanee School of Letters while moving back to Southern Illinois. Her favorite memories at CCU include meeting Chauncey and marveling at the teal pumpkins during Halloween. For future students, her advice is simple: “Go for it!" Congratulations to this inspiring graduate as she embarks on her next chapter! #TealNation #CCUGrad

We are thrilled to congratulate Jamie Hedges, M.Ed., for achieving the QM Quality Matters course certification for Math 202: Mathematics for Early Childhood and Elementary Education Majors II on December 5, 2024. Jamie is the fourth to earn this great distinction in the Gupta College of Science at Coastal Carolina University! Join us in celebrating Jamie's dedication and commitment to excellence in online education! Coastal Carolina University #CoastalOnline #QMCertified #TealNation #QMRecognizedCourse

Congratulations to last night's 3MT winners, and all of this year's participants for their amazing presentations. And a special thank you to this year's judges. Participants 1st Place: Julia Crews 2nd Place: Kiruthika Sundurarajan 3rd Place: Lillian Howie Amanda Eisele Saneywongse Le Mar Brittany Horne Chris Divens Zachary Weinstein Judges: Ted Milford, CDO, Conway Medical Center Tripthi Pillai, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Associate Dean Hon. Barbara Blain, Mayor of Conway, SC Iliana Melendez, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students Robert Young, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Research

We are thrilled to congratulate Renee Smith, Ph.D., for achieving the QM Quality Matters course certification for PHIL 101: Introduction to Philosophy on November 18, 2024. Dr. Smith is the third faculty member to earn this distinction in the Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts Coastal Carolina University! Join us in celebrating Renee’s dedication and commitment to excellence in online education! #CoastalOnline #QMCertified #TealNation #QMRecognizedCourse

There was a great turnout for the graduate school session of today's 2024 Recreation Sport Management Symposium! The symposium hosted by CCU's Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance provides an opportunity for Recreation and Sport Management students and industry experts to network, while also providing the students an opportunity to develop professionally and find internships/jobs in the field. Interested in a Master's degree in Sport Management? Learn about the Master of Science in Sport Management here at Coastal Carolina University by visiting coastal.edu/gradutestudies. #GraduateSchool #GradLife #SportManagement #RSM #CMCCHHP #CCU

Congratulations to MBA student Noelani Figaroa, and every international student graduating this Fall! Today the Coastal Carolina University Center for Global Engagement held their Fall 2024 Sash Ceremony. Figaroa, who is from Aruba and is a graduate student, was among 18 students recognized. The event honors exchange students whose program is ending, celebrates graduates, and recognizes faculty and staff nominated by International students for outstanding support. #Graduation #InternationalStudents #GraduateSchool #MBA #TealNation #ChantsUp

The Gupta College LOVES celebrating the successes of our alumni! This week, we are shining the spotlight on Dr. Mathew Stanek, a graduate alumnus who received both his master’s degree and Ph.D. at CCU! Mathew earned his undergraduate degree from Randolph-Macon College in engineering physics, environmental studies, and political science. This blend of coastal and ocean engineering challenges brought him to CCU. Surprisingly, graduate school wasn’t always part of his plan—until a research experience and attending the Geological Society of America (GSA) meeting in Baltimore sparked his interest in further study. During his master’s program, Mathew experienced significant personal growth, realizing that a Ph.D. was the right path for him, despite the challenges. The opportunity to work with Dr. Erin Hackett and her DoD connections was a major influence in his decision to stay at CCU for his Ph.D. program. Mathew’s interest in marine science was sparked by his curiosity about coastal and ocean engineering, as well as physical oceanography. At CCU, the Environmental Fluids Lab provided an opportunity to deepen his knowledge and succeed in challenging topics. His time at CCU was marked by fulfilling experiences, including attending conferences, working on interdisciplinary research, and building lasting personal and professional relationships. Some of his favorite memories include CCU’s baseball team winning the 2016 National Championship, Dr. Tills’ geology field trip to Ocracoke Island, and attending conferences with colleagues. His research projects, particularly in the Environmental Fluids Lab, also stand out as highlights. Mathew currently works at the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC), running oceanography and meteorology models that support the DoD and humanitarian missions. Reflecting on his time at CCU, he credits Dr. Hackett’s mentorship and the hands-on lab work for preparing him to succeed in this fast-paced, high-stakes role. Outside of work, Mathew enjoys sports and outdoor activities like fishing. When asked what advice he would give to future Ph.D. students, he says, “A Ph.D. is challenging and at times stressful. You have to be motivated and willing to put in the extra time and work to succeed. This should be something that is purposeful and aligns with your professional goals.” In five years, he envisions leading a division and continuing to contribute to the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography community! Thank you, Mathew, for taking the time to sit down with us and share your experiences and your advice with our students. We are SO PROUD of you and cannot wait to hear about more of your accomplishments! Coastal Carolina University Coastal Carolina University Alumni College of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Coastal Carolina University

CCU’s support of military-connected students leads to inclusion in Military Times’ Best for Vets colleges list. Coastal Carolina University has earned a spot on the 2024 Military Times’ Best for Vets: Colleges list. More than 300 schools participated in the latest Best for Vets: Colleges survey, which included a variety of questions seeking details about the school’s costs, programs, policies, and services that impact military-connected students. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs also were evaluated. To read more about this distinction visit: https://lnkd.in/eCDDpSjn

We are thrilled to announce the 10th QM course certification Coastal Carolina University! Congratulations to Patty B. Taylor, M.A., for achieving the QM Quality Matters course certification for SCIE 101: Introduction to Science (Lecture) on November 7, 2024. Patty is the third faculty member in the Gupta College of Science at Coastal Carolina University to earn this accomplishment! Join us in celebrating Patty's dedication and commitment to excellence in online education! #QMCertified #TealNation #CoastalOnline

Meet Colin Dzur, a dedicated member of Teal Nation who's been part of the Coastal Carolina University family for years! 📚✨ After earning a B.A. in Middle Level Education and two M.Ed. degrees from Coastal, Colin is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Science with a concentration in Educational Leadership. His goal? To expand his understanding of how both children and adults learn and to prepare future educators for the ever-evolving world of education. He says, "Coastal Carolina University changed my life as an undergrad. I was always pretty good at formal education, but CCU transformed my ability to learn into a love of learning." When he’s not working on his research, you can find him spending time with his wife and two kids, taking road trips, hiking, building Legos, or watching reruns of The Big Bang Theory. He’s excited to one day walk across the HTC Center stage once again—this time, in his Ph.D. regalia. 🎓 Favorite quote: "There is no endpoint to learning." #TealNation #StudentSpotlight #PhDJourney #LifelongLearning #CCU