April 1, 2019

Association Selects New CEO, Wes Hickman

Hickman is tasked with engaging the University of South Carolina’s vast network of more than 300,000 living alumni around the globe, helping them stay connected and providing them with unique opportunities to share their passion for their alma mater.

Hickman currently serves as South Carolina’s chief communications officer and director of the Office of Communications and Public Affairs. Prior to joining South Carolina in 2012, Hickman spent a decade on Capitol Hill working in various roles for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and later at Washington D.C.’s American University. He started his career with Johnson Development Associates, Inc., a real estate development firm based in Spartanburg, S.C.

“I’m proud to be part of the Carolina Family and excited about this next chapter in service to our University, our students and our graduates,” said Hickman. “We’re ready to grow the membership of My Carolina, engage our alumni in new and innovative ways and, ultimately, provide enhanced opportunities for them to build more meaningful relationships with our University and with each other. I’ve been blessed with an incredible support network and I want to help ensure our students and alumni have that same advantage as they seek to make their mark on the world.”

My Carolina Alumni Association activities include providing its members with networking and career building opportunities as well as leading advocacy initiatives in support of the University. My Carolina also coordinates more than 50 individual local alumni clubs in the U.S. and abroad as well as the Black Alumni, Veterans Alumni and Young Alumni councils.

In 2015, a newly constructed Alumni Center was opened in the heart of Columbia’s Vista district. The building features more than 30,000 square-feet of event space and is available for alumni as well as corporate and private functions.

“The UofSC Alumni Association has an incredible foundation and as CEO, Wes Hickman is the perfect, experienced leader to take us to new heights,” said Robert Dozier, chairman of the My Carolina Alumni Association Board of Governors. “We look forward to doing even more to connect Gamecocks with Gamecocks and build an even stronger My Carolina Alumni Association.”

Hickman, a native of Rock Hill, was selected from a pool of highly-qualified and diverse applicants following a nationwide search managed by R. William Funk & Associates, an executive search firm specializing in higher education. He will assume his new role at the alumni association following the spring semester.

South Carolina President Harris Pastides says Hickman’s leadership in modernizing university communications efforts, his commitment to service and his passion for the university’s mission makes him an ideal choice to lead My Carolina.

“Wes has done a magnificent job raising the profile of the university. I’m pleased that he’ll be bringing his talents to the Alumni Association, fulfilling the critical need of keeping our alumni base informed, energized and involved in the future success of our beloved institution,” Pastides said.

My Carolina Alumni Association’s mission is to engage alumni, add value to students and build the brand of the University of South Carolina and Alumni Association. For more information about My Carolina, visit MyCarolina.org.