Education

Winthrop University names new president

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Winthrop University officials announced that Daniel F. Mahony, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services at Kent State University, will be the next president of the university.

The university began a nationwide search last fall after the former president, Jamie Comstock Williamson, was fired in June.

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Mahony was one of three finalists nominated by the President Search Committee. The executive search firm of R. William Funk and Associates helped the university select potential candidates.

Mahony said he is excited to start his new role on July 1.

“I had the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community and business leaders,” said Mahony. “They all expressed a love for Winthrop and great pride in the student-focused education for which Winthrophas a very well-deserved reputation.”

Mahony has more than 20 years’ experience in higher education as a professor, department head and senior administrator.

At Kent State, Mahony oversees 57 degree programs with more than 600 employees and about 5,400 students. Mahony also had several different roles at the University of Louisville.

Kathy Bigham, chair of the Winthrop University Board of Trustees and co-chair of the President Search Committee, said that the Board of Trustees was impressed with Mahoney’s experience.

“Dr. Mahony shares Winthrop’s commitment to access and quality, and he possesses the talent, experience and temperament we need to move Winthrop forward,” Bigham said.

Mahoney will live in the president’s house in Rock Hill with his wife Laura and their children Gavin, 15, and Elena, 12.

"Everyone we've met has been so friendly and welcoming. We look forward to calling them friends and neighbors," said Mahony.

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