Over the summer, new officers were elected to lead Lander University's Board of Trustees: Dr. Linda Dolny, of Clinton, as Chair; Cary C. Corbitt, of Sea Pines, as Vice-Chair; and Catherine Lee, of Florence, as Secretary.
Having had time to transition into their new roles, Dolny shares some of the goals of the Lander Board.
Even though enrollment for many colleges and universities in the state has declined in recent years, Lander began its 2017-18 academic year with record freshman enrollment. "Teaming with the Lander administration, we are working on ways to help students with reducing student debt and making sure they are able to achieve the education they need for admission to graduate school or solid employment in their chosen careers," said Dolny.
That sentiment was echoed by Lander President Dr. Richard Cosentino during his annual State of the University Address in September. "Lander has only two acceptable outcomes for its students following graduation: they either launch their careers, or they advance to graduate school. That is the Lander brand," he said.
In describing the overall strengths and personality of the Board based upon its leadership, Dolny emphasized the diversity of its members' backgrounds. "This is a strong board dedicated to the success of Lander and its students. Different life experiences and talents are represented by the members, which encourages different perspectives needed to support our current administration and meet our responsibilities," she said.
Dolny, a Lander alumna, left a successful business career in 2010 to earn her Master's degree in Religion from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. Before that, she was president and owner of PML Associates, Inc., a company focused on experiential training; and also enjoyed a 15-year career with Union Carbide Corporation. In addition to serving on a variety of boards for other organizations, Dolny is involved in volunteer work throughout the community and has won numerous business-related awards, including being named Small Business Champion by NationsBank.
Corbitt, also a Lander graduate, is president of the South Carolina Low Country Golf Course Owners Association, and serves on the Board of Directors for the RBC Heritage Classic Foundation and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A golf professional at Ocean and Sea March Golf Courses in Hilton Head Island, he is Vice President of Sports and Operations for the Sea Pines Resort.
Lee, a graduate of the University of South Carolina's Moore School of Business, brings a strong business background to her position on the Lander Board. Specializing in leadership development and organizational design, she is the Corporate Vice President of Service Excellence for McLeod Health in Florence, after serving as the organization's Corporate Chief of Staff. Before joining McLeod Health, she was Vice President and Consultant of Patient Satisfaction Services for Professional Research Consultants.
Dolny says the officers are committed to the continued growth of the Board. "Redefining how we work with each other, the university and our constituents are important," she said. "(In addition to) updating the bylaws and examining our committee structure, we are becoming more involved with our state delegations and continuously looking for ways to get the story of Lander University to as many people as possible."