ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University alumni have chosen Dr. David McDonald ’01 to serve as the alumni representative for the Winthrop University Board of Trustees.
The six-year term will begin on July 1.
McDonald, who earned his B.A. in history and secondary education at Winthrop, said that the moment he first stepped on to campus, he knew his life would be forever changed, especially as a first-generation student coming from a single-parent household.
“Over the course of four years, Winthrop provided me so many incredible opportunities to become both a leader and a scholar,” he said. “I’ve dedicated the last 20 years as an alumnus to ensure that Winthrop can become the game changer for everyone who enters this beautiful campus.”
With this win, the Lancaster, South Carolina, native and Greenville resident promised: “I will make it my mission to ask questions, help solve challenges and work tirelessly to ensure Winthrop’s lasting success for many generations to come.”
McDonald has lived in Greenville since 2013 where he serves as assistant superintendent for school leadership for Greenville County Schools. Prior to serving in that role, he served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Lancaster County School District.
During his time at Winthrop, he served as an Orientation Leader, Peer Mentor, Resident Assistant, on the Student Government Association and held other student leadership roles. He was recognized for his service as a student to Winthrop in 2001 with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. Since becoming an alumnus, McDonald has served Winthrop as a volunteer in numerous capacities including the Young Alumni Council, Annual Fund Loyalty Council, Winthrop Alumni Admissions Volunteer, Winthrop University Foundation Board and Executive Committee, Winthrop Real Estate Foundation Board and as a longtime member of the Winthrop Alumni Executive Board where he served as secretary, first vice president and president for two terms.
Winthrop has often invited McDonald back to campus to serve as a guest speaker at programs and classes. In 2011, he had the opportunity to serve as the keynote speaker at Convocation. He has presented to numerous groups in the Richard W. Riley College of Education and other campus groups. Winthrop awarded McDonald the Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2008 and again recognized him for his service in 2019 with the Winthrop Alumni Distinguished Service Award.
McDonald will replace the seat currently held by Jane LaRoche '69, '70, whose term is set to expire this year. She's served on the board since 2010.
