Trustees Vote Unanimously to Extend Serna’s Contract

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – The Winthrop University Board of Trustees gave President Edward Serna `02 a five-year extension on his contract at the April 25 quarterly meeting. The contract extends from July 1, 2024, until it expires on June 30, 2029.

Board Chair Glenn McCall said board members also voted unanimously to give Serna a rating of exceeds expectations due to the university’s achievements during his more than a year and a half at the helm.

“When the Board hired Edward in February 2022, we were banking on his previous experience as a public university president and a proven record of leading change during challenging times,” McCall said. “He has been true to his commitment to bring robust strategic planning, data-informed decision-making and wide-ranging partnerships that have already had a significant impact on what Winthrop’s future will hold.

“We are happy to see President Serna effectively lead a team that has achieved significant milestones in alignment with the mission, vision and values of Winthrop University,” McCall said.

In the resolution, the Board noted that the president has:

• Seen two divisions, in particular, excel, one that boosted student retention rates, increased freshman and transfer enrollment and another that has increased philanthropic gifts.
• Steered, along with a committee, the university through a strategic planning process, laying out a proactive and ambitious roadmap for Winthrop’s future.
• Reached out successfully to the Winthrop community with a team-led approach that earned positive evaluations from the Faculty Conference, Staff Conference and the Council of Student Leaders.
• Enhanced relationships with municipal, county and regional entities through a collaborative leadership style that has improved the university’s community engagement and regional impact.

“My heartfelt thanks to the Board for this endorsement that means so much not only to me personally but also to everyone who has gotten behind me to make amazing things happen since I came home to Winthrop,” Serna said.

The contract extension will be added to Serna’s current contract so that salary and benefits will remain the same.

Both parties agreed to a three-year buyout clause so that if Serna was recruited away from Winthrop to another school based on his success, the other school will have to pay up to three years of Serna’s state salary to buy out the contract. Likewise, the Board agreed to pay Serna up to three years of his salary if members cancel the contract without cause.

For more information, contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at longshawj@winthrop.edu.