Recently, Winthrop University has announced that the search for Winthrop’s next president has begun.
In January 2020, George Hynd was selected as Winthrop’s interim president following the end of Dan Mahony’s term. Before assuming presidency at Winthrop, Hynd served as the interim dean for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Hynd has also served in other administrative roles at UTC, as well as at Oakland University, Arizona State University, Purdue University and the College of Charleston.
During Hynd’s presidency, Winthrop has undergone one of the hardest struggles a university can face — a global pandemic. An illness of this magnitude was last seen during D.B. Johnson’s presidency with the influenza of 1918. Through one of the most tumultuous times in Winthrop’s history, Hynd gracefully carried the university into a brighter future.
Though Hynd’s presidency was never meant to last a full term, it is hard to imagine campus without him. The Hynds have quickly become a welcome and expected sight during their evening walks. Seeing presidential announcements has become a part of staying in touch with campus officials. Whether it is physical, digital or emotional, George Hynd has left his mark on Winthrop University.
As Winthrop searches for his replacement, the Johnsonian staff has brainstormed expectations for the new president. Expectations are high, as the diverse populace of Winthrop University has a large number of requests.
Lyn Horton, the podcast editor for the Johnsonian, hopes that Hynd’s replacement will communicate openly with students and faculty alike. Multiple editors have concurred with this, as communication was almost a unanimous desire. Whether this is becoming involved in student activities or sending a newsletter, communication is key at Winthrop University.
Arts, culture and technology editor, David Botzer, added on to the desire for communication by expressing a need for acceptance.
“I hope our next president is not quick to dismiss student complaints or concerns,” Botzer said.
“I want them to put their best foot forward in order to improve our campus.”
Much of Rock Hill’s culture surrounds Winthrop University. Whether it is reflected in jerseys hanging at Towne Tavern or many of Rock Hill’s teachers being alumni, Winthrop is an integral part of the local culture. Assistant news editor, Christian Smith, hopes that the new university president respects this.
“I expect that our new president understands Winthrop University as a community as well as a culture.” Smith said. He agreed with Horton’s desire for communication by expressing a need for the president to feel a sense of duty to the university.
“I think that they should be accountable to Winthrop with a high level of integrity,” Smith said.
While the Rock Hill community will be sad to see an end to Hynd’s interim presidency, the anticipation for a fresh face has begun. No news has been delivered to students as of Aug. 28, but students can expect to hear an update once a successor has been chosen. As of now, the Johnsonian staff wishes Hynd the best of luck as he concludes his time as Winthrop’s interim president.
