Coker University president gets contract extension through 2030

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (WBTW) — Natalie Harder will remain at the helm of Coker University through 2030, after trustees unanimously approved a five-year contract extension, the school announced on Monday.

Harder has been president of the Hartsville institution since 2020 and is the first woman to run the school.

“Dr. Harder arrived during COVID and has done an admirable job managing the university through the pandemic. She has led the restructuring of our curriculum and created a welcoming and including community,” board chairman Justin Towey said in a statement.

Officials pointed to several accomplishments under Harder’s tenure, including:

• Revamping of several programs including development of a School of Nursing
• Implementation of diversity and inclusion policies and a focus on reaching underserved populations
• Navigating the pandemic
• Community engagement that’s strengthened ties with local and regional community groups
• Data-based revenue and expense modeling

“There is no place I would rather be, as Coker is grounded in excellence, integrity, innovation and a commitment to doing what is needed to thrive,” Harder said in a news release.

Founded in 1908, Coker’s enrollment is just more than 1,100.

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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12 . See more of his work here .

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