South Carolina State University has appointed Dr. Samuel L. Hinton as the executive director for retention and student success, serving within the Office of the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs.
In this leadership role, Hinton will lead strategic initiatives designed to strengthen academic support systems, enhance student engagement, and improve retention and graduation outcomes across the university.
The appointment reflects SC State’s continued commitment to student achievement and academic excellence, which remains one of the institution’s highest priorities as outlined in the university’s Garnet and Blue Strategic Plan. Through this plan, the university is advancing a comprehensive approach to improving student success, increasing first-year retention, and ensuring that more students persist through graduation.
“Student success is at the heart of our mission at South Carolina State University,” President Alexander Conyers said. “Our Garnet and Blue Strategic Plan clearly identifies retention and graduation as institutional priorities.
“Dr. Hinton brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our students. His leadership will help us strengthen the systems, programs, and partnerships that support student achievement,” Conyers said.
Hinton said he was deeply honored to serve in the new role at his historic alma mater.
“HBCUs have long been powerful engines of opportunity, excellence, and community, and I am excited to build that legacy by strengthening the systems that support our students from matriculation to graduation,” Hinton said. “Retention and Student success is not just about persistence; it is about belonging, empowerment, and ensuring every student has the tools and support they need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
“I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and our students to strengthen initiatives that promote engagement and remove barriers, and to advance data-informed retention strategies and holistic targeted programming that addresses academic, financial, and social factors that influence student persistence,” he said. “Together, we will continue building an environment where students feel seen, supported, and equipped to achieve their full potential.”
A proud SC State alumnus, Hinton earned a Bachelor
