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Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College (left),
and Dr. James Winebrake, president of Coastal Carolina University (right), sign the
new transfer agreement creating a Criminal Justice program pathway between HGTC and
CCU.
The Sheriff’s Foundation of Horry County presents $100,000 to HGTC and CCU in support
of students in the new Criminal Justice transfer program.
Pictured, from left: Dr. James Winebrake, president of Coastal Carolina University;
Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College; and Phillip
Thompson, Horry County sheriff
HGTC and CCU announce a new transfer agreement for the Criminal Justice program.
Pictured, from left: Diane Sanders, CCU vice president for advancement and alumni
engagement; Gibbs Knotts, CCU provost and vice president for academic affairs; Kenneth
Hofmann, HGTC associate professor of criminal justice; Dr. Larry Muncey, HGTC assistant
chair and professor of criminal justice; Dr. Dan Wysong, HGTC assistant vice president
and dean; Dr. James Winebrake, CCU president; Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, HGTC president;
Phillip Thompson, Horry County sheriff; Tom Fox, president of the Sheriff’s Foundation
of Horry County; Shannon Detzler, HGTC Foundation president and CEO; and Donna McQueen,
HGTC chair and professor of legal studies.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) and Coastal Carolina University (CCU) announced today a new articulation agreement that creates a seamless transfer pathway from HGTC’s Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology to CCU’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
The agreement, effective Aug. 1, 2025, allows students to begin at HGTC and transfer up to 76 credit hours toward CCU’s bachelor’s degree program. The first cohort will transfer to CCU in fall 2025. The Sheriff’s Foundation of Horry County has also made a $100,000 commitment to fund scholarships for eligible HGTC and CCU students pursuing the pathway.
Under the new 2+2 pathway, students who complete HGTC’s Criminal Justice Technology program will satisfy CCU’s core curriculum requirement, significantly reducing the time and cost to complete their bachelor’s degree.
“This partnership is about opening doors and building momentum for students who want to serve and protect our communities,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of HGTC. “By aligning curriculum, minimizing credit loss, and collaborating closely with CCU, and with the generous support of the Sheriff’s Foundation, we are creating a direct bridge from classroom to career in criminal justice right here on the Grand Strand.”
“Coastal Carolina University is proud to welcome HGTC graduates into our Criminal Justice program through this pathway,” said Dr. James Winebrake, president of Coastal Carolina University. “Together with HGTC and the Sheriff’s Foundation, we are expanding educational opportunity, strengthening the regional workforce, and developing the next generation of leaders in law and public safety.”
Tom Fox, president of the Sheriff’s Foundation of Horry County, said the Foundation is honored to support the effort. “Our scholarships will help remove financial barriers so more talented students can advance from HGTC to CCU and into meaningful criminal justice careers,” Fox said. “We believe in investing in the future of local students who are committed to serving our community.”
The agreement commits HGTC and CCU to joint recruitment and advising, annual review to maintain curriculum alignment, and continued acceptance of standard and agreement-specific course equivalencies outlined in CCU’s Transfer Guide and Academic Plan.
While admission to CCU is not guaranteed, the pathway provides clear guidance for students seeking a smooth transition, promotes academic progression, and supports career advancement in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and related fields. Both institutions are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The announcement was made during a press conference at HGTC’s Conway Campus with remarks from Dr. Fore, Dr. Winebrake, Phillip Thompson, Horry County sheriff; and Dr. Dan Wysong, HGTC assistant vice president and dean.