New dean wants to boost Gupta College’s national reputation 

South Carolina native Chad Leverette has big goals as he prepares to start his new position as dean of Coastal’s Gupta College of Science.  

Leverette is the current dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering at the University of South Carolina, Aiken. It was announced March 14 Leverette will be joining the Coastal Carolina Community in July as new dean of the Gupta College. He said he is very intrigued by Coastal and what the science departments are doing, and he can only see progress in the future.  

“For the Gupta College, they have such strong programs and faculty are doing some really amazing, engaging practices. I really want to help them become more distinctive,” Leverette said. “I really believe the Gupta College could be the STEM leader not only in the state of South Carolina, but in the Southeast, even in the country.” 

Leverette said one of the first things he intends to do is create a vision of where the college sees itself down the road and how it can use its current strengths to get there. This will be the foundation point, and from there the college will build and expand. Leverette wants to ensure students receive not just a degree but also experience in their anticipated STEM field.   

From one side of South Carolina to the other, Leverette will move to the Conway/Myrtle Beach area with his wife. They both love to be active and are looking forward to spending much of their time on campus.  

“Coastal is a great place. It’s got a great reputation and a lot of great things happening, so I’m looking forward to being a part of the Coastal family,” Leverette said.