“Tradition, diligence and legacy” are three words Ashley Holloway, associate vice president of university marketing and communication, used to describe Travis E. Overton.
Overton’s celebration of life was held at Coastal Carolina University on March 2. The CCU community came together to celebrate the accomplishments and affect he had on campus.
Overton’s impact on CCU is endless according to staff, students and friends of his. Michael Benson, president of CCU, worked with Overton over the years, and he said Overton was always checking enrollment numbers and he was always full of school spirit.
“In fact, I would venture to say that Travis is busy up there in heaven lining up more prospective students, telling them about Teal Tuesday and what an amazing place Coastal Carolina really is,” Benson said.
Julie Hardwick, member of the Conway City Council and the Spadoni board of visitors, was a friend and colleague of Overton.
Hardwick said she feels like she has known Overton forever, and he was always trying to make the projects in the city of Conway bigger and better. She said his collaboration efforts with the city of Conway and CCU really showed who he was.
“His presence is everywhere,” Hardwick said.
Hardwick said over the years, Overton gave her many pieces of advice that are still stuck with her.
“Tidbits and advice of encouragement was, ‘go be better,’ ‘be better tomorrow than you are today,’” Hardwick said.
Overton began working at CCU in 2007 as coordinator of Greek life up until 2024, where he held the position of vice president for executive initiatives and chief of staff.
Francesca Simon, senior accounting major, said she’s a Presidential Ambassador which Overton established. Simon said she knew him as a mentor who had a great passion to help students.
“He wanted you to do your best,” Simon said.
Students, faculty, family and friends celebrate the birthday of a loved figure within the community at CCU. Holloway spoke highly of Overton and displayed his accomplishments at CCU.
“He was the heartbeat of Coastal Carolina– a true pillar of teal nation,” Holloway said.
