This year’s Spring 2025 Commencement ceremony keynote speaker is Tim Hardee, Ph.D., the Coastal Carolina University 2011 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient.
The commencement ceremony will be held in Brooks Stadium at 9 a.m. on May 9.
After graduating from CCU in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in science, Hardee pursued his master’s degree in education and doctorate in education from the University of South Carolina.
Hardee encourages graduating students to understand the importance of giving their to reaching their goals.
“The one thing I would ask them to take away from the speech is to give 100%. Whether that’s with friends or family or career, to commit yourself to excellence and to give 100% to any of those endeavors,” Hardee said.
Hardee began his career working in K-12 education in South Carolina. He’s served as President of South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS) since 2015. SCTCS oversees approximately 5,000 employees, 140,000 students, 16 campuses and 64 satellite campuses. Horry-Georgetown Technical College falls under the SCTCS umbrella, which offers a Bridge Program with CCU students.
Meeting his wife, Tammy Hardee, is one of his fondest memories of his time attending CCU. They have been married for over 40 years.
In 2018, Hardee and his wife cycled for 12 days to complete the Tour de Tech South Carolina fundraiser stopping at each of the SCTCS schools. The event raised over $90,000 toward scholarships for students attending these schools.
“If we can make higher education, both at the technical college system and at the four-year institution, more accessible for students and more affordable for students, then they have less student debt. And they certainly have a pathway to become a graduate,” Hardee said.
This fall, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster awarded Hardee with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. It is awarded to those recognized for doing incredible work for the community.
If Hardee could go back in time and give himself advice when he was graduating from CCU, he said it would be to keep moving forward.
“Set your goals high and each day, work to improve a little better at your job each day.I think that would be a solid piece of advice in 1978 or in 2025,” Hardee said.
