Meet Our Team
A dedicated team enables SCICU to successfully serve South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities. They are here to assist members, students and families, and the general public in all matters related to independent higher education in South Carolina.
Ashleigh Hohmann
Director of Finance and Administration
ashleigh@scicu.org
803-799-7122, ext. 222
Ashleigh Hohmann joined the SCICU team in January 2025 as the Director of Finance and Administration. In this role, she oversees the organization’s accounting and financial operations, including scholarship and grant disbursements, office management, marketing and communications, benefits coordination, and the execution of events and special projects.
With over 20 years of experience in financial and office management roles, including a decade within the nonprofit sector, Ashleigh brings a strong background in organizational leadership and operational efficiency.
Brenda S. Torrence
Coordinator for Special Projects & Events
brenda@scicu.org
803-799-7122, ext. 224
Brenda Torrence joined the SCICU staff in January 1988, serving as an administrative assistant, then later as office manager, vice president – business affairs, and most recently director of finance and administration.
Prior to joining SCICU, she was assistant vice president and branch manager at First Union National Bank with responsibility for several Columbia branch locations. Brenda resides in Lexington and has one son.
Brenda retired from SCICU in 2025 after more than 37 years of dedicated service and continues to support the organization on a part-time basis.
Carolyn Sloane Mata, Ph.D
Coordinator for Data & Research
carrie@scicu.org
Carolyn Sloane Mata, Ph.D., is a higher education consultant working mostly with private, not-for-profit colleges and their Associations. Bringing 20 years of higher education experience as a faculty member, college administrator, and association executive, Carrie’s expertise lies in the areas of policy, institutional research, and institutional effectiveness. She has served as a National IPEDS Educator since 2016, represented the private, not-for-profit sector on the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative (NPEC), and has been an IPEDS keyholder and state coordinator for many years. In addition, she has held the role as SACSCOC liaison and worked with several institutions on their reaffirmation.