S.C. Commission on Higher Education names Missouri Higher Ed leader as new president

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Rusty L. Monhollon, a seasoned higher education leader and history professor from Missouri, has been named president and executive director by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE), the State’s governing body for public higher education in S.C.

“Dr. Monhollon will be a great advocate for higher education in South Carolina,” said Jeff Perez, SCICU president and CEO. “SCICU is looking forward to continued opportunities for collaboration with CHE under Dr. Monhollon’s leadership.”

Monhollon’s higher education experience spans over 25 years, including nearly nine years as a senior staff member and assistant commissioner for academic affairs with the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE).

“I’m extremely proud of the strong relationships we built in Missouri with the state’s independent colleges and universities, which helped to move the higher education agenda forward,” Monhollon said. “The independent sector is vital to the success of any state’s system of higher education. I’ve had the pleasure in my brief time in South Carolina to become acquainted with several SCICU presidents, and hope to meet many more soon. I look forward to working with Jeff and SCICU in pursuit of our shared values and goals.”

Prior to joining MDHE, Monhollon was an associate professor of history at Hood College, a liberal arts college in Frederick, Maryland. Hood College is a member of the Maryland Independent College and University Association, Maryland’s counterpart to SCICU.

In addition to his classroom experience, Monhollon is also a published historian. His publications include: “Baby Boom: People and Perspectives”, “This is America? The Sixties in Lawrence, Kansas” (Palgrave), and “From Brown to Brown: A Century of Struggle for Equality in Kansas”.

Monhollon attended the University of Kansas for an M.A. and Ph.D. in history, both with honors. He holds a B.A. in history and political science from Washburn University. Monhollon’s tenacity and dedication to higher education is evidenced by his working full-time as a welder and machinist and supporting his family while earning his degrees.

Dr. Monhollon succeeds Mike LeFever, CHE’s interim president and executive director. Before his interim appointment with CHE, LeFever was president and CEO of S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc. (SCICU).