Melissa Batten has been selected to serve as interim president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Conway, South Carolina. The two-year college enrolls more than 7,900 students, 64 percent of whom are women. Dr. Batten is slated to begin her interim presidency on August 1.
“Dr. Batten brings steady leadership, institutional knowledge, and a clear focus on student success,” said board chair Robert P. Hucks. “The board has full confidence in her ability to guide the college during this transition and maintain our commitment to serving students and our community.”
Dr. Batten has served in several leadership roles at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, most recently as vice president for student affairs. She previously served as assistant vice president. Throughout her tenure, she has overseen various key institutional initiatives that support student engagement, access, and completion.
“I am honored to serve HGTC in this capacity,” said Dr. Batten. “I value the opportunity to work alongside our dedicated faculty and staff as we continue to focus on student success and support the communities we serve.”
Dr. Batten is a graduate of Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina, where she majored in psychology. She holds a master’s degree in education, a graduate certificate in higher education leadership, and a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of South Carolina.


