Dr. Lori Heafner serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education and nearly two decades at HGTC, she brings a strong record of academic leadership, strategic planning, and student-centered innovation.

Previously serving as Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness & Development, Dr. Heafner led key initiatives in accreditation, institutional research, strategic planning, and grants development. She has also served as an adjunct instructor, giving her valuable perspective on the teaching and learning experience.

Dr. Heafner has played a significant role in advancing HGTC’s strategic priorities, including leading the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan and chairing multiple SACSCOC reaffirmation and substantive change committees. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Sciences (Higher Education Administration) from Coastal Carolina University in 2025.

As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Heafner provides leadership for all academic divisions and programs, supporting innovative learning pathways and high-quality instruction for HGTC’s more than 11,000 students.