Dr. Erin McAdams named provost and vice president of academic affairs at Presbyterian College

Dr. Erin McAdams named provost and vice president of academic affairs at Presbyterian College

Dr. Erin McAdams is Presbyterian College's new provost and Vice President of academic affairs.

Dr. Erin McAdams
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Presbyterian College has announced the appointment of Dr. Erin McAdams as its provost and vice president of academic affairs.

McAdams, a distinguished academic leader and educator, has served as interim provost since July 2024 and brings a wealth of experience and commitment to her new role.

PC president Dr. Anita Gustafson expressed confidence in McAdams’s ability to lead the academic mission of Presbyterian College.

“Dr. McAdams is a proven educational leader on campus, having served honorably as a teacher, mentor, scholar, and colleague,” said Gustafson. “Her vision and dedication to excellence and her commitment to the liberal arts have made a significant impact during her tenure as interim provost.”

McAdams said she is overjoyed at the opportunity to lead PC’s academic program into the future.

“It has been my privilege to work with President Gustafson and her cabinet as well as faculty, staff, and administrators to advance the College’s mission of fostering academic excellence,” McAdams said. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve our beloved college in this role and to continue to work with all members of our community to enhance our continued growth and distinction.”

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

McAdams joined Presbyterian College in 2012 as an assistant professor of political science and has steadily risen through the ranks, becoming a full professor in 2023. Her contributions to the institution are extensive, including a recent three-year term as chair of the Faculty Senate. In this role, she worked closely with the president’s cabinet as an ex-officio member and played a vital role in shaping college policies and governance.

McAdams has served on several key committees, including the Provosts’ Deans’ Council, the Curriculum Committee, and the Undergraduate Programs Committee of the Board of Trustees. Her leadership extended to initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion, as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council, and as an advocate for gender equity through the Women’s and Gender Studies Committee.

Advancing Academic Excellence

As interim provost, McAdams spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing academic programs and faculty development. She implemented professional development opportunities for faculty and staff and oversaw the launch of strategic partnerships with institutions such as Midlands Technical College and Tri-County Technical College to attract transfer students.

McAdams’s leadership in the development of the “Innovative Academics” pillar of the college’s strategic plan has also been noteworthy. She introduced the PC Flex program, designed to provide greater flexibility for students, which will debut in spring 2025.

National Recognition

McAdams’s leadership extends beyond Presbyterian College. She was recently selected to participate in the prestigious Senior Leadership Academy, a yearlong program sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges and the American Academic Leadership Institute. The program equips senior administrators for cabinet-level positions at independent colleges and universities.

Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in political science from The Ohio State University, where she specialized in U.S. politics and government, and a B.A. in political science from Allegheny College. McAdams is also a published scholar, with research focusing on political behavior, intra-party conflict, and religion and politics.

A Commitment to Community

Beyond the classroom and administrative duties, McAdams is deeply involved in community engagement. She advises multiple student organizations, including the Political Science Club, College Republicans, and College Democrats, fostering a spirit of dialogue and civic engagement among students. Her role as pre-law advisor and director of the Pre-law Studies Committee underscores her dedication to student success. She also serves the local community as a board member for the Laurens County Community Foundation.

McAdams has been recognized for her outstanding teaching and service, earning the 2017 Professor of the Year award at Presbyterian College and the Excellence in Teaching Award from the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.

Looking Ahead

As provost, McAdams will oversee Presbyterian College’s academic programs, faculty, and strategic initiatives, ensuring the institution remains at the forefront of higher education. Her collaborative approach and passion for innovation promise to guide the college through its next chapter.

“Dr. McAdams exemplifies the values and vision of Presbyterian College,” said Gustafson. “We are thrilled to have her lead our academic affairs and continue to shape the future of our institution.”