Dr. Angela W. Peters joined the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education today as the agency’s Director of Academic Affairs and Licensing, bringing more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, research, and organizational success to the role.

Peters’ career includes senior and cabinet-level positions in higher education at public and private institutions, most recently as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Chemistry at Voorhees University in Denmark, S.C. Her previous leadership positions include Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Albany State University, Albany, Ga., and Vice Provost of Academic Programs at Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C. 

Her experience has led to a deep understanding of academic program management, policy development, and institutional operations. She has extensive experience in workforce development, transfer initiatives, dual enrollment, enrollment management, and collaboration with state agencies. Peters brings instructional experience in virtual classrooms to the role as well, serving as an adjunct e-Professor with the University System of Georgia eCampus.

“We conducted a thorough and highly competitive search for this position,” said CHE President and Executive Director Dr. Jeff Perez. “Dr. Peters stood out as a visionary leader with the blend of experience, insight, and passion that will help our agency shape the future of higher education in South Carolina. I look forward to her leadership of the OAAL and on the CHE senior team. 

Peters holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of South Carolina and completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Hampton University in Hampton, Va. As a post-graduate she also completed the Harvard Graduate School of Education Management Development Program.

Peters has published numerous articles on academic, social, and cultural factors of student retention and completion, and has served on various committees and boards at national and state levels.

CHE’s Office of Academic Affairs and Licensing oversees academic programs, provides reviews, evaluations, and productivity analyses; manages the licensing of nonpublic institutions and distance education programs; and administers P-20 initiatives, such as the SREB academic common market program, and regional contract program. Additional areas of responsibility include workforce development, college completion, transfer, and staff support for the Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing. The South Carolina Veterans Education and Training State Approving Agency (SAA) also reports to the Office of Academic Affairs and Licensing.

The CHE was established in 1967 and serves as the coordinating board for South Carolina’s 33 public institutions of higher learning. In addition to partnering with institutions to deliver an effective statewide higher education system, the CHE acts both as an oversight entity on behalf of the General Assembly, and an advocate for the citizens of South Carolina as they seek opportunities to improve their lives, and those of their families, through higher education