The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education Board of Commissioners has named Dr. Karen Woodfaulk as the acting president and executive director of the agency effective Jan. 22.

CHE Board of Commissioners Chair Wes Hayes praised Woodfaulk's leadership qualities and dedication to the advancement of higher education when he announced the appointment during the Jan. 18 CHE business meeting.

Woodfaulk is currently the director of the Office of Student Affairs and is one of the longest-serving members of the CHE staff, joining the agency in 1992.  In that time, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the administration of state-administered scholarships, fostering college access, and contributing to the overall quality of higher education in the state.

Previous President and Executive Director Dr. Rusty Monhollon served as agency head since 2019; his final day in the position was Jan. 19. The selection process for an interim president and executive director will take place in the coming weeks.