Hinton appointed to lead SC State's student and success retention efforts
The SC State alumnus brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education.
In this leadership role, Hinton will lead strategic initiatives designed to strengthen academic support systems, enhance student engagement, and improve retention and graduation outcomes across the university.
The appointment reflects SC State’s continued commitment to student achievement and academic excellence, which remains one of the institution’s highest priorities as outlined in the university’s Garnet and Blue Strategic Plan. Through this plan, the university is advancing a comprehensive approach to improving student success, increasing first-year retention, and ensuring that more students persist through graduation.
“Student success is at the heart of our mission at South Carolina State University,” President Alexander Conyers said. “Our Garnet and Blue Strategic Plan clearly identifies retention and graduation as institutional priorities.
“Dr. Hinton brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our students. His leadership will help us strengthen the systems, programs, and partnerships that support student achievement,” Conyers said.
Hinton said he was deeply honored to serve in the new role at his historic alma mater.
“HBCUs have long been powerful engines of opportunity, excellence, and community, and I am excited to build that legacy by strengthening the systems that support our students from matriculation to graduation,” Hinton said. “Retention and Student success is not just about persistence; it is about belonging, empowerment, and ensuring every student has the tools and support they need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
“I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and our students to strengthen initiatives that promote engagement and remove barriers, and to advance data-informed retention strategies and holistic targeted programming that addresses academic, financial, and social factors that influence student persistence,” he said. “Together, we will continue building an environment where students feel seen, supported, and equipped to achieve their full potential.”
A proud SC State alumnus, Hinton earned a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in Black studies. He later obtained a Master of Science in postsecondary education with a concentration in higher education administration from Troy University in Troy, Alabama, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership with a concentration in higher education administration from Argosy University in Atlanta, Georgia. He also holds a graduate certificate in enrollment management and institutional marketing from the Richard W. Riley College of Education at Walden University.
Hinton brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, having served in a variety of leadership roles focused on enrollment management, student engagement, and retention. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting student success, particularly for first-generation students and those from historically underrepresented communities.
Dr. Frederick M. Evans, SC State provost and vice president for academic affairs, emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional strategies that support student persistence and degree completion.
“Ensuring that our students have the support and resources necessary to succeed academically is central to our mission as a university,” Evans said. “Dr. Hinton’s experience in retention research, student engagement, and higher education leadership will be instrumental as we continue advancing the goals outlined in the Garnet and Blue Strategic Plan to improve student success and completion.”
Hinton is widely recognized for his scholarship and advocacy related to student persistence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His doctoral dissertation, “Factors That Affect Retention among Freshman Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” examined key influences on student retention and engagement at HBCUs.
He has contributed to several scholarly publications, including “Setting a New Agenda for Student Engagement and Retention in Historically Black Colleges and Universities” and “Critical Assessment and Strategies for Increased Student Retention.” In addition, he co-edited the reference book “Examining Student Retention and Engagement Strategies at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”
Beyond his academic contributions, Hinton has remained actively engaged in community service and professional leadership. He has served as a board member for the former Garden City Preparatory Academy for Boys in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and for the Samaritan House homeless shelter.
He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and a Life Member of the South Carolina State University National Alumni Association, where he previously served as chair of the Public Policy Committee and currently serves as chair of the Affinity Network Committee.
Hinton was selected as a Fellow of the Higher Education Leadership Foundation Institute, joining a prestigious cohort of emerging leaders committed to advancing the mission and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
As executive director for retention and student success, Hinton will collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and student support units to develop innovative programs and evidence-based strategies that enhance student persistence, academic performance, and overall student success.