2021 Alumni Award WinnersAlgernon Sydney Sullivan Award
1995, Doctor of Philosophy in Education Administration, College of Education, University of South Carolina
Dennis Pruitt, vice president for student affairs and vice provost at the University of South Carolina, has led the University’s Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support since 1983. He designed the university’s first and award-winning enrollment-management model, developed what is widely regarded as one of the earliest and most thorough strategic-planning processes in the field and significantly enhanced the university’s student-service programs. Additionally, Dr. Pruitt has successfully recruited, developed and retained nationally recognized Student Affairs leaders. These well-respected professionals have been instrumental in the establishment and ongoing implementation of key educational and service programs that support USC students.
In 2011, NSAPA Student Affairs Administrators in higher education honored Pruitt with the Scott Goodnight Award for outstanding service as a Dean, one of the organization’s most prestigious awards.
Pruitt’s other awards include NASPA Southeast Region’s John Jones Award for Outstanding Performance as a Senior Student Affairs Officer, NASPA’s Outstanding Pillars of the Profession Award, NASPA Southeast Region’s Bob E. Leach Award for Dedicated and Outstanding Service to Students and the Armstrong State College Distinguished Alumni Award.
Pruitt earned his Doctorate in Education Administration, Student Personnel Services, from South Carolina and the Gamecock legacy runs deep with his wife, Tricia, and all four of their children, Dennis, Jr., Matt, Kaitlyn and Christopher earning degrees from the University of South Carolina.
2021 Alumni Award WinnersOutstanding Black Alumni Award
2010, Doctor of Philosophy in Education Administration, College of Education, University of South Carolina
1996, Master of Education, College of Education, University of South Carolina
1994, Bachelor of Arts in English, College of Arts and Science, University of South Carolina
Dr. Hope Rivers is a three-time alumna of the University of South Carolina earning her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration, a Certificate in Higher Education Leadership, a Master of Education in Community and Occupational Programs in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in English.
She has dedicated herself to a 25-year career in higher education.
In January 2021, Dr. Rivers assumed the presidency at Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, South Carolina. She is the first woman and person of color to serve as president of the technical college.
Dr. Rivers is a Riley Fellow and a graduate of LeadershipSC. In 2019, she was named SC Woman on the Move by the SC Chapter for American Association for Women in Community Colleges.
In addition to her professional accolades, Dr. Rivers has been married for 20 years to her husband, Thomas, and they are the proud parents of two daughters, Taylor, and Hannah, a current USC student. Dr. Rivers is an avid reader and loves the arts. She enjoys college football, and in her spare time, she loves taking long walks with her family. She is an active member of Brookland Baptist Church and active in her community as a Rotarian and through the Columbia SC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
2021 Alumni Award WinnersDistinguished Alumni Award
1998, Master of Education Administration, College of Education, University of South Carolina
Dr. (LTC) Mark Lee retired from the military after more than 31 years of distinguished service to our great nation. As a decorated retired veteran, Lee has received many awards and honors throughout his military career, including the Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star, just to name a few. Most recently Lee received two Defense Meritorious Service Medals (Joint Military awards) from the President of the United States for distinctive accomplishments while at US Central Command from Oct 2012 – Jan 2016, and the other recognizing over 30 years of distinguished military service to our nation.
While in the military, Lee earned five degrees, including a Master’s in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.
As an author, he has published the book, ‘Leadership! What Is This Thing?’ which is now used by several universities and the US Army in their core curriculum.
Lee’s wife, Cynthia, retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 24 years of service in the Army. While officially retired, Lee continues to share his vast knowledge and life experiences as an associate professor of management and leadership at Ohio Christian University. Additionally, he owns and manages Sport Consulting Services, LLC., a professional athlete and talent agency, where he focuses on MLB, NFL/CFL and WNBA coaches and athletes. The Lees currently live on the island of Tierra Verde, FL right outside of St. Petersburg, FL.
2021 Alumni Award WinnersOutstanding Young Alumni Award
2005, Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina
James Wolf is a First Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Charlotte, NC. He is a Senior Partner with The Anderson Wolf Godsey Group and recently named to the Forbes Magazine Best-in-State Next Generation Wealth Advisors list. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.
He is currently serving in his twelfth year as President of the Alumni Association Charlotte Gamecocks and President of the Charlotte Gamecock Club.
James recently received the 2021 USC Alumni Association Volunteer of the Year award for his service and dedication to our mission. In addition to his volunteer time with the association, he is also an active member with the Cystic Fibrosis Standout Charlotte Board, Gamecock Club Executive Committee and Sportsman’s Club of Charlotte.
James grew up in Charleston, SC. After moving to Charlotte, James met his wife, Natalie. They have two children, five-year-old Adeline and two-year-old Brooks. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, football, music, travel and spending time with family and friends.
Joe Blanchard is President and CEO of Blanchard Machinery Company, the Caterpillar dealership serving the state of South Carolina. During his tenure as President and Dealer Principal, Joe has seen the company grow from 240 employees to over 600 employees in 12 locations.
Joe has long been active in civic, economic and cultural affairs in the community.
Among his awards are the Columbia College Medallion Award, the Columbia Museum of Art’s John Richard Craft Leadership Award, the Central SC Outstanding Philanthropist Award and the Lexington County Ambassador for Economic Development. In 2015 Joe was inducted into the SC Business Hall of Fame and in 2019 he was named Business Leader of the Year by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
Joe graduated from Oxford College of Emory University as well as Georgia State University in Atlanta, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
He is married to Melissa Blanchard and has three children, Rozier, Boyd (Emilie) and Katherine (Davis Whittle), and one grandchild Harper. With all three children earning degrees from the University of South Carolina, Joe and Melissa had the pleasure of frequently hosting them and their friends for Sunday evening dinners.
