President Michael Mikota
Dr. Michael Mikota is the seventh president of Spartanburg Community College (SCC), having assumed the role on July 13, 2020. Since then, he has led the institution through a period of unprecedented transformation, positioning SCC as the fastest-growing public higher education institution in South Carolina in more than two decades. Today, the College serves over 10,000 students annually and has been recognized as the Best Community College in South Carolina by BestColleges.
Under Dr. Mikota’s bold, visionary, and student-centered leadership, SCC has seen a 62% enrollment increase, a tripling of annual revenue, and significant reductions in per-student core expenses—all while expanding accessibility through full tuition scholarships and launching historic investments in student success and academic innovation.
Dr. Mikota is also known for his creative branding and institutional revitalization efforts. One of his most visible initiatives was the introduction of SCC’s first-ever mascot, Chaser, a spirited embodiment of the College’s motto: “Dream It. Chase It. Live It.”
A native of Gaffney, South Carolina, Dr. Mikota’s career spans leadership roles in higher education, government, and economic development, including service as president of Central Carolina Technical College, executive director of the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments, and senior analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office in Washington, D.C., where he contributed to national financial recovery efforts following the 2008 economic crisis.
He holds a B.A. in English (cum laude) from Wofford College, an MBA from Gardner-Webb University, and a Ph.D. in Policy Studies from Clemson University.
Dr. Mikota lives in Spartanburg with his wife, Camila, and their three young children—Cecilia, Penelope, and Henry.
DOWNLOAD DR. MICHAEL MIKOTA'S LONG BIO
Notable Numbers as President
Admissions
First-year applications to SCC have more than tripled since Mikota's arrival to nearly 62,000 in 2024.
Student and Faculty Success
The retention rate and graduation rate are at all-time highs. Clemson’s freshman retention rate is 93.5% and our six-year graduation rate is 86.6%.
Total graduate student enrollment increased by 37% since 2013. Including a 42% increase in the number of doctoral student enrollment since 2013.
Faculty members earning national or international awards increased by 40% percent since 2013.
The majority of Clemson students, 56%, graduate with no debt – compared to the national average of 39%.
The number of national merit scholarships awarded to Clemson students has grown by 600% since Clements’ arrival, including the University’s first ever Rhodes Scholar, Churchill Scholar and Gates-Cambridge Scholar.
Admissions
First-year applications to SCC have more than tripled since Mikota's arrival to nearly 62,000 in 2024.
Student and Faculty Success
The retention rate and graduation rate are at all-time highs. Clemson’s freshman retention rate is 93.5% and our six-year graduation rate is 86.6%.
Total graduate student enrollment increased by 37% since 2013. Including a 42% increase in the number of doctoral student enrollment since 2013.
Faculty members earning national or international awards increased by 40% percent since 2013.
The majority of Clemson students, 56%, graduate with no debt – compared to the national average of 39%.
The number of national merit scholarships awarded to Clemson students has grown by 600% since Clements’ arrival, including the University’s first ever Rhodes Scholar, Churchill Scholar and Gates-Cambridge Scholar.
All About Chaser!Why the SCC Chasers? Read all about our mascot! When we set out to choose a mascot to represent our diverse, vibrant students, we knew it had to be something really special to embody a spirit of tenacity. |
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