Denmark Technical College names new interim president

Denmark Technical College has named a new interim leader.

The school has announced the appointment of A. Clifton Myles as interim president, effective July 1. A nationally respected leader with over 32 years of experience in public and higher education, Myles currently serves as the college’s provost and executive vice president for administration and innovation, as well as chief strategy officer, according to a news release.

Since joining Denmark Tech in 2019, Myles has been a central force in the institution’s transformation, helping to shape its strategic direction, elevate its academic profile and build infrastructure that empowers students to succeed, the release stated. He has overseen multiple core divisions, including academic affairs, information technology, institutional advancement and effectiveness, student affairs, sponsored programs, workforce development, continuing education and facilities, while leading two primary strategic planning cycles and developing the college’s conceptual ecosystem for success.

“Dr. Myles is more than capable. He’s essential,” said Kevin Whitt, chairman of the Denmark Technical College Area Commission, in the release. “From vision to execution, he has helped guide this college through one of the most pivotal times in its history. His dedication to our students and his deep knowledge of the institution position him perfectly to lead with strength, purpose, and continuity.”

Myles has led the development of several high-impact initiatives designed to enhance the student experience and create pathways to economic and personal success, the release stated. Under his oversight, the Center for Student Excellence devised Panther Pathways, a comprehensive student success model that provides holistic support from enrollment through career advancement. As part of that effort, Myles played a key role in launching the Identity Formation Initiative, a signature DTC experience designed to help students gain confidence, deepen self-awareness and find direction in their academic, professional and personal lives, the release stated.

“Denmark Tech isn’t just a place to earn a degree. It’s where students discover who they are and who they’re meant to become. Everything we do is guided by our mission to engage, educate and empower. I’m proud to help create the kind of experience that shapes confident, purpose-driven individuals who are ready to soar,” said Myles in the release.

With his partnership, the college also launched the Center of Energy, expanded its career training programs and forged vital industry partnerships that connect students with in-demand careers, according to the release. Through these and other efforts, Myles has helped to position Denmark Tech as a leader in workforce development and an engine of opportunity in South Carolina’s rural corridor.

Myles holds a bachelor’s degree in professional theatre from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a master’s degree in adult education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He has served in administrative roles at every level from pre-K through college, including as principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels, district coordinator, program leads, director of assessment, director of student support services, associate vice provost, provost and executive vice president.

The Denmark Technical College Area Commission will begin a national search for the college’s next permanent president in the coming weeks.

Myles assumes the role following the recent announcement that Willie L. Todd Jr., who has served as president since 2020, has been named the next president of Talladega College in Alabama, according to the release. Todd will conclude his tenure at Denmark Tech on June 30.

Over the last five years, Todd led the institution through a period of growth and revitalization, modernizing academic offerings, stabilizing finances, transforming the physical campus through comprehensive facility upgrades, investing in student engagement and elevating the college’s visibility across the region and beyond, the release stated.

“Myles has been a partner in every major success we’ve achieved,” said Todd. “He knows what it means to dream big, act boldly and put students first. I can’t think of a better person to guide Denmark Tech into this next chapter.”