Reisenauer Named New Campus Dean of USC Sumter
Sumter, SC (03/16/2026) — Eric Reisenauer has been named the campus dean of the University of South Carolina Sumter.
His appointment was announced on Thursday, March 5, 2026, by USC Palmetto College Chancellor Craig Wilson, who praised Reisenauer's extensive record of leadership and service, noting that his decades-long connection to the Sumter campus and his deep commitment to student success make him exceptionally well-suited to guide USC Sumter's continued growth and advancement.
"USC Sumter is an essential institution for our community and for South Carolina," Wilson said. "Dr. Reisenauer's strategic vision, collaborative leadership style and long service to the Sumter region demonstrate his readiness to lead the campus into a promising new chapter."
Reisenauer has served USC Sumter for nearly 30 years, beginning his tenure in 1997 as a faculty member in history. He went on to hold a series of academic and administrative roles, including associate dean, executive associate dean for academic and student affairs, and most recently interim campus dean. In these capacities, he helped build the academic and administrative infrastructure that supported USC Sumter's growth. His work has contributed to record enrollment in both Fall 2024 and Fall 2025, strengthened partnerships with regional school districts and private schools, and expanded opportunities for students throughout the region.
As Interim campus dean, Reisenauer provided steady leadership as the campus advanced several new academic initiatives. He guided the development of two new 2+2 bachelor's degree pathways: Hospitality Management in partnership with USC Columbia, and Communication Studies in partnership with USC Beaufort. He also secured revised agreements with USC Aiken to expand capacity in the Nursing and Teacher Education programs, ensuring that USC Sumter continues to meet regional workforce needs in critical areas.
Beyond academics, Reisenauer has played a central role in elevating the campus's visibility and impact across the community. Since assuming the leadership role of interim campus dean in July 2024, he has overseen more than $1.5 million in new gifts, pledges and gifts-in-kind, including the establishment of seven endowed funds and increased scholarship opportunities for students. His leadership has helped position USC Sumter for several major capital projects, among them the creation of a joint SCETV-USC Sumter production and instructional facility in downtown Sumter and the renovation of the campus's Health and Wellness Building. He has also guided numerous improvements across the campus grounds and facilities, advancing a long-term revitalization vision for the institution.
Reisenauer's tenure has been marked not only by institutional growth but also by meaningful engagement with Sumter's civic, educational and cultural organizations. Over the years, he has served on the Sumter County Gallery of Art Board, the Heart of Sumter Neighborhood Association, the Sumter Rotary Club, the Sumter Downtown Main Street Society, the Sumter Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and many other community boards and initiatives. His long-standing presence in these spheres reflects a belief that USC Sumter's mission is deeply intertwined with the vitality and progress of the region it serves.
Reflecting on his appointment, Reisenauer expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and enthusiasm for the future of the campus. "USC Sumter is thriving because of the dedication of our faculty, staff and partners to better serve our students and community," he said. "It is an honor to continue serving in this role. I look forward to working collaboratively to strengthen our mission, expand opportunities for students and build on the momentum we have created together."
A historian by training, Reisenauer earned his bachelor's degree from Gonzaga University and his master's and doctoral degrees from Loyola University Chicago. Over the course of his academic career, he has published widely, taught a range of courses in European and World History, and earned multiple awards recognizing his scholarship, service and teaching excellence.
Reisenauer and his wife Kimberly have been members of the Sumter community for many years. They have two adult sons: Adam, who studies aerospace engineering at USC Columbia, and Jonah, who will join USC's Honors College in Fall 2026.
Reisenauer's service as campus dean of USC Sumter will officially begin on March 16, 2026.
USC Sumter continues to serve as a vital educational hub for the region, offering associate degrees, Palmetto College online pathways, dual-credit and early-college partnerships and 2+2 baccalaureate programs in partnership with USC Columbia, USC Aiken and USC Beaufort. Through these programs, the campus remains committed to providing accessible, high-quality and community-centered higher education to students across the greater Sumter area.
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Eric Reisenauer has been named the campus dean of the University of South Carolina Sumter.
University of South Carolina Sumter
Alethia Hummel, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, 803-938-3728, alethiah@mailbox.sc.eduShare this Story
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