HGTC Educators of the Year award winners honored at statewide conference
February 17, 2026
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) proudly announces that three outstanding employees were recognized as 2026 Educators of the Year at the annual South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) Conference Awards Luncheon, held Feb. 13, 2026.
The Educator of the Year Awards provide annual recognition for exceptional service and achievement in the categories of faculty/teaching, staff, and administrator/manager within the South Carolina Technical College System. Each of the state’s 16 technical colleges selects one honoree in each category.
(L-r) Nancy Ekstrom, Administrative Coordinator for Academics & Workforce Development; Dr. Lori Heafner, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Randy Moser, Chair and Professor of Mathematics; and Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, President of HGTC are pictured at the SC Technical Education Association Annual Conference, where Ekstrom, Heafner, and Moser were recognized as 2026 Educators of the Year.
HGTC’s 2026 award recipients were:
- Dr. Lori Heafner, Vice President for Academic Affairs – Administrator/Manager
- Randy Moser, Chair and Professor of Mathematics – Faculty/Teaching
- Nancy Ekstrom, Administrative Coordinator for Academics & Workforce Development – Staff
These individuals were nominated by their peers for superior leadership, professionalism, and meaningful contributions to both the College and the broader community. Each recipient was honored during the SCTEA Conference and received a certificate and cash award.
“These awards reflect the very best of who we are as an institution,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, President of HGTC. “Dr. Heafner, Randy, and Nancy exemplify excellence in leadership, instruction, and service. Their dedication to student success, professional growth, and community engagement strengthens our College and advances our mission every day. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for the impact they continue to make across our campuses and throughout our region.”
The faculty/teaching award recognizes outstanding individuals whose primary responsibilities include classroom or lab instruction and who demonstrate innovation, curriculum development, student engagement, and respect among colleagues and students.
The staff award honors individuals whose primary responsibility is to support the management and instructional processes of the College, demonstrating excellence, professionalism, and a commitment to institutional goals.
The administrator/manager award recognizes individuals who effectively lead programs, units, or divisions while demonstrating innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing the College’s mission.
HGTC celebrates these honorees for their unwavering commitment to excellence and for representing the College with distinction at the statewide level.
