Presbyterian College names Emma Reabold ’13 executive director of strategic initiatives

Alumna brings statewide higher education leadership experience to new role supporting presidential initiatives

Presbyterian College has named alumna Emma Reynolds Reabold ’13 as its new executive director of strategic initiatives, a senior leadership role that will support the president and campus leadership in advancing the college’s strategic priorities.

Reabold currently serves as vice president for development and campus services at South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU), where she works closely with the organization’s president and board of trustees to advance initiatives benefiting the state’s 20 private colleges and universities.

In her new role at Presbyterian College, Reabold will collaborate with PC president Dr. Anita Gustafson and campus leaders to help coordinate major institutional initiatives, support cross-campus planning and ensure strategic priorities are carried forward across the college.

Gustafson said Reabold’s leadership experience and deep connection to the college made her a natural fit for the position.

“Emma brings an exceptional combination of strategic insight, collaborative leadership and a deep love for Presbyterian College,” Gustafson said. “As an alumna and accomplished higher education leader, she understands both the mission and the possibilities of this institution. I am excited to welcome her back to campus and look forward to the impact she will make as we continue advancing our vision for PC’s future.”

A 2013 graduate of Presbyterian College, Reabold earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology and English, graduating cum laude. She later received a master’s degree in counselor education from Clemson University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy at the University of South Carolina.

Throughout her career, Reabold has built extensive experience in higher education administration, strategic operations and leadership development.

At SCICU, she has played a key role in developing and implementing initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration among South Carolina’s private colleges and universities. Her work has included advancing partnerships with corporate and philanthropic partners, coordinating collaborative meetings among campus leaders and overseeing communications and shared services initiatives for the statewide organization.

One of her most significant contributions has been helping develop SCICU’s Multiple Employer Plan, a new retirement benefits initiative designed to support faculty and staff across member institutions.

Dr. Robert Lloyd, president and CEO of SCICU, praised Reabold’s leadership and contributions to the organization.

“She stepped into her role with energy, drive, and an entrepreneurial vision that elevated our work in meaningful ways,” Lloyd said. “Her leadership has been instrumental in developing the Multiple Employer Plan (MEP)—a complex, high impact initiative that will benefit our member institutions for years to come.”

Lloyd also credited Reabold with strengthening partnerships and supporting the organization during a period of transition.

“Emma will be greatly missed, both personally and professionally,” he said. “Presbyterian College is gaining a thoughtful, talented, and visionary leader.”

Before joining SCICU, Reabold held leadership roles at the University of South Carolina in the nationally recognized University 101 Programs office, where she oversaw peer leadership initiatives, supervised staff and taught first-year seminar courses. Earlier in her career, she served in student success and advising roles at Clemson University, working closely with undergraduate students and academic programs focused on student retention and leadership development.

Her professional work has consistently focused on helping institutions strengthen student success initiatives while aligning operational priorities with broader strategic goals.

Reabold will now return to the campus where she began her academic journey, bringing both statewide higher education experience and a personal connection to Presbyterian College’s mission.

“Returning home to Presbyterian College is incredibly meaningful to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve a place that had such a lasting impact on my life,” Reabold said. “PC’s mission has shaped my own path and continues to guide the work I care most deeply about. I’ve been so impressed by the leadership of Dr. Gustafson and the forward momentum she and her team are building at PC. I’m excited to come alongside that work and help advance initiatives that support the college’s mission and future.”

Reabold’s appointment reflects Presbyterian College’s continued focus on strengthening institutional strategy and advancing initiatives that support student success, academic excellence and the college’s mission of developing thoughtful, ethical leaders prepared for lives of service and leadership.

She will begin her new role at Presbyterian College later this year. She and her husband, Geoff, and their two sons, Jackson and Cooper, will reside in Clinton.