Elizabeth W. Kassebaum
Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Vice President for College Projects
Office Address
66 George Street
Charleston, SC 29424
Phone: 843.953.5500
E-mail: kassebaume@cofc.edu
Download BioElizabeth W. Kassebaum has served as executive secretary to the Board of Trustees and vice president for College projects since 2001.
As executive secretary to the Board of Trustees, Kassebaum manages all aspects of board operations – from meetings to engagements with various College constituencies. In order to provide board members with greater opportunities to expand their participation and support for the academic and interdisciplinary mission of the institution, she created the Voluntary Board Engagement Program, which includes speakers in hometown events, a mentor program, donor stewardship/development events, legislative advocacy efforts, participation in admissions events, special committee assignments and student/faculty/staff recruitment efforts. She also created the Board of Trustees’ “Board Governance Guidelines,” adopted in August 2010. Because today’s board members are held to an ever-increasing standard of accountability, transparency and excellence, Kassebaum focuses on facilitating effective communication between the president and the board.
As vice president for College projects, Kassebaum oversees the Office of Institutional Events and partners with other leaders on campus to organize some of the most significant campuswide events, including commencement ceremonies and legislative outreach events hosted by the board and president. She also chairs the campus committees responsible for the selection of honorary degree recipients and commencement speakers, as well as community outreach and event sponsorship. With the speaker of the faculty, Kassebaum developed the Board/Faculty Shadowing Program, which with the president of the Student Government Association and the chair of the Staff Advisory Committee to the President, she expanded to include the Board/Student Shadowing Program and Board/Staff Shadowing Program.
Kassebaum came to work at the College in 1987 and has since worn many hats. Responsible for a multitude of College functions, including groundbreakings, presidential and board events, Kassebaum has also managed some of the College’s most cherished architectural venues as well as maintained neighborhood and community relations. During her tenure, Kassebaum has seen the College nearly double in size, both in terms of students, faculty/staff and facilities, and has been an instrumental team player in managing this growth.
Kassebaum continues to be invigorated by her position at the College of Charleston and is honored to be a member of the administration of this outstanding higher education institution. She shares her enthusiasm for the College with her two children, one of which is a current student, and the other a proud 2017 graduate of the College.
Education
1984: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of South Carolina
Career Highlights
2001–Present: Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Vice President for College Projects, College of Charleston
1989–2001: Assistant Vice President for Executive Administration, College of Charleston
1987–1989: Special Assistant to the President, College of Charleston
1985–1987: Special Assistant to the Staff Director, U.S. Sentencing Commission, Washington, D.C.
1984–1985: Bill Status Information Clerk, S.C. Legislative Information System, Columbia, S.C.
Professional Licenses
2013: Presenter, National Conference for the Association of Governing Boards
2010–2012: Board Member, Charleston Breakfast Rotary Club
2010: Authored an article regarding trusteeship at the American Association of Governing Boards National Conference
2009: Commendation, Resolution of the Board of Trustees, College of Charleston