The College of Charleston family continues to grow with the addition of these new staff members from across campus. Coming from near and far, these new employees (listed alphabetically below) are all excited to be here on the College of Charleston campus โ and to get to know the students, faculty and staff who make the Cougar community so special!ย
Selynne Ancheta
Selynne Ancheta
Development Coordinator, Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
Background: I grew up as a military child, so I consider the world my home. I was born in Okinawa, Japan, but have lived in Guam, Turkey, Hawaii and Bahrain. Prior to moving to South Carolina, I was living in Bahrain! I’ve lived in Charleston, South Carolina, for six years and it’s the longest place I’ve lived in so far. Before working at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston, I worked at the South Carolina Historical Society as their membership coordinator.
Interests: In my spare time, I create and sell polymer clay earrings! Some weekends you can find my popups at local bars/restaurants or at vintage/artisan markets. My store is called Clayja Vu, and I started it at the height of the pandemic last year. Additionally, I also love trying new local restaurants and binge watching The Office!
Looking Forward: I’m looking forward to connecting and engaging with students, faculty and supporters of the Halsey Institute to continue fulfilling our mission to create meaningful interactions between adventurous artists and diverse communities within a context that emphasizes the historical, social and cultural importance of the art of our time.
Summer Arnold
Summer Arnold ’17 (M.A.T.)
Master Teacher, N.E. Miles Early Childhood Development Center
Background: I worked in the Charleston County School District as a child development teacher for the past three years. Prior to that I taught kindergarten in Dorchester School District 2. It feels good to be returning to the college where I got my MAT in early childhood education back in 2017.
Interests: I love to go to the beach and pool. I’m a fan of anything that involves getting together with family and friends.
Looking Forward: I am looking forward to being a part of this community. I can’t wait to meet my students and their families. I also look forward to working with the rest of the very talented staff and student-employees at ECDC.
Sarah Bullock
Sarah Bullock
Master Teacher, N.E. Miles Early Childhood Development Center
Background: I grew up in Okemos, Michigan. I went to Michigan State University for my undergraduate degree in communication. I then moved to Chicago and enjoyed a career as an event planner for several years before moving to the Lowcountry in early 2000. I received my master’s in early childhood education from the College of Charleston where I was a graduate assistant at ECDC. I went on to teach in public schools for the last nine years and am delighted to be back at ECDC to teach once again.
Interests:ย Family, baking, reading, pursuing new interests and the beach!
Looking Forward: Working in an environment created and designed by children.
Curtis Heyward
Curtis Heyward
Employment Specialist, Career Center
Background: Recently relocated from Hartford, Connecticut. I am originally from here in Charleston. Prior to CofC I was a transition readiness instructor with Hartford JobCorps. I am also a retired Marine where I served stateside and overseas. Prior to Jobcorps, I retired from the United States Marines.
Interests: My family is my life. I have three children that keep me pretty occupied. In my free time I love outdoor activities, sports, movies and shooting pool.
Claire Holm Ryan
Claire Holm Ryan
Administrative Coordinator, REACH Program
Background: I have lived in Charleston my entire life, besides the 3.5 years I spent in the Upstate attending undergraduate at Clemson University, where I received my B.A. in English with an emphasis in writing and publication studies and a minor in history. I just completed my first full year at The Citadel Graduate College. I will earn my M.Ed. in higher education administration in May 2022. I previously worked at The Citadel as a graduate assistant and student success counselor for the School of Engineering.
Interests: I love being outdoors; my favorite thing to do on the weekend is to take a trip to the Upstate with my husband and our two dogs, Cash and Bailey. Any activity that includes the dogs is always a good idea to me!
Looking Forward: I know it sounds simple but I am the most excited about learning and growing in my position within the REACH Program. Our team has such a diverse range of educational backgrounds and work experience, they are all so passionate about what they do. I have already learned so much in my first few weeks and I know there is a lot more to come! I am also looking forward to collaborating with other divisions across CofC’s campus. I have met so many wonderful people already!
Sara Weddington
Sara Weddington
Academic Advisor, Department of Athletics
Background: I am from Fort Mill, South Carolina. I attended the College of Charleston from 2011โ15 and was a member of the swimming and diving team. After completing my undergraduate degree in sociology/secondary education I was a high school social studies teacher in Mooresville, North Carolina, for three years before pursuing my master’s degree in student affairs administration from Appalachian State University where I worked as a graduate assistant for inclusion and engagement as well as holding a graduate assistantship and earning specialist internship within academic services for student athletes.
Interests: In my free time I enjoy spending time with my partner, dog (Scout), family and friends. I also enjoy being active, hiking, water sports, trying new things and traveling.
Looking Forward: I am looking forward to returning to the place and office that gave me the tools to be successful, this time on the other side of the desk. I can’t wait to build relationships and support student athletes at the College of Charleston!
Tatiana “Tanya” Williams
Tatiana “Tanya” Williamsย
Administrative Coordinator, Division of Business Affairs
Background: Greetings to all. I am excited to be given the opportunity to be a part of the College of Charleston and I look forward to working with everyone. I am originally from Riga, Latvia. I earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Baltic Institute and worked in Riga as a business accountant for a Swedish hospitality company. In Riga, I met and married my husband who was a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service. Given the nature of his job, we moved frequently yet I was determined to work and held a variety of different jobs in the U.S. embassies. Most recently, we were stationed in Cairo, Egypt, where I served as the primary administrative assistant to both Ambassador Beecroft (ret.) and Chargรฉ d’Affaires Thomas Goldberger. When my husband retired from the foreign service, we moved first to Myrtle Beach and then to Charleston in search of better job opportunities. We have been here for only a few months.
Interests: I have a variety of interests both academic as well as leisure. I love languages and have always been fascinated by the culture behind a language. I am a native Russian speaker and have been granted the highest ranking (5 Speaking/5 Writing) in Russian from the U.S. Department of Stateโs Foreign Service Language Institute (FSI). I also tested at FSI at the โfluentโ level (3 Speaking/3 Writing) in Spanish. Additionally, while not officially tested, I am conversational in Latvian, Swedish and Czech and have a rudimentary understanding of Arabic. I am, of course, also fluent in English. In my spare time, I thoroughly enjoy taking care of the animals who inhabit what we affectionally call our โzoo.” We rescued two cats in Cairo, adopted one Dutch rabbit in Myrtle Beach and, most recently, welcomed our Boykin Spaniel โ Toby โ to the group. So it is safe to say that we like animals!
Looking Forward: I am looking forward to being part of a professional team once again. My experiences in the Foreign Service taught me the value of professionalism, teamwork and community. During my interview with the College of Charleston, I sensed, from the committee, that those values were also important to them. While it is a bit premature for me to harbor any future desires, suffice it to say that I am simply honored to be a part of the College team and to have been given this opportunity. I intend to give it my very best to ensure the committeeโs confidence was not misplaced.
