Coker University proudly announces that $170,000 has been raised to benefit the James Wayne Lemke Chair in College Services and Leadership Endowment. This initiative continues the legacy of Dr. Jim Lemke, a beloved professor whose commitment to student success and educational excellence left a lasting impact on the university.

This substantial addition to the endowment was made possible by a generous $150,000 grant from the State of South Carolina, presented by Senator Gerald Malloy (District 29), along with contributions from Coker University supporters. The endowment provides a stipend to a full professor who exemplifies outstanding achievement in teaching, university-wide service, and campus leadership, fostering a tradition of excellence that Dr. Lemke championed throughout his career.

Coker University faculty, staff, alumni, and community members gathered at the Drengaelen House on October 25, 2024, to celebrate this milestone in advancing Dr. Lemke’s legacy. The evening served as a powerful reminder of an educator's lasting impact on their community. Dr. Lemke’s legacy endures in the values of mentorship, service, and academic rigor that he held dear.

Dr. Natalie Harder, President of Coker University, expressed her gratitude for the evening’s success: "This endowment not only honors Dr. Lemke’s dedication to Coker but also enables us to recognize and support faculty members who share his passion for service and educational excellence. We are deeply grateful for the generosity shown by the State of South Carolina and by our donors, which will have a lasting impact on the university.”

In addition to Senator Malloy, the event welcomed Coker leaders such as Dr. Pat Lincoln, former Provost and Dean of the Faculty, and Dr. Rhonda Knight, current Lemke Chair and Director of the Honors Program. The gathering underscored the community’s deep appreciation for Dr. Lemke’s legacy and reinforced Coker’s commitment to nurturing faculty excellence for future generations.