Dr. Judith Prince
Vice Chancellor, USC Upstate Greenville Campus
For Judy Prince, life changed with the opening of a mailbox. Inside, Judy found a college scholarship and what she called a ticket to a life of meaning away from the farm where she was raised — a life of travel and opportunity. She started at a two-year college and went on to the University of Georgia, where she eventually worked while later pursuing a doctorate. Judy has spent the majority of her career at USC Upstate where she is now Vice Chancellor Greenville Campus.
Judy says her life's work has been inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt who, despite much adversity in life, chose to rise above, help others and support the leadership efforts of women. "Eleanor Roosevelt taught women to live with passion, and I have tried purposely for many years to compose life around three passions: education, leadership and the advancement of women." She says there is no secret to her success — just a desire to learn every day and invest hard work into any endeavor. Judy says being a single parent raising a respectable child has been one of the hardest but most rewarding challenges in her life, but career-wise, she says, "I'm not sure I've reached the pinnacle of my career. Ii believe the best still lies ahead."
Judy occasionally writes articles for
The Greenville News, has served on the Advisory Board for The Urban League, twice served as President of S.C. Women in Education, and as National Chair for The Network of Women in Education. Now, she has stepped back in order to focus on more one-on-one mentoring opportunities. In the short-term, Judy plans to continue working to develop a sense of community among students at USC Upstate, as well as fulfill her world-wide travel aspirations. She has already visited six continents and plans to go to the Himalayas soon.
To solidify Greenville's successful future, Judy wants to see Greenville become a true community of learners, further diversify leadership roles and work diligently to uplift those around us. "We need to understand how privileged we are when there are so many around us still living in poverty. It is our duty to 'lift as we lead.'"