Susan Wright Pope is a seasoned higher education and nonprofit leader with over four decades of distinguished experience guiding, mentoring, and empowering individuals and communities. With a career rooted in service, Susan has dedicated her life to fostering leadership development, student success, community engagement, and organizational excellence. Her professional journey reflects an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, inclusive growth, and mission-driven impact.

Susan currently serves as the Internship Program Manager in the Office of Career Services at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in preparing students for the workforce by curating meaningful internship opportunities and promoting experiential education as a cornerstone of professional development. Her tenure at The Citadel is marked by innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose—leading initiatives that have shaped student outcomes while contributing to the institution’s broader academic mission.

Prior to her time at The Citadel, Susan spent 15.5 years at Clemson University, where she held progressive leadership roles, including Associate Director of Campus Recreation and Assistant Director for Student Organizations. At Clemson, she became known for her student-centered programming, strategic planning abilities, and institutional collaborations. She was an innovative and trusted facilitator for a wellness living-learning community, academic creative inquiry course, and student engagement initiatives. Her impact was recognized with numerous honors, including Employee of the Year, multiple Parent’s Council grants, and committee leadership across student affairs and academic services.

Her leadership legacy also includes her role as Executive Director and CEO of the Foothills Area Family YMCA in Clemson, South Carolina. There, she managed operations, developed community partnerships, and enhanced service offerings, reinforcing her reputation as a strong nonprofit executive. Earlier in her career, Susan served as Director of Student Activities at Anderson College for over 15 years, laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to youth development, mentorship, and community service.

Susan’s board and committee service is extensive. She currently serves on several influential boards, including the South Carolina Association of Colleges and Employers, South Carolina Women in Higher Education, serving terms as State President for both, CU Women’s Alumni Council, and the Charleston County Clemson University Alumni Board. She previously served in leadership roles with the Clemson Lions Club, Clemson University Women’s Commission, Staff Senate at three different institutions of higher education. A lifelong advocate for civic engagement, she also serves as an Election Precinct Clerk in her community for local and general elections.

Her areas of expertise include strategic program development, interpersonal communications, student affairs, workforce readiness, marketing, and organizational leadership. She is a sought-after speaker on topics such as women in leadership, experiential education, and student wellness, and she has written articles and been featured as an award recipient of the following areas within recreation and campus wellness, facilities and membership, and staff training. She has also developed a domestic and international student program and is open to continued national and global engagement.

Susan holds both a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Administration and a Master of Education in Personnel Services/Student Affairs from Clemson University. Her post-graduate work includes training through the Kellogg Foundation’s Alliance 20/20 and experiential education certifications through the National Society of Experiential Education (NSEE) and Executive Leadership Certificate through the YMCA of the USA.

With a personal mission centered on exploration, empathy, and purpose, Susan sees herself as an enthusiastic educator and servant leader. She continues to seek board opportunities where she can lend her voice, vision, and values to organizations aligned with service, education, and community impact. Whether advising nonprofits, supporting educational institutions, or championing wellness and inclusion, Susan brings authenticity, wisdom, and heart to every endeavor she embraces.

Character: Susan exemplifies servant leadership through a values-driven, ethical, and community-centered approach to every role she undertakes.

Knowledge: With over 40 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Susan brings deep expertise in student development, program management, and organizational governance.

Strategic: She is a forward-thinking leader who excels at building sustainable programs, forming strategic partnerships, and aligning initiatives with institutional missions.

Communication: Susan is a gifted communicator who thrives in diverse environments, known for her ability to connect authentically with individuals and inspire groups through presentations, facilitation, and mentorship.