Presbyterian College in Clinton has appointed Rhonda L. Mingo as its new dean of students. Mingo brings nearly three decades of experience in student affairs, focusing on student engagement, leadership, and campus life.
Before joining Presbyterian College, Mingo served at Converse University in Spartanburg, most recently as assistant vice president for student engagement and dean of students. Her career at Converse also included 10 years as dean of community life and dean of students, a role in which she was part of the President’s Cabinet and Provost’s Council. Her responsibilities there encompassed residential life, student conduct, student activities, leadership, orientation, first-generation programs, civic engagement, health services, and counseling and wellness.
Presbyterian College President Dr. Anita Gustafson stated that Mingo’s extensive experience, collaborative approach, and dedication to students make her an ideal fit for the college. Gustafson emphasized Mingo’s understanding that the college experience extends beyond the classroom and that students thrive with support and challenge.
Mingo’s background includes providing strategic direction for student programming and residential living, managing budgets for various student organizations, and coordinating multidisciplinary efforts to support students of concern. She also chaired Converse Cares, the university’s behavioral intervention committee, and was a leader on its Student Success Committee. Additionally, she participated in emergency response and oversaw residence hall modernization projects.
Her teaching experience includes a Student Success Seminar at Converse since 2007. Mingo has also trained student government and student activities leaders and is a certified StrengthsQuest educator. She served as president of the South Carolina College Personnel Association from 2009-2010 and has held other leadership positions within the organization. Nationally, Mingo works with student leaders through the National Association for Campus Activities, where she was a lead presenter and trainer for their Programming Institute in 2025 and Student Government Institute in 2026.
An unusual aspect of Mingo’s career involved working as a contract lead ropes course facilitator for Furman University’s Peak Performance Ropes Course from 2000 to 2013. In this role, she facilitated group dynamics and leadership training, led outdoor corporate training, and provided technical and lead climbing leadership.
Mingo earned a Master of Education in student personnel services from the University of South Carolina in 1997 and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of South Carolina Aiken in 1995. Prior to her time at Converse, she was the director of student activities at Carson-Newman College in Tennessee. Her professional development includes being selected as a Peabody Fellow at Vanderbilt University’s Higher Education Management Institute in 2008.
Beyond her professional roles, Mingo has served as a foster parent and an advocate for South Carolina foster parents’ organizations and state advocacy centers.
