Voorhees President Ronnie Hopkins Reelected to Lead Association of Episcopal Colleges

Ronnie Hopkins, Ph.D., president and CEO of Voorhees University, was re-elected to a two-year term as president of the Association of Episcopal Colleges during the group’s annual meeting in New York, Voorhees announced. The re-election took place at The Episcopal Church (TEC) Center, New York, NY, on January 27, 2026, and Voorhees framed the outcome as a signal of institutional confidence that could translate into broader visibility for the Denmark campus.

The university’s Office of Communications released a statement saying, "Dr. Hopkins’ re-election reflects the continued confidence of AEC member institutions in his leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to advancing faith-based higher education." The release added that the victory "further enhances Voorhees University’s national and global profile and underscores its leadership role within the Episcopal Church and higher education communities."

Hopkins has been the university’s president since the Board of Trustees named him the 10th president effective July 9, 2021. Before his appointment he served as interim president and earlier as provost and vice president for academic affairs. Voorhees also lists him as the institution’s accreditation liaison and a tenured professor of English. Dr. Traci Young-Cooper, vice chairperson of the board, praised his track record, saying, "Dr. Hopkins brings a wealth of higher-education experience, expansive leadership, fundraising acumen and vast institutional knowledge. His appointment perfectly positions the college to advance and accelerate the current momentum and focus on enrollment, innovation and fiscal stability. His remarkable demeanor, skills, prudent judgement and interpersonal skills will be a great asset. We welcome him and look forward to his leadership as we ‘begin, believe and become’ in this next chapter."

For Bamberg County and the Denmark campus, the practical implications of Hopkins’ AEC leadership are tangible. A stronger national profile can open doors to partnerships, grant opportunities, and donor networks that affect local hiring, student recruitment, and campus projects. As accreditation liaison and a campus leader focused on enrollment and fiscal stability, Hopkins’ AEC role could dovetail with efforts to stabilize finances and expand academic programs that serve county residents.

The Voorhees release does not include vote totals, details on whether the election was contested, or a direct statement from Hopkins. For more information or media requests, contact the Voorhees Office of Communications at 803.780.1191 or communications@voorhees.edu. Local officials, trustees, and community stakeholders will want to watch how this term influences enrollment trends, fundraising activity, and partnerships that affect economic and educational opportunities in Bamberg County over the next two years.