Assistant Provost for Graduation and Retention
Office of the Provost
University of South Carolina
Education
Ph.D., Education and Leadership Policy, University of South Carolina
Masters, Business Administration, Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina
Masters, Higher Education Administration, University of South Carolina
Bachelors, Wofford College
Dr. Shelley Dempsey serves as the inaugural Assistant Provost for Graduation and Retention at the University of South Carolina. In this role, she has the unique opportunity to partner with academic and administrative areas from throughout the campus to remove barriers for students and make USC a place that supports all students in their degree attainment. Most recently she spearheaded the effort to start USC’s inaugural First-Generation Center to serve more than 20% of our student population, while collaborating with our esteemed faculty on their research, pedagogy, and mentorship of students.
Dr. Dempsey has used her innovation and creativity to build numerous programs and initiatives at the University with past experience in Student Affairs, the Moore School of Business, the Alumni Association, and now in the Office of the Provost. She has also served in various leadership roles on campus and with national leadership organizations. Campus roles currently include serving as chair of the Provost’s Graduation and Retention Committee and co-chair of the Provost’s Advisory Board on Interdisciplinary Studies. She is also the 2024 recipient of the University of South Carolina’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Social Justice Award and the 2024 NASPA Palmetto Award for Inclusive Excellence.
Dr. Dempsey completed her Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Policy, with research on prosocial behaviors, civility, and work engagement. She also enjoys teaching in the area of Education Leadership and Policy. Her students are some of her favorite people she’s met at the University, and she values her ongoing connection with many of them. If you’re one of them---reach out and tell her what you’re up to!
Outside of campus, Dr. Dempsey is active as a volunteer and advocate for women and children experiencing homelessness.