Education

Ph.D., Higher Education Policy and Leadership, University of South Carolina 
Masters, Public Administration, University of South Carolina 
B.S., Finance and Management Science, University of South Carolina 

Background

Mary Alexander manages the division’s $45 million budget, oversees the human resources functions for the division, and directs Community Engagement and the university calendaring office. She has budgetary oversight for all USC Columbia academic units and provides guidance on operational issues that are elevated to the Office of Academic Affairs. Additional responsibilities include managing the faculty outside professional activities reporting process, academic blueprints and strategic planning, and internal grant administration.  

Mary Alexander has served as the chair of the USC's Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) since 2010. Recently the WLI was recognized with the national leadership award for the Advancement of Women in Higher Education from the American Council on Education. At USC she also serves as the chair of the Classroom Enhancements Committee, a member of the Provost Advisory Committee on Women’s Initiatives, a member of the space and needs committee, a member of capital planning committee, an ex-officio member of Faculty Senate budget committee and is the University’s Emergency Management Situation Unit Leader. 

Alexander is an executive board member for Women in Philanthropy (an affinity group of United Way) and vice-chair of the CARO credit union board.  She also serves as an executive board member and institutional representative for South Carolina Women in Higher Education.