Dr. Marilyn "Murph" Fore Named Acting President of Florence-Darlington Tech
The Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) Area Commission unanimously voted
Tuesday, July 14, to appoint Dr. Marilyn "Murph" Fore as Acting President of Florence-Darlington
Technical College.
Dr. Fore brings more than five decades of experience in higher education leadership to FDTC. She
recently announced her retirement as President of Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC),
effective July 31, 2026, after 51 years of dedicated service to the institution.
"Dr. Fore is one of the state’s most respected leaders in technical education, and we are fortunate to
have someone with her experience and dedication to lead Florence-Darlington Technical College," FDTC
Area Commission Chair Clint Moore said. "We are confident in Dr. Fore’s extensive experience,
commitment to student success, and proven leadership to advance FDTC in our areas of focus. The Area
Commission would also like to thank Dr. Debbie Cheek for stepping in and providing exceptional
leadership during this transition period.”
Dr. Fore has served as President of Horry-Georgetown Technical College since 2017, leading the college
through a period of sustained enrollment growth, expanded academic offerings, strengthened
workforce development initiatives, and enhanced transfer partnerships. Throughout her career, she has
remained committed to increasing educational access, promoting student achievement, and supporting
regional economic development.
Dr. Fore began her career at HGTC as a Professor of Economics before serving as Academic Dean and
Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. In 2017, she became the first woman to serve as
president of the college.
Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Fore has led the implementation of digital classrooms, helped
develop more than 80 academic programs, served on more than 30 accreditation teams throughout the
Southeast, and played a key role in establishing Horry County Schools' Early College High School, a
nationally recognized model that expands access to higher education for high school students.
In 2024, Dr. Fore was recognized as one of the Grand Strand's 50 Most Influential leaders by B2B: The
Grand Strand magazine, honoring her decades of leadership and significant contributions to higher
education and the communities she serves.
Dr. Fore's connection to Florence-Darlington Technical College extends beyond her new role. Her late
husband, Dr. Fred Fore, served as the first president of FDTC, making her appointment especially
meaningful in the institution's history.
A nationally respected educator, Dr. Fore holds an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from
Coastal Carolina University, an Education Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master of Arts in
Economics, and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina, as
well as a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Fairmont State College in West Virginia.
Dr. Fore will officially assume her duties as Acting President following her retirement from Horry-
Georgetown Technical College.