RELEASE: Official release regarding the passing of Winthrop Board Chair, Glenn McCall

Official release below

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Longtime Winthrop University Board of Trustees Chairman Glenn McCall passed away on Friday, July 11. His sudden passing comes on the heels of his being re-elected to lead the university’s governing body for a second two-year term late last month.

President Edward Serna ’02 notified the campus community of McCall’s passing Friday evening via e-mail.

In his e-mail, Serna reflected on McCall’s faith and personal connections he made across the campus and community.

“He was a man of immense faith and personal conviction, as evidenced by the life he lived every day. Those who interacted with the board on a regular basis will recall how Glenn took the time to speak to everyone in whatever room he found himself. He asked about our families, praised us for our accomplishments, and always put folks at ease. He was one of this university’s greatest cheerleaders. Glenn’s ready smile and “how ya doing” were predictable and heartfelt whenever he was on the Winthrop campus,” Serna said.

“I personally mourn his loss as the chair of a board that was willing to take a chance on a young president without a long tenure at my former institutions. Glenn saw something in me that gave him hope that the revolving door of leadership at Winthrop would finally close. He offered steadfast encouragement and let me know the board was always in my corner. I will cherish the three years we worked together to help propel Winthrop forward,” he added.

Kathy Bigham ’73, who has served alongside McCall in board leadership for many years, also expressed her deep sadness at the news. “I can never adequately express how much it has meant to me to serve on the board with Glenn. His steady leadership always was focused on what was in the best interest for the university. He loved his family, the Winthrop family and our Rock Hill community. His loss will be felt immensely. Outside of Winthrop, he and his wife, Linda, have been a mainstay in the lives of my late husband, Larry, and myself. I will miss him not only as one of Winthrop’s greatest ambassadors but also as one of my dearest friends.”

A Rock Hill resident, McCall was a retired senior vice president of Bank of America who led the consumer customer behavior analysis group. Throughout his 27 years in the financial services field, McCall specialized in strategic planning, revenue growth, cost reduction, technology, operations management and analysis of customer behavior to create tailored marketing campaigns and online banking services.

He also completed 10 years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force and served 14 years in the Texas Air National Guard.

He was first appointed to the Winthrop board in 2011 as the education superintendent designee. He was then legislatively appointed to an at-large seat in 2014 and was re-elected for a six-year term ending in 2027.

As chair of Winthrop’s board, McCall served as an ex-officio member to the Winthrop University Foundation Board of Directors.

He was active in politics with South Carolina Republicans electing McCall in 2008 as their first African-American national committeeman. He was then named one of two vice chairs for the 2016 Republican National Convention. He was previously the York County GOP’s first African-American chairman, served as chair of the budget committee for the Republican National Committee and was co-chair for the Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Convention.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, and many other family members.

Information on arrangements will be shared as they are made known.