In Memoriam: Travis E. Overton, 1982-2024

Travis E. Overton, the vice president for executive initiatives and chief of staff at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, died unexpectedly on December 31, 2024. He was 42 years old.

Overton was from Nashville. He held a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He joined the staff at Coastal Carolina University in 2007. He worked in student affairs, housing, fraternity and sorority life, student conduct and off-campus student services.

As vice president for executive initiatives/chief of staff, his duties included scheduling and event services, university marketing and communication, as well as assisting in the operations of the Office of the President. He also served as an advisor for the African American Initiative for Men at the university.

Michael T. Benson, president of Coastal Carolina University said, “Travis dedicated much of his professional career to Coastal Carolina University and was one of the best colleagues I have ever had the privilege to work with. He was tirelessly committed to the success of the university and beloved by students, faculty, staff, and community members. He had an innate ability to diffuse potentially combustible situations with his empathy and understanding. His lasting impact on the university is immeasurable.”

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