Drew McCabe has been named the new Greenville Campus President at ECPI University. A long-time member of the ECPI community, Drew served as Greenville’s Campus Director of Academic Affairs since 2015. His broader career spans higher education, industry training, and regional workforce development. Across these roles, Drew has maintained a strong commitment to student success and community partnership.
We sat down with Drew to discuss his vision for the campus, his approach to leadership, and what excites him most about serving students and employers in the Upstate.
Q: What excites you most about taking on the role of Campus President?
A: ECPI has been my professional home for more than ten years, so stepping into this role really means a lot to me. I’ve had the chance to work closely with faculty, students, and industry partners, and I’ve seen how the right education can open doors for people. What excites me most about leading the Greenville campus is being able to support students from their first conversation with us through graduation and into their careers.
Q: You previously served as ECPI’s Campus Director of Academic Affairs for 10 years. How does that experience shape your approach to this new role?
A: It gave me a practical understanding of how our campus works day to day. I’ve spent years working with faculty across different programs, so I know where students tend to need the most help and where small changes can make a real difference. I plan to build on that experience to make sure our students have the resources they need to succeed.
Q: How do you see ECPI’s role in supporting the workforce needs of the region?
A: I think most people recognize that there’s a shortage of skilled workers right now in a lot of industries like healthcare, engineering, technology, and business. We’re seeing that here in the Upstate, too. My focus is on making sure that students are prepared to take on those roles that we need. And that means actually gaining the skills that employers are looking for.
Q: How do you describe your leadership style, and what values guide your work?
A: I try to lead in a way that's clear, consistent, and respectful of the people doing the work every day. That means being upfront about decisions, following through on commitments, and taking the time to really listen. I believe that when people feel heard and encouraged to contribute, it builds a stronger campus community that works better for everyone.
Q: What are your priorities for the campus in this role?
A: There are a few priorities I want to focus on right now:
Continuing to strengthen employer relationships
Expanding support services for students
Keeping our programs aligned with industry needs
Supporting faculty development
Fostering a strong, engaged campus community
These areas are all connected, and making good progress is going to depend on collaboration. I’m looking forward to working with everyone to make it happen.
Q: Your background is in both higher education and industry, including roles with Robert Half International and Sunbelt Rentals. How has that shaped your perspective?
A: They both give me a helpful point of reference. When you work in industry, you see just how quickly things can change, especially with how fast technology is moving. That helps me think about education from the employer’s point of view. It’s not enough to help students catch up: we also need to make sure they’re prepared for what’s next.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in the Greenville area?
A: I really enjoy the sense of community we have here and how connected people are to the region. There's a lot of pride in Greenville, and that comes through in the way people support one another. Being able to help students prepare for careers in the same community they live in makes the work especially meaningful.
Q: What would students be surprised to learn about you?
A: I think students might be surprised by how approachable and involved I am. I’m always open to a quick conversation in the hallway or checking in on how things are going. If something’s working well for them or something could be better, I want to hear about it. Those conversations matter to me, and they help me make better decisions for both our students and the campus as a whole.