Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Hyman.
Hi Nicole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Nicole Hyman, Chief PR & Communications Officer at Horry-Georgetown Technical College
“A philosopher’s soul dwells within his head, the poet’s soul dwells within his heart, the singer’s soul dwells about his throat, but the soul of the dancer abides in all her body.” – Excerpt: “The Wanderer” by Khalil Gibran
If you’ve had an opportunity to meet her at a community event or seen her on HTC REEL Kids through the years, then you know that Nicole Prosser Hyman has the soul of a dancer. Her personality, genuine caring, strong character, and her love for the community she calls home shine through in every word she speaks and every action she takes.
A 1994 graduate of Conway High School, Nicole went on to Coastal Carolina University to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing. Immediately following graduation, she eagerly began her journey to attain the necessary skills for success in any marketing, public relations, or communications position. Her educational background and her natural talents led her to many positions throughout her marketing career at HTC (Horry Telephone Cooperative), such as Marketing Intern, Marketing Associate, Educational Affairs Representative, Marketing Coordinator, and Senior Marketing Coordinator.
Throughout her tenure at HTC, she took the lead in developing and implementing successful marketing initiatives that resulted in increased brand recognition and overall goodwill for the company. Her experience included 19 years as the project manager, producer, and event organizer for the HTC REEL Kids Awards program. For 15 years, she represented HTC as the primary contact person for the local news media and served as the spokesperson for all public relations efforts in the educational sector and community at large. For over 10 years, she managed all crisis communications for the company in the event of disaster or severe weather. As a copywriter for HTC, one of her specialties was writing letters, press releases, and articles for internal and external publications. Nicole always contributed to the team that organized the HTC Annual Meeting and in 2014 was granted the next level as a team leader.
Nicole celebrated 21 years of service to the Cooperative prior to her joining Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) as the Public Relations Director in August 2019. Inspired by HGTC President, Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, to continue her education, she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Project Management in January 2023. In May 2025, she was promoted to Chief PR & Communications Officer. She manages all public relations activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the College, including writing and distributing all press releases, articles, scripts, speeches, videos, educational materials, and other correspondence to enhance the community goals of the College. She coordinates Public Relations requests and media inquiries while also directing local news media as the liaison with appropriate College personnel. She serves as a spokesperson and lead point person on all media interactions that help promote and/or impact the College. She initiates and implements video production projects, such as presidential announcements, student and alumni success stories, and academic and workforce development programs.
In addition to her responsibilities in the office, Nicole has volunteered her time outside of the office for the betterment of her local community. Through the years, she has aided non-profit organizations and cultivated partnerships with area businesses and educational institutions. She has been fortunate to develop many long-standing, professional friendships with Coastal Carolina University, Horry County Schools, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, Horry County United Way, Conway-City of Character, Pilot International, and many more.
A 2022 graduate of Leadership Grand Strand and a 1999 graduate of Leadership Conway, Nicole has been an active part of the community. She was the Conway Chamber Youth Leadership Chairperson for seven years, served as a Membership Drive Captain in 2002 and played a major role on the Conway Christmas Parade Committee for several years. She also served as the Vice President of Educational Affairs for the Conway Chamber for several years until she was selected as First Vice President and on track to becoming the Board President for the 2009-2010 Chamber year. She is also a 2008 graduate of the Caduceus Society of Conway Medical Center. She’s currently participating in the South Carolina Technical College System Leadership Academy and serving at the co-chair of the Public Information Officer Peer Group for the South Carolina Technical College System.
Being involved in the community is important to Nicole. In addition to working with the Conway Chamber for many years, she is a two-time past president and public relations coordinator of the Pilot Club of Conway; is past vice-president of public relations for the Toastmasters Club of Conway, served on the City of Conway Character Council; and Junior Achievement Board of Horry County. She is currently serving on the Coastal Carolina University Alumni Board of Directors and serves as the co-chair of the Public Information Officer Peer Group for the South Carolina Technical College System.
Nicole’s professionalism and dedication earned her recognition as the 2008 Waccamaw Community Foundation Young Professional of the Year; the 2004 Youth Leader of the Year and the 2001 Volunteer of the Year for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce; an Achieved Competent Toastmaster in Toastmasters International in May of 2002; an Achieved Competent Leader in Toastmasters International in March of 2003 and an Achieved Toastmaster Bronze in Toastmasters International in June of 2003. She was recognized as “Woman of the Month” in the August 2002 edition of South Carolina Woman Magazine. Most recently, she was recognized as an Outstanding Alumni for the Wall College of Business Administration 30-Year Celebration.
A native of the Good Hope community in Horry County and the oldest daughter of Mike and Ann Prosser, Nicole lives in Conway with her two children, Jay (20) and Carly (17). Becoming a mother was one of the most special times in her life, and she describes motherhood as one of “God’s greatest blessings.” Her family was even featured on the cover of Information Please, the 2009 Community Resource Guide, published on behalf of the Conway Chamber of Commerce by the Horry Independent newspaper. When she’s not busy with work and community activities, Nicole enjoys singing, spending time with family and friends, and loves going to the beach to relax.
Nicole has the soul of a dancer because she is a dancer. She started taking dance at the age of 2 and continued training for over 20 years at the Conway School of Dance. She won a national dance championship with the Dixie Rockers clog team and performed for Muhammad Ali. Dance has always been a big part of her life.
As the lyrics to the LeeAnn Womack song go, “…and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance; I hope you dance…,” Nicole has chosen to dance.
We’re awfully lucky that she has chosen to dance into our lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most meaningful journeys, it hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, and I’m grateful for that. Every challenge along the way has shaped the leader I am today. Early in my career, one of the greatest lessons was learning to navigate complex organizational dynamics, understanding different leadership styles, learning who and when to trust, and recognizing how collaboration and communication can either strengthen or strain an organization.
Working in a fast-paced, highly technical industry also requires constant learning. Keeping up with rapid technological changes while translating complex information into clear, relatable messaging for diverse audiences pushed me to grow professionally and creatively. Over time, I learned that adaptability isn’t just a skill, it’s a mindset.
Perhaps the most meaningful growth came from developing my own leadership style. That didn’t happen overnight. It was shaped by experience, observation, mentorship, and sometimes trial and error. Each challenge reinforced the importance of integrity, empathy, and steady decision-making, especially during moments of change or uncertainty.
Those experiences didn’t slow my path, they strengthened it. They taught me resilience, sharpened my perspective, and affirmed my belief that leadership is about service, trust, and showing up with purpose, even when the road gets a little uneven.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is, at its core, a college built around opportunity—access, affordability, and outcomes. For nearly 60 years, HGTC has served as a trusted pathway to education, career advancement, and economic mobility for students in Horry and Georgetown counties, across the Grand Strand, South Carolina, and beyond.
Today, HGTC offers college-transfer and skilled associate degree programs in more than 80 fields of study, many with flexible online options and hands-on learning experiences built in. Nearly every program includes internships or real-world training, and those connections matter: 91 percent of our graduates either transfer to a four-year institution or move directly into careers in their chosen fields. That success is the result of close collaboration with regional employers and a curriculum designed around workforce demand—not guesswork.
What truly sets HGTC apart is alignment—alignment with our community, our industries, and our students’ realities. As the fourth largest technical college in South Carolina, we serve more than 12,000 students annually from 31 states and 42 countries, yet remain deeply local in our impact. Eighty-six percent of our students are South Carolina residents, and 90 percent of our graduates live, work, and thrive in the state after completion. Our three campuses are intentionally designed around the industries that drive our local economy—from business, engineering technology, and advanced manufacturing to maritime studies, health sciences, and an award-winning culinary institute.
Affordability is another defining feature of our brand. HGTC’s tuition is among the lowest in South Carolina, with an average in-county cost of $2,234 per semester—less than one-third the cost of senior institutions. Eighty-five percent of students receive some form of financial aid, helping reduce barriers and keep students moving forward. We believe access to education should open doors, not create debt.
From an economic standpoint, HGTC is also a major driver for the region. The College generates an estimated $503.8 million annually in economic impact and supports 2,926 jobs through alumni earnings, operations, and workforce outcomes. That impact continues to grow through responsible, forward-looking investment. The College currently has $67 million in capital projects underway and plans more than $113 million in additional academic construction and renovations between 2025 and 2030—entirely funded through state appropriations and the local penny sales tax, without incurring debt.
Brand-wise, what we are most proud of is trust. Our communities trust us to prepare a skilled workforce. Employers trust our graduates. Students trust that when they choose HGTC, they are choosing a college that will walk alongside them—academically, professionally, and personally.
At HGTC, we don’t just educate students. We strengthen families, support employers, and help shape the future of South Carolina’s workforce and beyond. Building on 60 years of service, we continue opening doors to opportunity and preparing the next generation to succeed—right here at home.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and we welcome partnerships at every level. Employers can work with us to help shape academic programs, offer internships or apprenticeships, serve on advisory committees, and ensure students are gaining the skills that align with real workforce needs. These partnerships directly support student success while strengthening the regional economy.
Community organizations, nonprofits, and local leaders can collaborate with us on outreach initiatives, educational programming, workforce training, and special projects that expand access and opportunity across Horry and Georgetown counties. We are always eager to build relationships that connect education with meaningful community impact.
Those looking to support students directly can do so through the HGTC Foundation, which plays a vital role in advancing the College’s mission. Through scholarships, emergency assistance funds, program support, and sponsorship of academic and workforce development initiatives, the Foundation helps remove barriers and creates pathways for students to persist, complete their education, and move confidently into careers.
From a communications and storytelling perspective, partnership with the media is also incredibly important. Local and regional media outlets play a vital role in helping us tell the stories that matter—student success, workforce outcomes, innovative programs, and the real impact of a technical college education on our communities. By sharing these stories, our media partners help raise awareness, celebrate achievement, and ensure our students, faculty, and employers are seen and heard.
Most importantly, we believe the strongest collaborations begin with conversation. Anyone interested in working with HGTC, whether as a partner, supporter, media collaborator, or advocate are encouraged to reach out and explore how we can move forward together. When education, industry, community, and media align, everyone benefits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hgtc.edu
- Instagram: gohgtc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gohgtc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/gohgtc/
- Twitter: gohgtc
