Dr. Chandra Owenby Hopkins: Empowering the Next Generation of Female Leaders

Written by Amanda Mathis

Maya Angelou once wrote, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” For Dr. Chandra Owenby Hopkins, her work as Dean of Converse College for Women (CCW) is a commitment to supporting and celebrating women both within and beyond the classroom.

Not one who seeks the limelight, she sets the standard for excellence while lifting others along the way, and her leadership creates opportunities for others.

Women leaders throughout our Spartanburg community are driving meaningful change and inspiring others to reach higher. Hopkins’ achievements were recognized with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award.

Hopkins’ achievements were recognized with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award.

“To be included among women who embody professional excellence, service to the community, and a commitment to empowering others is both humbling and personally inspiring,” she said when she accepted the award. “Leadership is rarely about a single moment or individual achievement. It’s about showing up, listening, and taking action in the big and many small ways we can commit to and deliver, often without realizing who might be watching or who might follow. Like this powerful gathering today, when we recognize and support one another, we don’t just celebrate success; we help pave the way for others to step forward with confidence.”

Since assuming her role as Dean in 2020, Dr. Hopkins has continued to build upon the historic and important tradition of Converse College for Women and to maintain the invaluable connection between the strong alum network and current Converse students. She arrived on Converse’s campus in 2012 and taught courses in Theatre History, Public Speaking, and Performance Studies as an Associate Professor of Theatre before becoming Dean.

“I am passionate about the impact that an empowering living-learning community can have on the next generation of female leaders.”

Dr. Chandra Owenby Hopkins

“As a proud graduate of a women’s college myself (Brenau University), I have lived a life transformed by the incredible mentorship and empowerment that can come from a women’s college experience,” reflected Hopkins. “I seek to honor the pivotal role my own education played in the development of me as an educator, theatre artist, and female leader in higher education. I enthusiastically embrace Converse’s larger mission, including our Founder’s Ideal. I am passionate about the impact that an empowering living-learning community can have on the next generation of female leaders.”

Hopkins received her bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Brenau University, her Master of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University, and her Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Kansas. As a theatre scholar, her research explores the intersections of identity and memory embodied in the performances and cultural histories of the American South.

She recently published her first book, Southern Stages: Space and Memory in U.S. Performance with the University of Iowa Press. She is committed to the larger Upstate community beyond the university’s gates and proudly serves on the boards of Spartanburg Day School, Meeting Street Academy, and the Spartanburg Philharmonic.

“Our students, our future, will soon take what they’ve learned into their businesses, organizations, and communities across South Carolina and beyond.”

Dr. Chandra Owenby Hopkins

Dr. Chandra Hopkins continues to cultivate leadership rooted in mentorship, service, and purpose within the CCW. For her, it’s important that all students learn that standing up for their ideas, their values, and one another is not only personal empowerment — it’s a commitment to society and to shared progress.

“Our students, our future, will soon take what they’ve learned into their businesses, organizations, and communities across South Carolina and beyond. They will strengthen workplaces, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to organizations like the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. They will carry forward the very spirit this award represents,” said Hopkins.