SCGSSM Foundation Announces New Board Members

HARTSVILLE, S.C. — The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Trustees by Governor Henry McMaster: Patrick Cleary, Esq., and Mark Smith, Ph.D.

The newly appointed trustees bring extensive experience across higher education, engineering, educational policy, and community governance. Their executive leadership will strengthen the Board’s ability to provide strategic direction and governance in support of GSSM’s statewide mission.   

“GSSM is excited to welcome back one of its own to the Board of Trustees, Patrick Cleary Class of 2001, as well as an accomplished leader in education, Dr. Mark Smith," said Danny Dorsel, President of GSSM. "The perspectives of both will benefit the students entrusted to us.”

About the New Trustees

Patrick Cleary, Esq.

Patrick Cleary currently serves as a partner at Bowman and Brooke LLP, where his practice focuses on product liability defense, consumer finance, and intellectual property litigation. Licensed to practice in both North Carolina and South Carolina, his extensive legal expertise and administrative insight will serve as a vital asset to the Board's governance efforts.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve GSSM as a member of the Board of Trustees. The opportunities and challenges GSSM provided me, along with the lifelong friendships I made, have shaped and motivated me. Serving on the Board gives me a chance to give back and support future generations of South Carolina’s students,” says Cleary.

Cleary served three terms on the Alumni Association Board, including one as President. He also served on the Foundation Board of Directors from 2020 to 2026 and was the Board Chairman from 2024 to 2025.

Mark Smith, Ph.D.

Mark Smith, Ph.D. brings decades of executive leadership in higher education, having served for 11 years as President of Ohio Christian University and 5 years as President of Columbia International University. His broad background in institutional growth, academic administration, and educational policy positions him to make an immediate impact on GSSM’s long-term strategic vision.

“It is my privilege and honor to serve with other distinguished colleagues on the Governors School Board for Science and Mathematics! My life has been so enriched to associate with these brilliant students, other outstanding faculty, and corporate scholars.  Our desire is to create pathways for success for South Carolina’s best and brightest. My goal is to leave a legacy for others to follow,” says Smith. 

GSSM’s Board of Trustees is appointed by the Governor of South Carolina to provide fiduciary governance, institutional oversight, and strategic guidance for the school’s statewide residential and outreach programs.

Additional information about GSSM’s Board of Trustees is available at www.scgssm.org/who-we-are/board-trustees. 

About GSSM

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics is a public, residential high school in Hartsville serving academically motivated juniors and seniors from across the state. GSSM provides advanced educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through rigorous coursework, research experiences and enrichment programs that prepare students to become leaders and innovators in South Carolina and beyond.

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