Coastal Carolina University Honors the Legacy of Travis Overton

News Summary

The Coastal Carolina University community mourns the passing of Vice President Travis E. Overton, who died at 42. Known for his dedicated service and leadership, celebrating his life will include a #TEOTealTuesday event and a candlelight vigil. Community and students are invited to share their tributes as a lasting legacy honors Overton’s commitment to student success.

Coastal Carolina University Community Mourns the Loss of Travis Overton

Conway, South Carolina – The Coastal Carolina University (CCU) community is coming together to remember and celebrate the life of their beloved Vice President, Travis E. Overton. Overton, who served as the Vice President and Chief of Staff at CCU, sadly passed away on December 31, 2024, at the young age of 42. His contributions to the university and its students were heartfelt and far-reaching.

A Journey Through Service

Overton joined CCU in July 2007 and had a remarkable career filled with various roles that helped shape the university we know today. His dedication to fostering a strong sense of belonging and community at CCU was evident through his leadership as the Vice President for Executive Initiatives and as the interim leader of University Belonging and Student Affairs. Overton’s impact on student life included oversight of housing, conduct, and fraternity and sorority life, where he served as a mentor and advisor.

Paying Respects and Celebrating Life

In the upcoming weeks, there are several opportunities for the CCU community and the public to pay their respects and honor Overton’s legacy. A viewing will be held on January 17, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at New Generation Funeral Home in Antioch, Tennessee. The following day, another viewing will take place at 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at noon at Bethesda Original Church of God in Nashville, Tennessee. This is a time for friends, family, and colleagues to come together to reflect on Overton’s life and the many ways he touched their lives.

Remembering Travis at CCU

To commemorate Overton, CCU will host a special #TEOTealTuesday event on January 14, 2025, beginning at 11 a.m. in the Lib Jackson Student Union. The event will feature story sharing, video tributes, and a fun T-shirt giveaway for attendees wearing teal – a color that symbolizes his vibrant spirit. At 12:30 p.m., everyone is encouraged to gather and sing the university’s alma mater, creating a unifying moment of remembrance.

CCU invites all who wish to contribute written tributes, photos, and videos to honor Overton to send their submissions to a dedicated email address. This initiative allows for more personal stories and experiences to be shared, further enriching the collective memory of Overton’s time at the university.

A Candlelight Vigil and More Celebrations

On January 24, 2025, CCU’s Nu Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., along with the African American Initiative for Men, will hold a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. at the Edward M. Singleton Building. This solemn gathering will provide a space for reflection and community solidarity in the wake of such a tremendous loss.

The final celebration of Overton’s life will occur on March 2, 2025, at 3 p.m. in the Wheelwright Auditorium. This event is particularly special as it falls on what would have been Overton’s 43rd birthday, allowing the community to come together to celebrate his life and contributions to CCU.

A Lasting Legacy

Travis Overton’s work will be remembered fondly by students, faculty, and community members alike. He was not just a leader but a mentor who dedicated himself to the success of every individual in the university community. Overton’s involvement extended beyond the classroom; he played an active role in local non-profit organizations, including serving as vice president of Conway Downtown Alive since 2021. His dynamic personality and incredible ability to connect with others earned him the affectionate nickname “CCU’s Swiss Army knife,” reflecting his many talents and contributions.

To further honor his memory, a benevolence fund will be established in his name to support students facing crises or hardships. This fund is a testament to Overton’s commitment to assisting those in need and ensuring that his legacy continues to make a positive difference for generations to come.

The CCU community stands united in mourning the loss of an exceptional individual and celebrating all that Travis Overton achieved. His spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those he inspired and supported throughout his time at the university.