Surgeon to address graduates at SC State Fall Commencement on Dec. 11
Dr. Kris Harley is a 1995 SC State graduate.
The commencement address will be delivered by Dr. Kris Harley, chief of surgery at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Commencement rehearsal is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at SHM.
About Dr. Kris Harley
Harley oversees all surgical disciplines at the center and is nationally recognized for advancing quality, safety and innovation in acute care surgery. A leadership style marked by compassion, precision and integrity has earned him respect among his colleagues and within the community he serves.
Harley has nearly 20 years of expertise in trauma surgery and critical care medicine and has dedicated his career to improving patient outcomes across the Carolinas, Iowa and Ohio.
He also mentors emerging professionals and champions initiatives that expand access to equitable healthcare.
The Orangeburg County native is a 1995 graduate of SC State. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Wake Forest University in 2020.
Harley's journey began at the former Orangeburg Regional Hospital, now Medical University of South Carolina-Orangeburg. It was also profoundly shaped by his years at SC State, where he found a second family that molded his identity and purpose.
Harley is a lifelong member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and is an engaged supporter of the SC State National Alumni Association. The philanthropist is also a member of the prestigious Thomas E. Miller Society which recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to their alma mater.
The entrepreneur and servant leader continues to embody the university's values of excellence, community and service to others. His journey stands as a reflection of Bulldog pride and is a living testament to the transformative power of an SC State education.