College of Charleston Welcomes New Employees
Meet some of your new colleagues, and get to know a little bit about them!
The College of Charleston is excited to welcome this group of new employees! Whether they’re taking on a new role or stepping onto campus for the first time, these Cougars bring a lot of experience, talent and enthusiasm to the community.
Find out a little about your new colleagues below – and be sure to extend a warm welcome to them all!
Monica Benyard ’13
Administration Operations Manager, Department of Art and Architectural History
Background: I am from Orangeburg, South Carolina, and am an alum of the College, as well as a former employee. I most recently worked at MUSC in the Neurology clinic.
Interests: I like to spend quality time with friends and family. In my downtime I enjoy a good drama series.
Looking Forward: I am looking forward to learning the College from another perspective. I have not worked on the academic side, and I am very interested in understanding the College on another level. I also look forward to reconnecting with old colleagues and friends.
Madeline “Maddie” Erb ’25
Access and Instruction Specialist, CofC Libraries
Background: I’m a former CofC student (graduated in 2025). I have spent the past year doing freelance writing/editing and I used to work at the Addlestone Library as a student worker.
Interests: I’m a nerd. I play Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering; enjoy musicals; and am working on writing a video game (something called a visual novel, which is like of one of those old choose-your-own-adventure novels were electronic and had illustrations and audio).
Looking Forward: It’s just nice to be back at the library!
Kylie Hulgan
Business Manager, Department of Biology
Background: I did my undergraduate education at the University of Tennessee and then commissioned into the U.S. Army and spent several years as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. After that, I worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a management analyst before coming to the College of Charleston.
Interests: My family is most important to me and I spend most of my time hanging out with my husband and two dogs. We both enjoy watching baseball and I love college sports (Go Vols!). In my spare time, I like to read and enjoy working out.
Looking Forward: I look forward to the overall environment and culture.
Jesse Kirby
Academic Advisor, Academic Advising and Planning Center
Background: I am originally from Culpeper, Virginia. For the past eight years I have lived in Williamsburg, Kentucky, where I went to college and then worked as an assistant wrestling coach at the college for the past three years. I decided to make the change to academic advising because I enjoy working with students on the academic side of things, and wanted the opportunity to do this full time.
Interests: I enjoy baking different sourdough goodies as well as reading and going for walks outside. I am looking forward to exploring Charleston and finding good areas to walk.
Looking Forward: I am looking forward to building close working relationships with my new co-workers and meeting the students that I will be working with moving forward.
Duane Miskelly
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Finance
Background: I have over 30 years experience in operational finance roles across software, services and manufacturing. I am currently the CFO of a pharmaceutical manufacturer based in South Carolina.
Interests: My family is what’s most important to me. My wife was a member of the College’s sailing team back in the ’90s. My daughter is a recent graduate and my oldest son is currently enrolled in the School of Business. When I’m not working or focused on my class, I like to get outside and take advantage of all of the things Charleston has to offer – sailing, tennis and the beach are some of my favorites.
Looking Forward: What I enjoy the most is engaging students on a subject that I am truly passionate about and seeing them succeed.
Keirsten Thomas
George Street Box Office Manager, Campus Services
Background: Originally from Buffalo, New York, my family and I moved down to Charleston in August 2025. Having spent the last 13 years using my degree in theatre to better hone my skills, I saw this move as an exciting opportunity to explore new places and theatre communities. While my husband started a new position at TTS Studios and our oldest daughter started first grade in a new school system, I have been at home during the day with our youngest daughter and two cats.
Interests: When I’m not wearing the many hats of motherhood, I enjoy seeing live performances, playing Dungeons & Dragons, curling up with a cuppa chai and a good book, and, of course, cheering on the Buffalo Bills (Go Bills!).
Looking Forward: I’m most excited about the new connections I will be making, both with my colleagues, and our patrons and clients. This city and college is beautiful, and every day feels like a gift, one that I love getting to share with other people.
