Thomas R. McDaniel, an essayist in Hub City's Stars Fell on Spartanburg, is senior vice president at Converse College. Among his 250-plus publications are eight books and thirty textbook chapters, as well as articles in over 50 different journals in education, humanities, and the social sciences. Presently, he serves as Executive Editor for The Clearing House. He co-authored with Nan McDaniel and Sandra Thomas At Home in South Carolina.

His commentary on the Gospel of Luke entitled Dr. Luke's Prescriptions for Spiritual Health was published by Magnus Press in 2000 and his collection of essays on deaning, Dean's Dialogue, was published by Magna in 2002. His text, School Law for South Carolina Educators was published in 2007.

He came to Converse in 1971 as chairman of the Department of Education and director of Graduate Studies. In 1984, he was named Charles A. Dana Professor of Education.  In 1993-94 he served Converse as Interim President and from 1994 to 2002 as Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Provost. McDaniel received his B.A. degree magna cum laude from Hampden-Sydney College and his M.L.A. (Humanities), M.A.T. (English), and Ph.D. (Philosophy and Education) degrees from the Johns Hopkins University.

His essay in Stars Fell on Spartanburg tells the story of Elizabeth Boatwright Coker at Converse College.