Robert Barkley, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Clemson University, has been part of the Beach Week staff for 10 years. He has been in Admissions for over 29. Robert earned his undergraduate degree from Lenoir Rhyne College and subsequently spent 8 years there as an Admissions Officer prior to accepting a position at Clemson. Though his master’s degree hails from The University of South Carolina, Robert’s blood bleeds orange!

Currently Robert serves as president for the Association for Chief Admissions Officers at Public Universities. Most recently he has been South Carolina’s Representative for College Board’s Southern Regional Council and is the past-president of the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Robert is a much sought-after presenter at both professional conferences and counselor workshops where he is renowned for displaying both style and wit while driving important points “home” to colleagues in a most professional and informative manner.

Robert joined Beach Week as a staff member 10 years ago. He facilitates afternoon and evening Sessions on topics that range from Student Rights and Responsibilities in the Process, What to look for on Campus during a College Visit, The Interview, Scholarships and Other Special Needs, and How to Effectively Show Your Application, to What Goes On in Committee. Robert also prepares a dynamite dinner entree for Parent Night. Yum!

He has been happily wed for 18 years to Beverly and they are parents to an orange (What other color would one expect?) cat named Jazzy. During Beach Week Robert joins fitness gurus Carol, Charity, and Anna plus interested students for a before-breakfast walk at 7 AM. Kudos to them!