Jason Darby appointed Director of Public Relations at Claflin University
February 27, 2008
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – February 28, 2008 – Claflin University is embarking on a new Communications and Marketing initiative to promote the University to a global audience and position the University as a national resource for information and answers on education and research issues.
In keeping with those objectives, Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale announces the appointment of Jason Darby as Director of Public Relations in the Division of Institutional Advancement.
He will work as an integral part of a communications and marketing team that will coordinate and lead the university’s ongoing efforts to develop strategies to enhance the image and brand of Claflin in recruiting and advancement. The appointment comes at a time when the top-tier, liberal arts institution continues to elevate its national and international profile.
“Mr. Darby brings a great deal of experience and expertise in the area of marketing and media relations for colleges and universities to his role here at Claflin,” said Vivian Glover, assistant vice president for communications and marketing. “I am confident that his abilities and experience will be indispensable assets.”
Mr. Darby’s responsibilities include generating and managing local, regional, national and international media publicity for the university.
Mr. Darby comes to Claflin with more than a decade of experience in higher education communications and marketing. He has previously served as public relations director for Allen University, and in various communications roles for South Carolina State University, including assistant public relations director.
He has also taught communications courses at Claflin University and Allen University, and his work outside of academia has included positions as an editorial assistant for the plastic industry’s leading trade magazine, Modern Plastics, and as a media spokesman for SCANA, a Fortune 500 corporation.
“I am excited about being a part of the Claflin University community,” Mr. Darby said. “This institution is molding great leaders, providing excellent programs and blazing new trails, and I take great pride in being able to share that story with a growing constituency.”
Mr. Darby earned a bachelor’s degree in professional English from S.C. State and a Master of Mass Communication degree with an emphasis in integrated communications from the University of South Carolina. He has completed further graphic design, media relations and crisis communications training.
Mr. Darby joins a staff that includes Charlene Slaughter, who was appointed as Assistant Director of Public Relations in September. Ms. Slaughter has a background in print journalism and most recently was employed by The Times and Democrat in Orangeburg, South Carolina, as a Special Assignment Reporter. She also previously served as City Editor, Sports Editor and a General Assignment Reporter during her tenure there.
“Our goal is to tell the Claflin story to local, national and international audiences,” Ms. Slaughter said. “Writing is what I love to do, and I am enjoying helping Claflin achieve that goal.”
Ms. Slaughter is a native of St. Matthews, S.C., and a Mass Communication graduate of Winthrop University.
“The hiring of both Mr. Darby and Ms. Slaughter gives Claflin a team of journalists who are competent and capable of giving Claflin the exposure she deserves,” said Ms. Vivian Glover, Claflin’s Assistant Vice President of Communications and Marketing.
