Bob Staton Begins Role as President at Presbyterian College

Bob Staton Begins Role as President at Presbyterian College

President-StatonRobert (Bob) Emmett Staton ’68 assumed the role of President of Presbyterian College on July 15, 2015. He will serve in this role while the Board of Trustees conducts a nationwide search for a new president for the College.

President Staton is a 1968 graduate of PC and a 1971 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. He went on to become the chairman and CEO of Colonial Life before retirement and currently serves on the board of Delta Apparel, a publically traded company with executive offices in Greenville, S.C.

In addition to being an alumnus of the College, President Staton served as a member of PC’s Board of Trustees from 1997-2006, serving on and chairing several committees. He also served as chair of the College’s Promise and Challenge capital campaign. In January 2007, he joined PC’s administration as executive vice president for external relations until 2012. At the 2015 Commencement ceremonies, Staton received an honorary doctorate of public service degree from the College.

PHOTO-OPTION-TWO_4President Staton and his wife, Phyllis, are excited to make the PC campus and community their home. “We are beyond thrilled to be a part of the PC family, and we can’t wait to meet our students and PC alumni,” said President Staton. “We look forward to working with the College staff and faculty to ensure our students continue to have an enriching College experience that prepares them not only for a career, but a meaningful life of service. We look forward to a bright future at PC.”

The Staton’s have always been committed to serving their community. President Staton is a member of numerous state and local civic organizations and has been recognized by the South Carolina State Chamber of Commerce as Business Leader of the Year and was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Jim Hodges.

Mrs. Staton recently retired after a fifty year career at Palmetto Health Baptist and Richland, most recently having worked as manager of the Breast Centers. She hopes to continue a life of service on-campus and off. “When we were presented with this opportunity, Bob and I prayed about it,” said Mrs. Staton. “We both are retired, but felt like there was still a way for us to give back to the community, and we believe this is it. I want to become involved in helping in any way I can. I want to participate in anything that would help PC and the community, and I want to make a difference.”

President Staton has four children, Chris, Lindsay, Rob ’97 and Jason ’99. “PC has meant a lot to me and my family. Phyllis and I are honored to be here.”