Presbyterian College has welcomed six accomplished leaders to its Board of Trustees, adding expertise in law, finance, media, the arts, and community development, along with deep ties to the College and a shared commitment to service.
“These new trustees represent the very best of Presbyterian College,” said President Dr. Anita Gustafson. “They bring extraordinary professional experience, proven leadership, and a deep love for PC. Their collective talents and dedication to service will strengthen our governance and help move the college forward.”
Among the new trustees is John Clark ’86, owner of Clark Law Firm LLC in Sumter. A respected attorney and community leader, Clark earned his degree in middle school social studies from Presbyterian College before completing law school at the University of South Carolina. An engaged alumnus, he has been a consistent supporter of college initiatives and a loyal presence at campus events.
Whitney B. Harrison ’07, an attorney with McGowan, Hood & Felder LLC, brings national recognition in trial and appellate advocacy. She was the first woman to receive the South Carolina Bar’s Trial and Appellate Advocacy Award and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2015. Harrison has supported key college initiatives, including the renovation of Belk Auditorium and the creation of PC’s EPIC Service initiative, and remains deeply committed to service and philanthropy. A member of the college’s most prestigious giving society, the William Plumer Jacobs Society, Harrison previously served on the board as an alumni representative and is now rotating to the full board.
Shep Robinson, a retired banking and commercial real estate finance executive, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience, most recently as an executive director in Wells Fargo’s Corporate and Investment Banking Group. A graduate of Davidson College with an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School, Robinson has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards and resides in Clinton with his wife, Woodie.
Elizabeth Rouse ’06, president and CEO of ARTSmemphis, has guided the organization’s growth into a major arts funding and advocacy institution, distributing more than $100 million to support the arts sector in Memphis. A business graduate of Presbyterian College, Rouse has held leadership roles with Memphis Tourism and the Greater Memphis Chamber and remains active in church and community service.
Also joining the board is James D. “Jim” Samples ’86, a seasoned business leader with extensive experience in media and communications. Samples previously held senior leadership roles with HGTV and Scripps Networks, including serving as president of its international division with operations in 175 countries. A long-time supporter of Presbyterian College, he has contributed generously to scholarships and strategic initiatives and continues to support nonprofit organizations in the arts, education, and community development.
Joseph “Joe” Wideman Jr. ’13, an attorney with the Atkins Law Firm, represents injured workers and motor vehicle accident victims across South Carolina. Raised in Belton, Wideman played Division I football for the Blue Hose and served as a two-year team captain before earning his law degree from the University of South Carolina. He remains active in alumni leadership and community mentorship and is joining the board as an alumni representative.
“We are honored that these leaders have chosen to serve Presbyterian College,” Gustafson said. “Their diverse perspectives and shared commitment to our students, our mission, and our future will help guide the College in the years ahead.”
