Clinton, SC | July 1, 2015 – The Presbyterian College (PC) Board of Trustees is proud to announce that Robert (Bob) Emmett Staton ’68 has been selected to serve as president of PC effective July 15, while a nationwide search is conducted for a new president for the College.

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. He 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.

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.

Staton and his wife, Phyllis, currently reside in Lexington, S.C. and will move to Clinton in late-July. Phyllis retired after a fifty year career at Palmetto Health Baptist and Richland, most recently having worked as manager of the Breast Centers. Staton has four children, Chris, Lindsay, Rob ’97 and Jason ’99 and currently serves as an elder at Cherokee Presbyterian Church in Gilbert, S.C.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve PC in this role,” said Staton. “PC has played a significant role in my life and that of my family. Phyllis and I are excited to have the opportunity to help shape PC’s future. We are excited about the opportunity to work closely with the students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Clinton community to move PC into the future.”

“Bob has been a faithful member of the PC community for many years and we are excited to have him serve as president,” said PC Board of Trustees Chairman, Pat Phillips. “He will guide PC as the Board of Trustees and the Presidential Selection Committee conduct an extensive search for the next president of the College. I am looking forward to what Bob will do as president of PC.”