A gift from a family of educators will ensure that PC continues to inspire students for years to come.

The late Kenneth E. Creel graduated from USC in 1950. He spent four years as an instructor at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and Parks Air Force Base in San Diego, California. He returned to South Carolina to work as a teacher and administrator in the Johnsonville, Hemingway, and Georgetown schools. Perhaps Ken was preparing for the next 22 years of his life in Clinton.

In 1970, Dr. Creel earned a Ph.D. in Educational Foundations from USC. He then joined the faculty at PC’s education department, chaired by Dr. Dottie Brandt. Dr. Creel’s practical experience as a classroom teacher would prove invaluable as he began his work with future secondary education teachers. He became a full professor in 1979, and during his tenure, he served as department chairman as well as dean of the faculty in 1985. He was a familiar presence in secondary schools as his students completed their practice teaching as seniors before graduation.

Barbara Creel, a graduate of Winthrop College and USC, taught grammar and literature in several SC schools prior to her years in the Clinton High School English Department. Today, She receives great joy from seeing former students in their work and leadership roles in their communities and also hearing news of their families. As a real estate broker today, Barbara has the privilege of lending a caring ear to customers and clients.

The Creels’ son, Kenneth, graduated from Virginia Tech. He is now an aerospace and mechanical engineer with Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colorado. There, he lives with wife, Stacy, and two children, Claudia and Henry. The Creels’ daughter, Carrie, graduated from MUSC in Charleston. She is a pharmacist with Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia, where she lives with her son, Hunter.

The Creel children appreciated being reared in a small college town. One of the advantages of living in Clinton was being able to benefit from the phenomenal teaching of PC’s professors during their high school years. The Creels all agree that dedicated teachers are the core of PC.

The Creel family has inspired students and young educators throughout the years. The Creels’ family gift ensures that they will continue to do the same.

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