Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2019

61 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.BestOfMP.com | www.ReadMPM.com feature Name : Jeff Barber Occupation : Director of Athletics Charleston Southern University Began as AD — May 17, 2018 Born : Jan. 12, 1958; Greenville, North Carolina Alma Mater : East Carolina University ‘81 On May 17, 2018, Jeff Barber became the third director of athletics in the history of Charleston Southern University (formerly Baptist College at Charleston), following the late Howard Bagwell (1965-2000) and Hank Small (2001-2018). Barber arrived at CSU after serving as AD at Liberty University from 2006-2016, yet he is no stranger to the Palmetto State, having served 10 years at the University of South Carolina, including his last three years as senior associate AD for development/Gamecock Club executive director. He also worked for four years in the athletic departments at Furman University and East Carolina University. Barber graduated cum laude from East Carolina in 1981, and, in 1997, he continued his education with a degree from the prestigious Sports Management Institute, graduating as class spokesman. During his time at Liberty, Barber was instrumental in leading the Flames to the highest level of collegiate athletics. His efforts were recognized in June 2012, when he was named the NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics) FCS Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year for the Southeast region — a significant recognition. Support for the accolade came as Barber helped spur record-setting increases in Flames Club memberships, athletic fundraising and season ticket sales for football and basketball. In his decade-plus at Liberty, the Flames Club witnessed significant growth, collected nearly $10 million in total contributions and membership grew tenfold. Liberty also saw significant improvements to their athletic facilities. He has a similar vision for CSU. “I’m a relational type of person, and I want to continue to be a positive influence on people,” he said. “At Charleston Southern, I want to create a family-type atmosphere among our coaches and staff. We know that as a family, we don’t always get along and we’ll have different opinions, but we want to love one another and care about each other as people. In other words, treat people well.” Photo courtesy of Jeff Barber.