Jack W. Claypoole, '87, Named Executive Director
My Carolina Alumni Association is proud to announce that Jack W. Claypoole, ’87, has been named Executive Director effective July 18, 2012. Claypoole was chosen after a national search was conducted. Claypoole, a native South Carolinian, graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1987 with a degree in Journalism.
“This is an incredibly exciting time to come home to Carolina and serve our alumni,” Claypoole says. “Our Board of Governors has established a clear and aggressive vision for growth, we have a talented staff working to improve alumni programming and we have University leadership committed to supporting the Association’s plan to build a new alumni center that will connect our alumni to learning and networking activities in Columbia and around the country. Whether it’s our Flagship status in South Carolina or the national recognition earned in both academics and athletics, today’s USC is a great ‘home base’ for our alumni, and I’m looking forward to serving and supporting My Carolina.”
Claypoole is currently the Associate Deputy Director of The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and most recently was President and CEO of LRADAC, The Behavioral Health Center of the Midlands.
“We are thrilled that Jack will be joining us,” said My Carolina President Lee Bussell. “We believe he brings the energy and creativity to help us build an alumni center and broaden our engagement programs such as advocacy, lifelong learning and career networking.”
Claypoole will succeed Marsha A. Cole, who stepped down as Executive Director in 2011 to focus on the alumni center project. Cole, who will retire on June 30, 2012, has earned praise for her dedication to and work for the Association.
“Because of Marsha’s hard work and tenacity, the new alumni center will be built,” Bussell said. “She is a true Gamecock, and what she did to improve the Association is deeply appreciated.”
Amy E. Stone, Past President of My Carolina, served as the Interim Executive Director. She is Secretary of the University Board of Trustees.
My Carolina Alumni Association is non-profit 501(c)(3), self-governed alumni membership organization that promotes a lifelong connection to the University of South Carolina. Its mission is to ensure that every alumna and alumnus is informed, involved and committed to the success of the University. This is accomplished through a variety of innovative programs, activities and services focused on alumni, students as future alumni and friends and supporters.