Ms. Charlene D. Slaughter has been named the director of public relations at Claflin University in the Division of Institutional Advancement.

Ms. Slaughter came to Claflin as assistant director of public relations in 2007 after working as a journalist for 10 years. She is a mass communication graduate of Winthrop University and a native of St. Matthews, S.C.

“When Ms. Slaughter came to Claflin, she brought with her award-winning writing skills, great organizational skills and an ability to build relationships with students, the Claflin Family, alumni, media and members of the community,” said Ms. Vivian Glover, assistant vice president for Communications and Marketing.  “In taking on this new role, I look forward to her leadership in promoting the university to a global audience and positioning the university as a national resource for information and answers on education and research issues.”

As assistant director, Ms. Slaughter promoted the university locally, nationally and abroad, traveling to China, Trinidad and Tobago and across the country promoting various university programs and initiatives. In her position as director of public relations, she will expand her efforts to promote the Claflin Story in new ways, including more advanced publications, broader media exposure and through the use of new media.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of the Claflin Family,” Ms. Slaughter said. “We are steadily gaining national and global recognition for our student successes, innovative educational curriculum and cutting-edge research initiatives. The moniker ‘the best kept secret” has dissipated and Claflin has stepped into the forefront. My challenge is to expand our reach even farther, and we are well on our way to accomplishing that goal.”

Ms. Slaughter served in numerous positions in print journalism including sports writer, news writer, city editor, sports editor and special assignments reporter. She won six South Carolina Press Association writing awards during her tenure at The Times and Democrat in Orangeburg, S.C., including first place awards for enterprise reporting and profile feature writing.

“As assistant director of public relations, Ms. Slaughter enhanced her public relations skills and I am confident that she will serve the University well as director of public relations,” said Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, vice president for institutional advancement.

Claflin University is a four-year, coeducational liberal arts university located in Orangeburg, S.C., and the oldest Historically Black College or University in the state. Founded in 1869, Claflin is ranked nationally for its academic excellence and will celebrate its 140^th anniversary during the 2009-2010 school year.

As director of public relations, Ms. Slaughter said she is looking forward to continuing Claflin’s legacy of excellence by promoting its academic programs, progress and student achievement. 

“Claflin University is customer focused, and our students are our customers,” she said, “By far, my greatest enjoyment comes from building relationships with our students and promoting their accomplishments.”