NEWS

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Newberry College President Dr. David Harpool has appointed Carlton L. Kinard '16 as the college's director of governmental and external affairs, a newly expanded leadership role designed to strengthen partnerships between the college and the broader community while advancing civic and governmental engagement opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.

As director of governmental and external affairs, Kinard will serve as the college's primary liaison for governmental relations and town-gown partnerships, cultivating collaborative relationships with local, county, state, and federal leaders. He will also lead strategic initiatives that expand community partnerships, support institutional priorities, and create new opportunities for experiential learning and civic engagement.

Kinard will continue to oversee key civic engagement initiatives established during his tenure as associate director for campus and community engagement in the Muller Center. Under his leadership, Newberry College achieved the highest level of civic engagement in its history during the 2025-26 academic year, with students, faculty, and staff contributing nearly 9,000 hours of community service throughout the region.

"Newberry College has played a transformative role in my life, and I am deeply honored by the confidence Dr. Harpool has placed in me through this appointment," Kinard said. "I look forward to building meaningful relationships that strengthen our connections with the community while creating innovative opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff to engage in service, leadership, and civic responsibility. Higher education has the power to transform communities, and I am excited to help advance Newberry College's mission through strategic partnerships and collaborative engagement."

During his time with the Muller Center, Kinard helped lead initiatives focused on multicultural engagement, civic participation, community partnerships, and experiential learning. His work expanded the college's visibility throughout the region while fostering a culture of service and engagement.

"Carlton has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities in ways that benefit both our students and our community," Harpool said. "I am excited to see him expand our reach in this new role. His experience in city and state government, combined with his commitment to community engagement, positions him to strengthen Newberry College's relationships in ways that will create lasting opportunities for our students, our institution, and our partners."

The appointment reflects Newberry College's continued commitment to strengthening partnerships that extend learning beyond the classroom, support community development, and enhance the college's impact across South Carolina and beyond.