Background

Dr. Jason Darby is a higher education leader and scholar-practitioner serving as Director of Corporate and Community Engagement for the University of South Carolina Palmetto College. In this role, he leads initiatives that strengthen partnerships among employers, community organizations, government agencies and educational institutions to advance workforce development, educational access and economic opportunity across South Carolina.

Darby brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, strategic communications, community engagement, corporate public affairs and association management. Prior to assuming his current role, he spent more than a decade leading award-winning marketing and communications programs for USC Palmetto College. Earlier in his career, he held communications leadership positions with Trident Technical College and SCANA Corporation, supporting continuing education, workforce-related programs, public outreach, media relations and stakeholder engagement initiatives. This blend of experience across education, industry and community affairs informs his work building partnerships that expand opportunity and strengthen connections among employers, educators and communities throughout South Carolina.

As a scholar-practitioner, Darby's work bridges theory and practice, exploring the intersections of higher education leadership, workforce development, institutional communications, risk management and the history and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and a Master of Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina, and a B.A. in Professional English from South Carolina State University.