Poole to be honored as Student Affairs Staff Member of the Game vs. Charlotte

Dr. Kimberly Poole has distinct recollections of Memorial Stadium. As a high-schooler in nearby Seneca, she worked in the concession stands to raise funds for the Bobcats’ marching band. In 2002, she was a master’s graduate when an infamous thunderstorm wreaked havoc on the crowd and led to a permanent change of venue for Clemson commencement ceremonies.

Now she’s set to add another unique perspective Saturday evening when the top-ranked Clemson football team takes the field against Charlotte. Poole has been named Staff Member of the Game for Student Affairs, a distinction annually afforded to one impactful employee from the division during Fall Family Weekend.

“It’s a little bit surreal, having grown up in the area and having been at so many games over the years,” Poole said. “It’s humbling to be acknowledged in a public way, but also gratifying to know you’re doing your best to serve Clemson students.”

Poole is an associate dean of students and the director of the Office of Advocacy and Success. She oversees a staff whose overarching purpose is to serve Clemson students as a trusted place for care and referrals to campus and community partners. She manages the dean on-call system, chairs the University’s behavioral intervention team and is a member of the threat assessment team.

She also serves as a liaison for the graduate school and international services, and is an advisor for Graduate Student Government (GSG). Poole was a member of the inaugural President’s Leadership Institute cohort in 2016-17.

“Kimberly has excelled in her role as director of Advocacy and Success, and we are excited to honor her in this way,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Almeda Jacks. “She is well-respected by her colleagues and provides such a caring presence for our students.”

Poole graduated from Clemson with three degrees, including a doctorate in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education. She was a clinician for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for about a decade prior to her current role, where she served as the coordinator of relationship and sexual violence services.

A first-generation college student, Poole has invited her mother, Joanne, to take the field with her and be by her side as she is honored during the first half.

“She’s crazy excited about it, probably even more so than me!” Poole said. “It’s a great way for me to honor her, because of how much she’s supported me in all aspects of life over the years.”