Rick Barth, Ph.D. has announced he will leave the University for another opportunity after four years as the University’s Director of undergraduate admissions.
Since joining Clemson in 2022, Barth has helped guide undergraduate admissions through a period of significant change in higher education while expanding access for South Carolina students, strengthening enrollment pathways and reshaping the prospective student experience.
One of the most significant changes during Barth’s tenure was the implementation of Early Action in 2022. Since then, Clemson has experienced a threefold increase in students admitted for fall before the December holidays and a sevenfold increase in early student deposits.
Clemson has also continued to enroll highly competitive students during Barth’s tenure. Recent classes have included South Carolina students with an average SAT score of 1,350 and out-of-state students with an average SAT score of 1,400, with more than half of enrolled students ranking in the top 10% of their high school class.
Barth placed particular emphasis on Clemson’s commitment to students and families across South Carolina. The University received a record number of applications from South Carolina residents in 2026, as more than 11,000 residents applied. Clemson also enrolled its largest in-state classes in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
During his tenure, the number of Meeting Street Scholars at Clemson grew from 24 in 2021 to 178 in 2025. Barth was a partner in establishing the Clemson Meeting Street Pledge, which expanded opportunities for eligible South Carolina students, and in advancing a statewide transfer agreement designed to create clearer pathways among South Carolina institutions.
He also helped establish Tigertown Takeover, Clemson’s large-scale admitted-student open house. The event now brings more than 3,000 students and family members to campus for a full day of programs and opportunities to experience Clemson.
Barth came to Clemson in 2022 with more than two decades of experience in enrollment management and higher education leadership. He previously served as associate vice president for enrollment and student support services at Athens State University and served in enrollment management leadership roles at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, the University of Alabama and the University of Montevallo.
Tim Galbreath, who has worked at Clemson in various academic enrollment rolls for the past 31 years and currently serves as Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, will serve as interim director as a national search begins for a new director.
