Rodney Barr has been named the athletic director at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie effective Sept. 1.
“I am thrilled to welcome Coach Barr to the USC Salkehatchie family,” Dean April Cone said. “Coach Barr brings a wealth of experience to this position. As a USC Salkehatchie alumnus, Coach Barr has expressed the critical role Salkehatchie played in his development as an athlete and a person. I am excited to work with Coach Barr as he works toward giving back to his alma mater and works with coaches, student-athletes, and our community to grow our athletic programs and enhance the student-athlete experience.”
Barr comes to USC Salkehatchie from Jasper County School District where he served as athletic director and head football coach. Originally from Florence, S.C., Barr was a three-sport athlete at Wilson High School, where he ultimately started his coaching career.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the USC Salkehatchie athletic department I look forward to building strong relationships with the coaches as we take on the task of building on the successes of our athletic programs and student-athletes,” he said. “My goals are to expand sports offerings, as well as to grow our student-athlete population. My vision is that Salkehatchie will be the premier two-year athletic hub within the region and the state.”
Barr attended USC Salkehatchie from 2000 – 2001 where he played baseball under Coach Joe Baxter.
“My time at USC Salkehatchie helped define my life. The opportunities the university provided me and the challenges I faced there helped me evolve into the person I am today,” Barr said. “I am thankful for what USC Salkehatchie did for me, and I want our students to see all that Salkehatchie can do for them on and off the field or court.”
Barr has an extensive background in athletics and education. He previously served as the athletic director and head football coach at Scotts Branch High School, where he led the football program to its first winning season in nine years and was honored as the Region 4A Coach of the Year. Additionally, as the head football coach and assistant athletic director at Lower Richland High School, he achieved remarkable success, including the football program’s first winning season in 25 years, three playoff appearances, and two regional titles. Barr also has experience as a head baseball coach, assistant football coach/defensive coordinator, and assistant basketball coach at Wilson High School.
Barr is a certified athletic administrator through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and has been involved in coaching for multiple all-star games. He has been recognized as coach of the year seven times. He holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the New York Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Liberty University.
Barr attributes any success he has had to being blessed for purpose by God and the overwhelming support from his wife, Alayshia Steadman-Barr, and daughter, Kara Loyd. He lives by the concept of “keep chopping.”
