July 20, 2005

BEAUFORT. S.C. – The University of South Carolina Beaufort is pleased to announce the transfer of Kim Abbott from the USC Athletics Department to USC Beaufort. Her position will be Director of Athletics Development. Her responsibilities will include developing a short and long-term plan for fund-raising and implementation of athletics beginning with men’s and women’s golf teams.

Abbott is very enthusiastic about her new position: “To be chosen as Director of Athletics Development at USCB is one of the most exciting and challenging endeavors of my career. I consider it a privilege and look forward to meeting the great people of the University of South Carolina Beaufort and the people in the surrounding communities. My family and I look forward to calling the Greater Bluffton area home.”

Abbott brings strong experience to this position. She is currently Associate Athletic Director for the University of South Carolina, a position she has held since 2001. In addition, she has served the University in various other capacities in athletics administration including Women’s Golf Head Coach. She came to the University of South Carolina in 1991 from Dartmouth College where she served as Head Women’s Golf coach from 1989 to 1991. While at USC, she brought the USC Women’s Golf Team from the Metro Conference to SEC competition.

In the mid ’80’s, she earned a golf scholarship and played on the women’s golf team at University of Missouri while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. She was captain of the golf team her junior and senior years and earned All-Conference honors her senior year.

Chancellor Jane Upshaw states, “Having an athletics program is certainly important in developing a full service baccalaureate institution. However, it will take careful planning and fund raising. We are fortunate to have Kim Abbott bring her experience, knowledge and commitment to this effort.”

Abbott is committed to developing a program that will be an integral part of the University: “I believe that institutions of higher education have a great deal to gain from athletics. The experience of participating in collegiate athletics will be a valuable experience on many different levels. Athletics provide a unique education and, I believe, have an important place on college campuses.”

“As we plan and raise money for future athletics, we will be creating history – one that will be exciting and successful for the University and the region and important in the lives of our student athletes,” Abbott adds.