A Guide for Every Step.
Your admissions counselor is your personal guide from first inquiry to acceptance — ready to answer questions, review your materials, and help you find your path to Claflin.
You're Never Applying Alone.
Choosing a university is a big decision, and our admissions counselors are here to make it easier. Whether you're a freshman, transfer, or international applicant, there's someone ready to help.
Reach out anytime with questions about requirements, deadlines, financial aid, or campus visits.
Meet Paula Payton.
Assistant Director of Admissions and a personal guide for prospective Panthers and their families.
Recruitment Territory
South Carolina counties: Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, Union, Newberry, York, and Saluda.
States: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Utah.
Meet Paula
- Hometown
- Columbia, SC
- Favorite campus spot
- The James & Dorothy Elmore Chapel
- Favorite Claflin tradition
- The Parting Ceremony
- Favorite Orangeburg restaurants
- Thai Orchid and Original House of Pizza
- Music she loves
- Jazz, Caribbean, and Brazilian-influenced music
- Book she loves
- A Chance in the World by Steve Pemberton
Why I Love Admissions
The thing I enjoy most is meeting prospective students and their families and helping them make the great decision to enter Claflin University.
Educational Background
- Tuskegee University, B.S. in Animal Science/Agriculture
- South Carolina State University, M.S. in Individual & Family Development
Meet Pamela Crawford.
An international admissions counselor and recruiter helping students from around the world navigate their path to Claflin.
Recruitment Territory
Territory: International
Meet Pamela
- Hometown
- Brooklyn, New York
- Favorite campus spot
- The fountains on campus
- Favorite Claflin tradition
- Freshman Parting Ceremony
- Favorite Orangeburg restaurant
- House of Pizza
- Favorite hangout
- YMCA
- Music she loves
- Gospel, Jazz, Reggae, and R&B
- Favorite authors
- Christine Feehan, Anne Rice, and Beatrice Small
Why I Love Admissions
I enjoy working with students from different locations around the world. It gives me the opportunity to better understand the challenges of students who do not live in the United States and help support them through the admissions process.
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Human and Professional Service
- Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Affairs and Administration
Favorite Quotes
“Karma — Think good thoughts, say nice things, do good for others. Everything comes back.”
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
“Don’t just stand up, stand straight. Don’t stand alone, stand proud. Don’t just walk, hold your head up high.”
Meet Kayla Lewis.
A Claflin graduate, counselor, and instructor helping prospective students feel informed, supported, and ready for their next step.
Why I Love Admissions
What I enjoy most about working in Claflin University's Office of Admissions is the opportunity to connect with students at such an important point in their lives. Meeting prospective students, learning about their goals, and helping guide them through the admissions process is incredibly rewarding.
I take pride in answering questions, easing concerns, and making the process feel approachable and supportive. It is especially meaningful to stay connected with students as they matriculate and begin their Claflin journey.
Quick Facts
- Favorite spot on campus
- The Student Center
- Favorite tradition
- Homecoming
- Favorite restaurant
- Thai Orchid
- Favorite hangout
- Broughton Street Café & Ice Cream
- Favorite music
- Gospel, R&B, and Hip-Hop
- Favorite hobby
- Working out and reading Kennedy Ryan novels
Educational Background
- Bachelor of Arts, Claflin University (2018)
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Claflin University (2020)
- Doctorate in Criminal Justice, Liberty University (Expected 2027)
Meet Joel Burgess.
A Claflin graduate guiding prospective students through the admissions process and celebrating with them when they officially become Panthers.
Why I Love Admissions
What I enjoy most about working in Claflin University's Office of Admissions is guiding prospective students through the admissions process until they officially become Panthers. The excitement, enthusiasm, and joy they experience when they receive their acceptance make all the hard work worthwhile.
Quick Facts
- Hometown
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Favorite spot on campus
- The second floor of the Student Center because of the massage chairs
- Favorite campus event
- The first Meltdown Darty of the school year
- Favorite Orangeburg restaurant
- LongHorn Steakhouse
- Favorite music
- Gospel
- Favorite hobbies
- Sleeping and playing basketball
Educational Background
- Cathedral Academy, now Oakbrook Academy (2020)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Claflin University (2025)
Your admissions team
More Counselors Ready to Help.
Connect with the rest of the Office of Admissions team supporting prospective Panthers.
Mr. Michael Zeigler
Director of Admissions and Transfer Counselor · mike.zeigler@claflin.edu · (803) 535-5340.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions · 400 Magnolia Street · Orangeburg, SC 29115
Phone: (803) 535-5382 · Fax: (803) 535-5385 · admissions@claflin.edu
Answer the call
Let's Talk.
Have questions? Plan a visit to meet your counselor in person, or start your free application today.