Kirby Player

I am W. Kirby Player - Lecturer. in Ag Education for the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences and for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at Clemson University. I am also the Executive Director for The Palmetto Leadership for the Environment , Agriculture and Forestry PLEAF) and The SC Extension Advancement Council (SEAC). I am a farm boy from Bishopville, SC raised on a on a cotton, corn, wheat, peanut and soybean farm in the Pee Dee of South Carolina. My brother Pete, and niece Kayla live on the farm and are the 4th and 5th generations to do so. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education in 1983 from Clemson University, and had the honor of serving as Student Body President of Clemson University in 1982/83. I completed a Masters degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Development. I completed my PhD in Therapeutic Recreation in 2015 focusing on Obesity and Leisure.. To this day I believes I am blessed to say I have a "mission" not a job. I am a resident of Clemson, South Carolina. In my spare time I am an Independent Kitchen Consultant for The Pampered Chef Direct Sales Company. I am a member of Crosspoint Church. My spiritual life through a personal relationship with Christ is my most treasured value. I also enjoy cooking, Macintosh Computers, entrepreneurship and working with people. In 2008 my life took a Wonderful turn when I married my friend of 22 year Miss Marilyn Pilgrim of Six Mile, SC an elementary school teacher for 20 years. We married on 06/07/08 at 5 PM and Marilyn's initials became MPP which stands for Kirby's Most Perfect Princess!!!!

My Life

Favorite Quote

"Nothing great was ever accomplished without Enthusiasm" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I am Supercharged with Enthusiasm!" - Dr. Ken Peden, Health Education Professor from Clemson University

FROM THE "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" -

Frodo: It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance.

Gandalf: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.

Friends describe me

as ENTHUSIASTIC! Helpful! Discerning. FUN! Creative! And as Using TOO many exclamation points!!!!!!!!

My hobbies

Cooking, Water Jogging, seeking wholeness in health, Entrepreneurship, Media, Musicals

Fantasy dinner guests

Jesus, George Washington, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Walt Disney, John Lasseter (Pixar)

Best advice I ever received

"Remember WHO YOU ARE and WHERE YOU COME FROM" - From my father Blain Player! A reminder to be humble and never be someone you are not. Never Borrow Money unless it makes you money - My Father again. After giving alms to God and offerings to those in need, 10 Percent of all you earn is yours to keep! - Great financial wisdom from many. Spend Less than you make!

My undergrad alma mater

Clemson University

My worst subject in school

Math

In college I drove

a Yellow Toyota Corolla Station Wagon named The Banana!

If I weren't a professor, I would

A food/lifestyle entrepreneur and a health coach.

Favorite books

The Lord of the Rings; WW II oral history by Cornelius Ryan; Harry Potter; This Present Darkness by Frank Perretti; The Mitford Series by Jan Karon

Favorite movies

It's A Wonderful Life!; The Lord of the Rings Trilogy; Chariots of Fire; While You Were Sleeping; Anything Downton Abbey or All Creatures Great and Small

Favorite city

Chicago, IL

Favorite coffee

Santa's White Christmas by Bernie's Coffee

Nobody knows I

would love to produce novels/movies/plays!

My latest accomplishment

Was selected as the recipient of the The Rowland P. Alston, Sr., ’42 Award for Excellence in Public Relations. The Rowland P. Alston, Sr., ’42 Award for Excellence in Public Relations was established to recognize outstanding Clemson University faculty or staff who, through programs and activities related to agriculture and/or natural resources, have provided Clemson University with positive visibility throughout South Carolina, the United States, and the world.

Current Research

The Power of Recreation and Serious Leisure to improve health and provide permanent lifestyle change for obese individuals. Leadership in agriculture, Forestry and the Natural Resources.