W. Robert Hair

Lower School

Education Director

Robert Hair is Education Director of Perkins Lower School for day and residential students (ages 6-14) as well as Perkins Early Learning Center (ages 3-6).

Rob's original career path was as a music teacher, graduating with a degree in vocal performance from Converse College in South Carolina. His first position was as the music teacher at the South Carolina School for the Blind. He taught music and drama, computer keyboarding and independent living skills, earning recognition as Teacher of the Year twice in that time. After six years in the classroom, he became the Assistant Principal and then Principal, redeveloping curriculum, training teachers, developing Individual Education Programs. Under his leadership, the curriculum was revitalized and the enrollment soared over forty percent.

While in South Carolina he was actively involved in the community. He was a frequent performer with the Spartanburg Repertory Company, a community opera and musical theater organization. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for a number of years including two years as President. He was also a member of the Spartanburg Cultural Facilities Planning Committee which developed the overall plan for a new arts center currently under construction for all of the city's theater arts, including the ballet, community theater and opera.

Rob holds a master's degree in Education from the University of South Carolina, and completed the Progress Energy School Leadership Executive Institute, a two-year program for SC school administrators at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC.