Bill Drake, an adjunct professor of speech at USC Upstate, recently received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian award for his contributions and friendship to the state. Gov. Mark Sanford presented Drake the award.
Although he has taught public speaking courses at USC Upstate since 1989, Drake is better known as the voice of Spartanburg, taking to the airways each weekday morning on WSPA-AM as he has since 1976. In addition to these two jobs, Drake makes more than 200 speeches to churches, clubs, and schools each year: coordinates the Annual Battle of the Brains Quiz Bowl; and serves as the public address announcer for 35 sporting events at Wofford College. He also served four terms as board chair of the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.
“Bill is very deserving of this award as he certainly has poured his heart and soul into the Spartanburg community,” said John Stockwell, chancellor of USC Upstate. “The entire university community joins me in congratulating him for receiving such a prestigious award.”
A native of Chicago, Drake graduated from Ripon College with a degree in speech and drama in 1963. He covered sports during the Vince Lombardi era in Green Bay, Wis.; sang in a barbershop quartet with Al Jarreau; and is a three-time winner of the S.C. Radio Personality of the Year.
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