The Citadel Athletic Hall of Fame
Starkes spent his foundational years at The Citadel, earning a B.S. in Business Administration in 1984. During his time as a cadet, he was an integral part of the basketball team, playing under the tutelage of the legendary Les Robinson, an experience which not only honed his athletic skills, but also instilled discipline, teamwork and resilience. Following his graduation from The Citadel, Starkes pursued advanced legal studies, earning his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1988, a testament to his intellectual rigor and commitment to lifelong learning.
As an alumnus, Starkes has served in pivotal leadership roles aimed at positively affecting cadets and cadet-athletes, notably contributing as a former member of The Citadel Board of Visitors, helping provide strategic guidance and oversight that shaped the college's trajectory. Further, he was recognized in 2020 when he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws, a rare distinction acknowledging his exceptional contributions. Starkes also dedicated his expertise as a former member of The Citadel Foundation Board, ensuring the financial health and future prosperity of the institution, and has been a lifetime member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Of particular note, he also was inducted into the prestigious Mark Clark Society for Lifetime Giving, with the majority of his generous contributions specifically earmarked for athletic scholarships, directly supporting the next generation of The Citadel cadet-athletes.
Beyond governance and philanthropy, Starkes has showcased a palpable passion for The Citadel Athletics. He served as a former President of The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, a testament to his leadership in fostering support for the athletic programs, as well as a member of the exclusive Generals Club. He also proved critical as a member of search committees for basketball coaches and athletic directors, playing a direct role in shaping the future leadership of The Citadel. Furthermore, as a key member of the Class of '84 40th Reunion Committee, he played an instrumental role in raising in excess of $4 million in donations to The Citadel.
Professionally, Starkes has an established reputation within the legal community with direct affiliations to the South Carolina Bar, the Richland County Bar Association, the South Carolina Black Lawyers Association and the National Trial Lawyers. He is also a member of the American Association for Justice, reflecting his dedication to justice and advocacy. Additionally, Starkes acts as the Chairperson of the South Carolina Ethics Commission and is also a current member and past President of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. Former key roles include serving on the South Carolina Supreme Court Commission on Lawyer Conduct, the Columbia Airport Commission, the Palmetto Health Richland Board of Trustees and as a United States Assistant Attorney for the District of South Carolina. Finally, he has shared his extensive legal knowledge as a former Adjunct Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law and currently works as an injury lawyer at Starkes Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, S.C.
