Mission and Vision

Clemson University first opened its doors in 1889 with a very clear vision: to “be a high seminary of learning in which the graduate of the common schools can commence, pursue and finish the course of studies terminating in thorough theoretic and practical instruction.”

Thomas Green Clemson’s now famous words left to us in his will have guided the University’s actions through the years, from a college focusing on the art and science of agriculture to a university teaching students in more than 70 undergraduate and 100 graduate degree programs.

Today, our vision is focused on the future while we remember where our roots were first planted.

Vision Statement

Clemson will be one of the nation’s top-20 public universities.

Mission Statement

The mission of Clemson University is to fulfill the covenant between its founder and the people of South Carolina to establish a “high seminary of learning” and “develop the material resources of the state” through its historical land-grant responsibilities of teaching, research and extended public service.

The University is committed to providing talent for the global economy by recruiting and graduating outstanding students: retaining faculty and staff nationally recognized in their discipline; offering exceptional educational experiences grounded in student engagement; driving innovation through research and service that solves problems, stimulates economic growth and creates jobs; and serving the public good by focusing on the great challenges of the 21^st century.

The core of Clemson’s educational experience for undergraduate and graduate students is based on providing every student with a real-world, problem-based engagement experience or leadership opportunity within an environment that supports personal development and responsible citizenship.  The University is committed to nurturing critical thinking, communication capabilities, and ethical judgment. The overarching goal is that graduates are creative and entrepreneurial but also are knowledgeable in a discipline and prepared for future opportunities in the global marketplace. This requires the adoption of new ways of teaching and creating a culture that values engagement. To facilitate this, Clemson also strives to support, develop, evaluate, and reward faculty and staff competitively for their performance.