Winter 2006 -- Vol. 60, No. 1

Clemson has a secret force. Not that much of a secret, actually, but definitely a force. They’re called the “Board of Visitors.” Why the name, no one is sure. At least 50 strong, they’re much larger than most “boards.” As for “visitors,” they do visit other campuses on fact-finding missions.

But they do much more than visit.

They meet with peer university officials — from presidents, student affairs administrators, admissions directors to facilities and parking managers. They tour the campuses, talk to students and dine in the cafeterias. They check out new programs, compare notes and find out how Clemson’s peer schools are handling current higher education issues — all to help Clemson be at the head of the class.

They do even more at home.

“The Clemson Board of Visitors is an elite mix of professionals from across the state and beyond,” says Marvin Carmichael, assistant to the president and Board of Visitors liaison. “The members are all volunteers who support Clemson’s mission and help President Jim Barker with special projects as the University rises in the ranks of national universities.”

Among them are doctors, attorneys, growers, financial advisers, teachers, architects, engineers, real estate experts, banking administrators and more. Members are nominated by the Clemson Board of Trustees and appointed by the president. They serve three-year terms and are currently focusing on three key areas: legislative affairs, marketing and student affairs.

Members attend campus meetings to learn about Clemson’s latest news, concerns and innovations. They, in turn, respond to issues by serving as an information source for family, friends, colleagues and their community.

The board meets with the S.C. Legislature to learn about issues facing higher education in general and Clemson in particular.

“They’re devoted advocates for Clemson and work tirelessly year-round on behalf of the University,” says Angie Leidinger, executive director of Clemson’s governmental affairs. “They’re well-versed in Clemson’s legislative agenda and work diligently with the governmental affairs team to bring that message to the South Carolina General Assembly and the United States Congress.”

To help Clemson get the best students, the board partners with the Alumni Association to hold receptions across the state for students accepted to Clemson.

“We have University representatives from the president’s office, student affairs, financial aid, housing and other key areas to answer questions and to prepare students for the next step in enrolling in the fall,” says Tim Reed, board chairman. “It’s a great networking opportunity and one of their first Clemson experiences. By the end of the activity, we often find them so excited that they are ready to jump in the car and go straight to campus.”

Margaret Worsham, a former board chairwoman, sees the Board of Visitors’ greatest role as Clemson ambassadors. “Along with legislative advocacy and helping recruit top students, board members serve as Clemson representatives in their individual communities,” says Worsham. “When we’re asked questions about the University, we usually have the answer. And if we don’t, we know who will.”

In addition to donating time and energy, the Board of Visitors members put their money where their advocacy is, paying their own way for travel and other projects and giving financial support to Clemson programs, both collectively and individually.

The board has established an endowment that annually presents two graduate teaching awards chosen through faculty nomination. It frequently passes the hat for individual student needs. And it’s working on an endowment to offset Board of Visitors’ operational expenses to make the board totally self-sustaining.

“These busy, successful people come together to concentrate their efforts and resources for the good of the University,” says President Barker. “They’re a powerful and generous force in helping Clemson achieve our vision."

For more information on Clemson’s Board of Visitors, go online at www.clemson.edu/bov.