Rafert recognized for contributions to graduate education

Published: March 15, 2010

Bruce Rafert image by: Clemson University

CLEMSON — Bruce Rafert, vice provost and dean of the graduate school at Clemson University, received the 2010 Conference of Southern Graduate Schools Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate Education.

Rafert’s direction of the graduate school at Clemson has led to a 50 percent increase in doctoral-level degrees awarded. Since coming to Clemson in 2004, Rafert has advocated better stipends and quality health care for graduate students. He also has established the International Graduate Ambassador program and is a co-founder of the Carolina Virtual Worlds Consortium.

“Dean Rafert’s contributions to our institution, our state and our region define a new level of sustained, innovative service to graduate education in the southern region,” said Provost Doris Helms in nominating Rafert for the award. “He has a vision for graduate education in South Carolina and the nation that has the potential to affect thousands or tens of thousands or perhaps millions of people’s lives.”

Rafert worked with Helms and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education to create the South Carolina Graduate and Professional Alliance, which Rafert serves as chairman. He collaborates with provosts at the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina to create and promote shared graduate programs in the state.

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