Clemson professor honored as inaugural Presidential Endowed Chair

Published: November 14, 2012

Juan Gilbert accepts the Endowed Chair Medallion at the investiture ceremony. image by: Clemson University

CLEMSON — Clemson University named professor Juan Gilbert the first Presidential Endowed Chair in Human-Centered Computing. The Presidential Endowed Chair recognizes the accomplishments and dedication of current faculty at Clemson University.

President James F. Barker bestowed the Endowed Chair Medallion upon Gilbert during an investiture at the Madren Conference Center & Inn. The bronze symbol represents the university’s most prestigious academic position.

“The inaugural Presidential Endowed Chair selection was particularly important because it sets the standard for all other presidential endowed chairs,” Barker said. “We believe Dr. Juan Gilbert sets these standards at a very high level in his teaching, research, mentoring and service.”

Gilbert is a professor and chairman of the Human-Centered Computing Division in the School of Computing. At the forefront of his research is what Gilbert calls “innovative solutions to real-world problems.” His work addresses societal issues and integrates people, technology, policy, culture and more.

 “This is a huge honor for the School of Computing and for me personally,” Gilbert said. “The funds I receive from the Endowed Chair will enable me to purchase equipment, fund students, travel, some faculty and/or post-doc salaries and more. We can do cutting edge research at the moment of conception, and that gives us an edge.”

Researchers in Gilbert’s division gained national and international attention for multiple solutions-based technologies, including Prime III, an electronic, accessible voting system. This year, Prime III researchers put the system to use in official and mock elections around the country.

Gilbert could tout many career accomplishments, but he is most proud of his students. About 10 percent of the nation’s African-American computer science faculty and Ph.D. students are at Clemson. The university credits Gilbert’s recruiting initiatives for this accomplishment.

Clemson Ph.D. students Shelby Darnell and Aqueasha Martin left Auburn University to continue studying under Gilbert at Clemson.

“Dr. Gilbert teaches us to be inclusive, and that extends to people outside the computer lab,” Darnell said.

Martin said Gilbert’s lab motto is “Change the World!”

“Dr. Gilbert is a great mentor. He does all he can to help us reach our goals as students, researchers and scholars,” Martin said. “I am excited he received the first Presidential Endowed Chair in Human-Centered Computing. I am sure he will do all he can to uphold the responsibilities that come with this great honor.”

Provost Dori Helms said, “Endowed Chair faculty stimulate the academic environment of the entire campus. They initiate, encourage and support the development of ideas and innovations that improve both social and economic well being of citizens in our state, region, country and even our world.” 

Clemson alumnus Frank Matthews, editor and publisher of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, attended the investiture ceremony.

 “It is indeed appropriate that this appointment be made on the anniversary of Clemson’s desegregation.” Matthews said. “Today, Dr. James Barker, like Dr. R.C. Edwards back in 1963, has demonstrated courageous and principled leadership in making this historic appointment. Both certainly exemplify Clemson’s Will to Lead campaign theme.”

Gilbert is the first African-American faculty member Clemson University has honored with an Endowed Chair.

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