DATE: April 17, 2008

CONTACT: Ralph Elliott, (864) 656-3990
elliot@clemson.edu

WRITER: Teresa C. Hopkins, (864) 656-1222
hopkin1@clemson.edu


Award named for former Clemson vice provost and professor Ralph Elliott

CLEMSON — Clemson University has created an annual award to honor commitment to distance learning and continuing education.

The Ralph D. Elliott Endowed Award for Outstanding Service to Off-Campus, Distance and Continuing Education (ODCE) recognizes a faculty or staff member who has made an exemplary contribution to the university's distance learning program. The annual award provides a $1,500 stipend for the recipient and will be given to a Clemson University faculty or staff member or administrator who has:

  • Ralph ElliottServed as an excellent teacher and mentor to ODCE learners;
  • developed or coordinated model ODCE programs;
  • facilitated new programming areas through ODCE;
  • opened new avenues for the advancement of ODCE learners; or
  • provided service to professional ODCE organizations at the state, regional or national levels.

Family and friends of Ralph Elliott and members of the Off-Campus, Distance and Continuing Education Program Advisory Board created the endowment. Elliott was vice provost at Clemson prior to his 2006 retirement and is emeritus professor of economics.

"I wish I could take all of the credit people want to give me. I worked with a great team always willing to consider what I had to offer," Elliott said. "We all pulled together, and the results were better programs, feedback that was very positive, and Clemson customers who converted into long-term clients."

Elliott is a native of Warsaw, Va. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from N.C. State University. He joined the economics faculty at Clemson in 1972 and simultaneously began work on building the university's professional development and continuing education program.

Elliott continues to serve as chairman of the Clemson University Continuing/Distance Education Advancement Board. He is on the board of visitors for the University Center of Greenville, having previously served as board chairman, and serves on the editorial review board of the Journal of Executive Education. He also is founder and executive director of the Effective Seminar Marketing Institute LLC, a group that helps organizations build attendance at events. During 2007, in recognition of his distinguished service and achievements in continuing education, Elliott was made a fellow of the University Continuing Education Association.

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