Student Affairs Leadership Team

L. Christopher Miller, J.D., Ph.D. — Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Chris Miller serves as the vice president and dean of students for Clemson University Division of Student Affairs. Miller was appointed to the full-time position in April 2021 after serving in an interim capacity following the retirement of Almeda Jacks. Miller successfully guided Student Affairs through a transitional period in which several of its departments relocated within the institution to the Finance and Operations Division — creating a leaner, more student-focused organizational structure within Student Affairs.

Chris Miller's Full Bio

George Smith, Ph.D. — Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

George Smith serves as senior associate vice president within the Division of Student Affairs and holds administrative oversight of Business Operations and the Office of Community and Ethical Standards. He holds division-level authority and is an advisor to the vice president providing portfolio leadership and institutional acumen.

George Smith's Full Bio

Kimberly Poole, Ph.D. — Assistant Vice President and Senior Associate Dean of Students

Kimberly Poole serves as assistant vice president and senior associate dean of students within Clemson University’s Division of Student Affairs. She serves as designee for the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students — engaging closely with students and families — in his absence. In her expanded role, she has supervisory responsibility over Advocacy and Success, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Interpersonal Violence Response and Military and Veteran Engagement.

Kimberly Poole's Full Bio

Mandy Hays — Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement

Mandy Hays has been a member of the Clemson University Division of Student Affairs since 1993. Currently, she serves as the assistant vice president for student engagement. Since 2015, she has held administrative responsibility for the direction and supervision of two departments: Campus Reservations and Events, and the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement. These areas enhance the out-of-classroom experience for Clemson students through programs and activities, including support for student organizations.

Mandy Hays' Full Bio

Kryssa Cooper — Assistant Vice President for Division Operations and Logistics

Kryssa Cooper serves as assistant vice president for division operations and logistics within Student Affairs. In her current role, Cooper oversees division commercial sponsorship coordination, administrative shared services support and the Joint City University Advisory Board. She also has responsibility for planning large-scale divisionwide events and oversees the division’s Marketing and Communications partner.

Kryssa Cooper's Full Bio

Lisa Bona — Chief Business Operations Officer

Lisa Bona serves as chief business operations officer for the Division of Student Affairs. She returned to Student Affairs in April 2017 after spending three and a half years as associate director of student financial services and EmoryCard Services at Emory University in Atlanta. In her current role, she oversees all business operations, budgets, financial and personnel activities for the division. She also provides leadership and oversight of all financial planning within Student Affairs to support effective strategic decisions, operational excellence and resource alignment.

Lisa Bona's Full Bio

Pam Davis — Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives

Pam Davis serves as the senior director of strategic initiatives for the Division of Student Affairs. In her role, she works directly with the Office of Institutional Excellence to align Student Affairs strategic and operational plans, assessment, enterprise risk management, business continuity and continuous improvement projects to Clemson Elevate — the University’s strategic plan. As a key member of the Excellence Lead Community of Practice, Davis influences University-wide continuous improvement opportunities and sharing of best practices.

Pam Davis' Full Bio

Neil Burton, Ph.D. — Associate Dean of Students and Executive Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development

Neil Burton serves as executive director of the Center for Career and Professional Development and was promoted to associate dean of students as a direct report to the Vice President for Student Affairs in September 2023. In his capacity, he is a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team.

Neil Burton's Full Bio

Leasa Evinger, Ph.D. — Interim Assistant Vice President for Housing and Residence Life

Leasa Evinger serves as interim assistant vice president for housing and residence life. She was appointed to the position in September 2023 after a structural realignment that returned Residential Living and Residential Learning to Student Affairs. In her capacity, she is a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team.

Leasa Evinger's Full Bio

Lesslie Pekarek, M.D. — Assistant Vice President for Student Health and Wellness Services

Lesslie Pekarek serves as assistant vice president for student health and wellness services. In her role, she also serves as executive director of Student Health Services, Clemson University’s comprehensive outpatient healthcare organization. In her capacity, she is a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team.

Lesslie Pekarek's Full Bio