Faculty and Staff Profile

Timothy Whims

Educational Background

Master of Arts, Communication
Clemson University, 2024

Bachelor of Arts, Photography and Cinema
The Ohio State University, 1992

Profile

Timothy Whims is an Emmy Award-winning strategic communicator and former journalist who currently leads AI development initiatives within Clemson University’s Division of Marketing and Communications. With over three decades of professional experience spanning broadcast journalism, healthcare communication, and higher education, Tim brings a rare blend of storytelling acumen, technical expertise, and institutional insight to his work. At Clemson, he is advancing the ethical and effective integration of artificial intelligence in strategic communication, supporting the university’s mission through innovation in content creation, policy design, and organizational communication systems.

Tim holds a Master of Arts in Communication from Clemson University, where his graduate work focused on the intersection of crisis communication theory and artificial intelligence. His thesis, "AI at the Helm: Transforming Crisis Communication Through Theory and Advancing Technology," explores how emerging tools can enhance response strategies in high-stakes contexts. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and Cinema from The Ohio State University, a foundation that informs his continued passion for emotionally resonant storytelling through visual and written media. A creative thinker with deep institutional knowledge, Tim is committed to shaping communication practices that are both forward-thinking and grounded in academic and ethical rigor.

He is a three-time nominee and two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist. Additionally, he has earned more than 20 first- and second-place awards for journalism/photojournalism including a National Headliner Award.

Previously held positions include:

• Web Developer - Clemson University
• Communications and Public Relations Coordinator - Clemson University
• Editor-in-Chief/Director of Public Relations - Upfront Publishing;
• Media Relations Coordinator - Prisma Health Greenville;
• Web Developer - WYFF4.Com; and
• Journalist/Photojournalist - WYFF-TV.

Research Interests

• Crisis communication


• AI-mediated strategic communication


• AI in the workplace

Research Publications

Gilmore, J. N., Whims, T., Blair, B. W., Katarzynski, B., & Steffen, L. (2025). Technology acceptance, moral panic, and perceived ease of use: Negotiating ChatGPT at research one universities. Convergence. https://doi.org/10.1177/13548565251337576

Honors and Awards

• Clemson University Department of Communication Outstanding Graduate Researcher


• Clemson University Professional Staff Award For Exceptional Performance and Outstanding Service


• Emmy Award - Television News Photojournalist of the Year


• Emmy Award - Collaborative Effort Photojournalism


• Emmy Award Nominations x3


• National Headliner Award for Journalism (2nd place)


• Associated Press First & Second Place Awards For Journalism x9


• Radio Television Digital News Association Gold & Silver Awards For Journalism x10

Links