Dr. Jim Clements

Jim Clements

James P. Clements, Ph.D.

Past President, Clemson University

James P. Clements became Clemson University’s 15th president on Dec. 31, 2013 after serving for nearly 5 years as president of West Virginia University. Since his arrival, the value of the Tiger Paw has never been higher, driven by the University’s elevated academic reputation and the exposure from Clemson University’s athletic success on the national stage.  Dr. Clements retired from the presidency on December 31, 2025 after serving a total of 12 years at Clemson.

Under his leadership, Clemson raised the bar in academics, admissions, enrollment, retention rates, graduation rates, research and fundraising. Through championing Clemson’s bold, strategic plan, Clemson Elevate, Clements continued to elevate the student experience, doubling research and transforming lives across the state of South Carolina and beyond. Clements also led the way Fiercely Forward in helping to raise nearly $3 billion in private funds during his career, including more than $2.2 billion at Clemson.

Clements is a nationally recognized leader in higher education who served as president of a university in three different athletic conferences, Big East Conference, Big 12 Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference, where he previously served as the Chair of the ACC Council of Presidents. He also served as one of eleven members on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers.

He also currently serves on the Special Olympics International Board.  Clements previously served as the Chair of the Board for the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities, on the executive committee for the national Council on Competitiveness, on the Council of Presidents for the Association of Governing Boards, on the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education, on the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Board, and on the Council of Presidents for the Commission on Higher Education.

Clements holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in operations analysis from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He also holds a master’s degree in computer science from Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering and was awarded an honorary degree as Doctor of Public Education from his alma mater, UMBC. His Successful Project Management book, now in its seventh edition, has been published in multiple languages and used in numerous countries.

Clements was born in Arlington, Va., but spent the majority of his life in Maryland before relocating to West Virginia and then Clemson. He and his wife, Beth, have been married for 35 years and have four children and six grandchildren.

  • He led commencement ceremonies for more than 80,000 graduates at Clemson. These Clemson graduates represent more than 40% of our living alumni.
  • Freshman applications more than tripled since his arrival to nearly 65,000 in 2025.
  • Clements helped raise close to $3 billion in private funds, including more than $2.2 billion at Clemson, resulting in record-breaking fundraising every year. 
  • The value of the Clemson Foundation Endowment has more than doubled since Clements arrived at Clemson and has surpassed $1.25 billion. 
  • Total research expenditures reached an all-time high of $338 million, more than double what it was when Clements arrived at Clemson.
  • Clemson achieved and was re-affirmed Carnegie R1 status for highest research activity. 
  • Under his leadership more than $3.1 billion was allocated to new or renovated facilities.
  • Clemson is on more than 100 Top-20 lists, including “Best Colleges,” “Best Student Life,” “Best Career Services,” “Best Alumni Network,” and “Best Quality of Life.”