Serita Acker is a leader with a rich background in higher education and student support services. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Lander University and a Master of Science in Human Resources and Development from Clemson University. She currently serves as Executive Director of PEER & WISE.
Prior to stepping into this role in August 2015, Serita served as director of the Women in Science and Engineering program. Over a 30-year career in higher education, her work has focused on mentoring, coaching, and expanding academic and professional development opportunities for students.
A certified Global Career Development Facilitator and Life Coach, Serita works to connect students with resources that support their success at Clemson University and beyond. Her approach to leading PEER & WISE emphasizes student-centered programs designed to support persistence, achievement, and career readiness.
Her contributions have been recognized through a number of state and national awards, including the Thomas Green Clemson Award, Clemson University Woman of the Year, the Board of Trustees Award, and the WEPAN University Change-Agent Award, among others. She also completed the Presidents Leadership Institute at Clemson University in 2020.
During her tenure, PEER & WISE has expanded partnerships and initiatives supporting engineering education, including involvement as an implementation partner and principal investigator for GE’s Next Engineers Program, a multi-year investment aimed at strengthening the engineering workforce in Greenville and the surrounding region.
Outside of her professional work, Serita enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family. She remains committed to supporting students as they pursue their educational and professional goals.