President’s Leadership Institute

What is the President’s Leadership Institute?

The President’s Leadership Institute is a nine-month leadership development program that is designed to support and develop professional and personal leadership within a diverse and inclusive community of faculty and staff at Clemson University. The institute enables participants to build individual effectiveness, understand the power of critical thinking and communication, learn directly from President Jim Clements and embrace their own ability to lead within the Clemson community. Each cohort consists of 25 faculty and staff nominated by University leadership.

The President’s Leadership Institute is an exciting opportunity for emerging, high-potential, and high-performing members of the faculty and staff of Clemson University.

Goals of the President's Leadership Institute
- Enable personal and professional growth for every participant.
- Ensure high levels of familiarity and interaction among faculty and staff from all areas of the University.
- Offer opportunities for dialogue and discussion on topics important to the state of our University and its environment and constituents.
- Provide an in-depth, clearer understanding of the internal structure and unique characteristics of our University landscape.
- Create dialogue and discussion on topics important to the state of our University and its constituents.
- Explore issues and opportunities facing higher education in general and those specific to Clemson such as our mission, strategies, priorities, governance, stakeholders and internal/external relations.
- Broaden perspectives of Clemson's impact at a state, regional, national, and international level.
- Ensure strong University leadership for the future.
- Improve the University's overall performance.
Who can participate?

Each cohort of the President’s Leadership Institute (PLI) comprises 25 faculty and staff members from across the University who demonstrate exceptional performance in their respective areas. Faculty are nominated by the college deans and/or the Provost; staff are nominated by the University vice-presidents or corresponding divisional heads or senior administrators of the non-academic units of the University. A selection committee reviews the nominations for the final cohort. .

Annual nominations for the cohort will be solicited in April.
What can I expect?
During the nine-month program, the cohort meets once a month for an all-day session.

Meetings take place at various locations on campus or in Greenville, Charleston or Columbia.

Program participants should expect meetings to encompass elements of critical thinking, problem solving, self-analysis, exposure to new ideas, and rigorous and healthy discussion on a myriad of topics, and high levels of fellowship and interaction with fellow classmates.

Potential topics include:
- Clemson's history and character (land-grant, mission, governance model)
- Clemson University as a business: what it takes to run a university and meet the needs of our constituents (finance, facilities, infrastructure)
- Personal leadership skills/team building/leadership styles
- Clemson's impact across South Carolina (Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, public service activities)
- Conflict resolution
- Diversity and inclusion
- Governmental relations and external relations
- Opportunities and challenges in higher education
- Athletics
- Strategic planning and university priorities
Timeline
Nominations
Annual nominations for the cohort will be solicited in April.
Program runs from August through May of a given academic year.

Each program includes:
- Seven class days
- An overnight trip to Columbia and Charleston
- A graduation
- Variety of site visits outside of main campus
President's Leadership Institute Classes

Previous Cohorts

2019 Cohort (See Full Member Bios)

Phebian Davis-Culler, clinical assistant professor, College of Business

Brian Dean, assistant professor of computing, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences

Tania Houjeiry, senior lecturer and director of Research Experience for Undergraduates program, College of Science

Hans Klar, associate professor and assistant department chair, College of Education

Joseph Mazer, chair, department of Communication, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences

Veronica Parker, alumni professor and director of the Center for Health Disparities, school of nursing, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences

Srikanth Pilla, associate professor, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences

Hugo Sanabria, associate professor, College of Science

Katherine Weisensee, chair, department of sociology anthropology and criminal justice, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences

Tom Zagenczyk, professor, College of Business

Eric Lapin, director of artistic initiatives-Brooks Center, College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities

Abbie Abbott, director of healthcare information security, CCIT

Michelle Cato, director of talent and organizational development, Office of Human Resources

Elliott Charles, associate athletic director, compliance, Clemson Athletics

Jim Grieger, director of research safety, Research

Christopher Harrington, lieutenant, Clemson University Police Department

Julio Hernandez, chief of staff, Office of Inclusion and Equity

Lisa Knox, director of strategy and operations, Finance and Facilities

Blake Lanford, district extension director, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences

Rock McCaskill, associate registrar, Registrar’s Office

Londan Means, director of advising, biological sciences, College of Science

Katie Miller, director of academic initiatives, Office of the Provost

Jessica Owens, assistant director of academic support services, Undergraduate school

Tara Romanella, strategic communications director, external affairs & development, University Relations

Sarah Wilbanks, plant industry program manager, Public Service and Agriculture