Presidential Profile
Clemson’s next president: Get to know us
Clemson alumnus Joe Sherman ’34 once said:
“There is something in these hills that brings together and binds together and holds together men and women of all persuasions ... something that cuts across every difference, spans every gap, penetrates every wall — something that makes a man or a woman stand taller, feel better and say with a high pride to all within earshot, ‘I went to Clemson.’”
That quintessential something is forged in our spectacular setting, our legacy as a land-grant institution and our commitment to our faculty, students, staff, alumni and community.
Our students
Clemson students enter degree programs that connect their personal goals with professional opportunities. Through rigorous academics and excellent academic support, Clemson students master the concepts they need to gain the skills required to successfully enter 21st-century workplaces and communities.
Internationally recognized faculty members, top-tier students and abundant opportunities for meaningful research in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs confirm that Clemson University is the “high seminary of learning” for which its founder dreamed.
Our people
At Clemson, we’re not co-workers; we're family. The Clemson Family is how we describe our goal-oriented community, drawn together by a common thread: the desire to use our gifts to build others up.
Our nearly 7,000 full-time faculty and staff work tirelessly to advance our University’s mission and to ensure our students thrive. Our next president will be “their president”: someone who is as comfortable presenting to the Faculty Senate as they are meeting one-on-one with a sophomore from Chesterfield, South Carolina. Our people are the lifeblood of our campuses and our state, and we’re looking for an individual ready to embrace and champion our Clemson Family as an advocate for all.
Our culture
Our culture represents the immutable character of our institution. It is our character and determination that lead us to navigate what others may call insurmountable challenges, all while managing potential risks and staying true to our ethics. It is our “ALL IN” spirit that drives us to success.
We believe there are no universities more prepared for growth in quality, in research and in impact. Our next Clemson president will have a solid foundation on which to build the academic enterprise and propel Clemson to prominence.
Our values
While talking with individuals about this role, you may hear the phrase, “Keep Clemson Clemson.” That doesn’t mean we don’t embrace change and new ideas. It means we tackle them together, as a team. At Clemson, we have open and frank conversations. We can disagree. But we do so respectfully and with one common goal: to find a path forward.
We’re looking for an approachable, transparent and driven leader who thrives in environments of growth, change and innovation. Our next president will embody our University values of integrity, respect, diversity, patriotism, excellence and self-reliance.
Clemson is well-positioned for incredible growth, recognition and success. We need a special leader who appreciates the tie that binds student experience, research discovery and real-world community outcomes.
Our impact
Clemson is South Carolina’s university. Core to our mission as a land-grant institution, Clemson’s impact can be found in every corner of the state. With Extension offices in all 46 counties, six Research and Education Centers, and five Innovation Campuses, our faculty, staff and students are conducting research and impacting lives from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
The difference we make goes beyond our state – our reach is nationwide. An independent economic study found Clemson’s total economic impact reaches $10.6 billion nationwide, supporting 54,000 jobs across the United States.
External Affairs
The Office of Governmental Affairs leads the University in all facets of interaction with state and federal government, working to maximize government investments in a deliberate and purposeful manner to support leadership-driven priorities and initiatives.
Impact
Clemson moves the needle for South Carolina through economic impact, educational opportunity and community support. The University and its five Innovation Campuses, six Research and Education Centers, and Extension offices in all 46 counties, plus rural health facilities statewide, provide jobs and improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians.
Our next president
Our next Clemson University president will be an individual with extraordinary vision, thoughtful strategy and operational excellence. They will partner with other top leaders across the University and the state to make a significant impact — on the people of our state, our nation and our world.
