Clemson Family Ambassador Board

The Clemson Family Ambassador Board (CFAB) is a group of dedicated parents who significantly assist the University as it strives to meet the educational and developmental needs of our students while also addressing parents' needs for involvement, information and support. CFAB makes every effort to be a well-informed resource, assist in academic recruiting and offer the parents' perspective to the University.

Board membership applications are submitted each fall, after parents of graduating students have rotated off. If you have questions about CFAB or the application process, please contact the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement (CSLE) at 864-656-0515 or by emailing cufamilies@clemson.edu.

NOTE: Applications are open in the fall and members are selected based on current needs and a desire to have a board that truly represents all Clemson students and families! Members serve for three years or through the semester their student(s) graduate. If more than one parent or family member is applying, please provide their information at the end of the form. You must have an actively enrolled student and your student(s) must be in good standing. If selected, new CFAB members should be prepared to attend the Winter Quarterly CFAB Meeting in January on main campus.

Orientation — The Orientation Committee shall be responsible for supporting new student orientation events in conjunction with the Division of Enrollment Management and the Division of Student Affairs. Support includes meet/greet opportunities at Ready, Set, Roar!, serving on panels, participating in online Tiger Talk sessions, and attending the parent and family socials during the summer. Members of the Orientation Committee may also participate at the January (Spring) session of Ready, Set, Roar.

Move-In — The Move-in/Weeks of Welcome Committee shall be responsible for the coordination of move-in day activities of the Ambassador Board as well as promoting student life at Clemson. The committee will assist with volunteer management and welcoming families during the move-in process, typically 3-4 days of Move In Week each August. Additionally, committee members may volunteer at Welcome Week events such as Tiger Prowl, a student organization fair, hosted by CSLE.

Fall Family Weekend — The Family Weekend Committee shall be responsible for supporting the planning and execution of the Fall Family Weekend Program. The Fall Family Weekend Chair will work closely with Center for Student Leadership & Engagement staff to support the Board’s role in Family Weekend and offer input in the program planning process. The Committee’s efforts shall include volunteer coordination, event input and feedback, and management for current Board Members and interested parents and/or guardians. 

Outreach — The Outreach Committee shall be responsible for the coordination of outreach efforts for current and future Clemson families. The committee will contribute on-going communications to families through the Clemson Parent & Family Experience Portal and assist in the development of new initiatives in partnership with the Center for Student Leadership & Engagement and the Division of Student Affairs. Specifically, the Outreach Committee may also focus on initiatives surrounding student needs such as the Paw Pantry, Career Closet, and more.

The Herb Coughlan Memorial Family of the Year award is a special recognition given to a parent or family who has demonstrated dynamic leadership and service to Clemson throughout their student's time at the University.

Nominees for the Family of the Year award should take additional effort and time in pursuit of the following:

• Providing consistent service and positive morale to new students and families of Clemson University;

• Remaining actively involved in promoting Clemson University in their local communities; and

• Supporting both students and families in meaningful ways.

Nominations for the award are accepted in late spring throughout the summer. The recipient is recognized at the Fall Family Weekend football game each year.

Previous Winners

• 2024: Will and Robin Stringer
• 2023: Doug and Caroline Davidson
• 2022: Henry and Jeanie Fischer
• 2021: Ed and Kelly Rose
• 2020: Not awarded (due to COVID-19 modified operations)
• 2019: Roger and Kathy Troutman
• 2018: Tom and Kathy Reed
• 2017: Charles and Susan Barker
• 2016: Shep and Cynthia Haw
• 2015: Jeff and Susan Busch
• 2014: John and Kathy Beaty
• 2013: Eddie and Cynthia Robinson
• 2012: Wade and Melissa Allen