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 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 — Responsible for supporting new student orientation events in conjunction with Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Support includes meet-and-greet opportunities at Ready, Set, Roar!, serving on family panels, participating in online Tiger Talk sessions, and attending parent and family socials during the summer.

Move-In — Responsible for the coordination of move-in activities of the board and promotion of student life at Clemson. Assists with volunteer management and welcoming families throughout the move-in process, typically spanning 3-4 days each August. Volunteer opportunities also available through Welcome Week, such as Tiger Prowl — the University's student organization fair.

Fall Family Weekend — Responsible for supporting the planning and execution of this annual event each fall. The chair(s) work closely with the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement to support the board's role and offer input into the program planning process. Committee members coordinate volunteer efforts and solicit event input and feedback to ensure a successful weekend. 

Outreach — Responsible for outreach with current and future Clemson families. Contributes to ongoing communication with families through the Clemson Parent & Family Experience portal and assists in the development of new initiatives in partnership with the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement. Outreach initiatives include focusing on student support programs such as Paw Pantry, the 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