Chip Hood’s unique background helps him advance Clemson University

Chip Hood is among the few who can say they have earned degrees from all three of South Carolina’s major research universities.

He received a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Clemson University and then went to Medical University of South Carolina for a master’s in biomedical science. He continued his education at the University of South Carolina, where he received his juris doctor degree.

With this unique background of legal and technical experience, as the general counsel for Clemson University, he has forged innovative models that bring together industry and higher education to benefit each other. Hood has played a leading role in helping Clemson strategically pursue its vision of becoming one of the nation’s top-20 public universities.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Hood was inducted into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists, the highest honor bestowed by the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.

His advice is crucial on a range of legal matters, including technology transfer, intellectual property, international collaborations and research contracts.

Before coming to Clemson, Hood served as legal counsel and later as executive director for the Medical University of South Carolina’s Foundation for Research Development in Charleston. He provided leadership and strategies for MUSC’s university/industry interactions, economic development relationships, entrepreneurial activities and multi-institutional collaborations.

To borrow a quote from Clemson President James P. Clements, “Chip has the analytical mindset of an engineer, the rigorous nature of a scientist, expertise in health care and tech transfer, and a deep and broad legal expertise. He brings a passion for Clemson to his work every day as general counsel, and our university is all the better for it.”