April Purvis has been named chief executive officer of the Clemson University Foundation (CUF), effective July 1, 2026. Purvis previously served for eight years in multiple roles for the Foundation including director of gift management from 2015-19 and as the organization’s legal counsel and chief operating officer from 2019-23.
In her new role, Purvis will be responsible for leading and growing three university foundations, including the Clemson University Foundation (CUF), the Clemson University Real Estate Foundation (CUREF), and the Clemson University Land Stewardship Foundation (CULSF). She will be charged with growing the endowment, strengthening long-term financial sustainability, and guiding the overall management, operations, and impact of all three foundations. She will report to the Clemson University Foundation Board of Directors, with a dual reporting relationship to the Senior Vice President for Advancement to ensure strong alignment and coordination across the philanthropic enterprise.
“April Purvis is the ideal person to lead the Clemson University Foundation forward into its next chapter,” said Cheryl Holland ’10, Chair of the Clemson Foundation Board of Directors. “April’s experience in multiple roles with CUF along with her exceptional work with the Board of Trustees, positioned her at the top of a tremendous pool of talented applicants during this national search. On behalf of all the Foundation Trustees, I am delighted to welcome April back to CUF. I am eager to work with her in service of Clemson’s mission.”
Purvis has served as Clemson’s Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees since 2023, where she has modernized and updated the board’s operations and processes.
“I can’t imagine a stronger choice to lead the Clemson University Foundation than April Purvis,” said Clemson University Board of Trustees Chair Kim Wilkerson. “Her deep commitment to Clemson, unwavering pursuit of excellence, and proven expertise in operations and organizational leadership have been instrumental in her success as Secretary of the Board of Trustees. April’s talent and dedication will position both the Clemson University Foundation and Clemson University for continued success at the highest level. The Board of Trustees will dearly miss working with her on a daily basis. However, we all look forward to partnering with her as she takes on this important role for Clemson.”
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected for this role at the Clemson University Foundation. CUF’s mission to support Clemson through the growth and stewardship of entrusted resources is especially meaningful to me,” Purvis said. “Being part of an organization that advances Clemson University’s goals, mission, and values, that truly changes lives, is an opportunity I value greatly. I am grateful to Chair Wilkerson and the entire Board of Trustees for their trust and support. Serving as their Executive Secretary has been one of the greatest honors of my career.”
Purvis originally joined the Foundation in 2015 as director of gift management and assumed legal counsel responsibilities in 2019. Prior to her time at Clemson, she was an attorney at the Wukela Law Firm and served as an instructor at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C.
Purvis graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Mass Communications in 2003 before earning her J.D. at Florida Coastal School of Law.
About Clemson University Foundation
The Clemson University Foundation (CUF), chartered in 1933, is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization promoting the welfare and future development of Clemson University. It seeks financial support through annual gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving and other ongoing fundraising programs. Additionally, CUF manages and disburses assets prudently within a policy that encourages the enhancement of the resources of the Foundation. It is governed by a board of directors consisting of Clemson alumni and friends who share in the pride of the University’s history and who are committed to its promise in the years to come.
