The Clemson University Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Bert Wilkins as its Executive Secretary at a meeting on August 21, 2026. Wilkins currently serves as Senior Associate General Counsel for the University, and he assumes the position following April Purvis being named chief executive officer of the Clemson University Foundation.
Wilkins joined Clemson University’s Office of General Counsel in January 2020, and currently he advises University leadership on complex legal and institutional matters. Wilkins also manages litigation and outside counsel and provides guidance to University administration, faculty, and staff on issues ranging from public safety and employment to regulatory and procurement matters. He also works closely with the Board of Trustees, President’s Office and other University divisions on Freedom of Information Act requests, subpoenas and discovery matters.
“Bert brings a combination of executive leadership, public service, institutional knowledge, and demonstrated commitment to Clemson that is difficult to replicate,” said search committee chair David Dukes. “He understands the University, its people, its culture, and the environment in which we operate. His experience and record speak to an exceptionally strong set of qualifications for this role.”
In addition to his work at Clemson, Wilkins has served in the South Carolina Army National Guard since 2006 and holds the rank of Colonel. He serves as Staff Judge Advocate to the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, advising senior military leadership on operational law, administrative law, military justice and policy. His military service includes a 2018 deployment to Europe as the forward deployed Brigade Judge Advocate for the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Before joining Clemson, Wilkins spent more than a decade in private practice, most recently as managing partner and co-owner of Wilkins & Bouton LLC, in Greenville. Earlier, he served as an associate attorney and policy advisor with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, working in state government relations, public policy, and litigation.
Wilkins began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable John W. Kittredge and later served as Deputy Counsel and Legislative Assistant in the office of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in history from Wofford College. He is also a graduate of Clemson University’s President’s Leadership Institute.
