Board of Trustees reinforces University’s commitment to nation’s top student experience

Spring meetings highlight progress toward Clemson Elevate’s first pillar: Delivering an unmatched student experience

Clemson University’s Board of Trustees held its spring quarterly meetings this week with a focus on the first pillar of the Clemson Elevate strategic plan: Delivering the No. 1 student experience in the nation. Through academic innovation, real-world learning and purpose-driven student engagement, Clemson continues to create an environment where every student thrives — on campus, across South Carolina and beyond. 

ACTION ITEMS 

• The Board approved Phase 2 of an expansion to Douthit Hills, which will add 360 beds, classrooms, collaborative spaces and faculty apartments to meet growing first-year housing needs. 
• The College of Education is adding a new Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. The Ph.D. program will supplement an existing master’s program and focus on mental health services for rural schools and communities, citing strong demand and plans to seek grant funding for assistantships starting in the second year. 
• The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business received approval for a new master’s degree in finance, the department’s first graduate program, designed to build on undergraduate growth and prepare students for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification.  
• The trustees approved the reappointment of Lindsey Simmons as Chief Judge and Director of the University Court with a term to expire on June 16, 2029. 

Academic Success 

University leaders highlighted Clemson University’s continued commitment to academic excellence with record-setting student success metrics. The University has achieved its highest-ever four-year graduation rate at 71.0 percent, significantly outperforming the national average of 45.3 percent. Additionally, Clemson’s six-year graduation rate has reached its second-highest level at 86.6 percent, compared to the national average of 77.1 percent. The University also maintains a remarkable student retention rate of 93.5 percent — its second highest ever — well above the national average of 81.2 percent.    

These remarkable achievements in student success are a testament to not only the quality of our students but also the dedication of our faculty and staff and their devotion to the achievement of our students in both academic and extracurricular experiences. 

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND PROVOST ROBERT JONES

Student Affairs Highlights 

Clemson University continues to advance its student experience and leadership through the Division of Student Affairs. Kimberly Poole, the University’s new associate vice president and dean of students, was introduced to the Board in her new role.  

The University has risen to No. 2 nationally among Tier 1 research institutions as a Military Friendly® School — a five-spot jump from 2024. The Schoen Foundation has donated $2.5 million with half of that amount designated to enhance resources for military-connected students through the Office of Military & Veteran Engagement. 

“Our military heritage and support for our military connected students and families is a core value of this University,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Hallenbeck. “The investment of the Board to all of our students — and particularly our military students and staff — is unparalleled and we’re excited to continue our support for those individuals and their families who have served our nation.” 

CAFLS Empowering Students Through Experiential Learning 

Trustees celebrated the continued success of Clemson’s Packaging Science Co-op Program, which has placed 596 students with 114 industry partners between 2014 and 2023. These high-impact experiences connect classroom learning with professional application — one of many examples of how Clemson equips students for life after graduation. 

On Clemson’s animal farms, 552 undergraduate students engaged directly in hands-on learning through the University’s Research and Education Centers (RECs) — deepening knowledge in agricultural science, animal care and sustainable practices. 

The South Carolina Commissioner’s School for Agriculture, a one-week residential summer program, reflects Clemson’s statewide reach and commitment to cultivating future Tigers. Of participants, 87 percent were offered admission, with a 74 percent yield rate to Clemson and 65 percent enrolling in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS). 

CAH Expanding Pathways and Programs with Purpose 

Clemson’s College of Arts and Humanities reported strong momentum in academic pathways that combine intellectual depth with real-world relevance: 

• The American Sign Language program — now the largest in the state —celebrated its first graduate from the ClemsonLIFE™ program, marking a milestone in accessibility and inclusive education. The program also received a $1.4 million grant to expand capacity. 

• The  Pearce Center for Professional Communication continues to foster writing excellence, outreach and skill-building. The Writing Lab experienced an 852 percent increase in usage from 2022 to 2023, fueled by expanded student support and writing-across-the-curriculum initiatives. 

• Growing interest in Philosophy, particularly through the Liberty Law and Justice program, is contributing to the rise in students preparing for pre-law and pre-medical careers. English, History and Language and International Business programs are also experiencing student growth. 

• The World Cinema program and a developing partnership with the Trilith Institute are opening creative career paths in storytelling and production. 

• The Ph.D. in Rhetorics, Communication and Information Design (RCID) continues to exemplify post-graduate excellence, achieving a 100 percent placement rate. 

Compensation Committee Actions 

The compensation committee of the board approved a contract extension for head men’s basketball coach Brad Brownell, men’s basketball associate head coach Billy Donlon and assistants Sean Dixon and Dick Bender. 

The committee approved the promotion of Rick Petillo to senior vice president of finance and operations. Petillo, who retains his CFO title, will assume oversight for public safety, facilities and real estate.  

Finally, Provost Jones requested, and the committee approved, the hire of Alexander Leonessa, Ph.D., as department chair and tenured professor of Mechanical Engineering within the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering (SMAE) in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. 

Facilities and Finance Committee Updates 

The Trustees received updates from the finance and operations team on ongoing expense management measures and FY26 budget preparations. The administration provided known FY25 research funding cancellations and stop work impacts totaling $54.7M. The report concluded Clemson continues to demonstrate strong financial discipline while navigating uncertainties. The administration conducted sensitivity analysis on potential impacted revenues and expenses, which informed financial planning scenarios, and FY26 sensitivity analysis will inform guidance for FY26 budget and expense targets. 

A Unified Vision for Student Success

Trustees reaffirmed that Clemson’s strength lies in the lived student experience — where bold academics meet mentorship, service and leadership. These initiatives directly align with Clemson Elevate’s strategic commitment to immersive, innovative learning that prepares students for meaningful, purpose-driven lives.

Clemson will continue investing in programs, partnerships and environments that deliver measurable outcomes and reflect what students need to succeed — inside and outside the classroom. 

The Board will reconvene in July to continue guiding progress across the University’s strategic pillars.