Five alums of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences were honored for their service to Clemson University and CAFLS at a ceremony Oct. 17.
The CAFLS Alumni Awards, which began in 2015, recognize the College’s outstanding alums. It is managed by the CAFLS Agriculture Board of Directors.
“This year’s Alumni Award recipients have distinguished themselves, not only through professional achievement, but also through their service to agriculture, natural resources, education and community,” said Matt Holt, dean of CAFLS. “Each embodies the land-grant mission of using knowledge to improve lives and we are proud to celebrate the ways they continue to advance. CAFLS and Clemson University.”
Pat Earle, 2025 Distinguished Service Award
Earle is a two-time Clemson graduate (’78 agricultural education, ’80 master’s in agriculture) who has been a champion for agricultural education in South Carolina and across the nation for more than 40 years. He has served as a teacher, mentor and leader, inspiring thousands of students to pursue careers in agriculture, while helping grow the South Carolina Future Farmers of America program to historic levels.
As a legislative liaison for agriculture for the South Carolina FFA, Earle was instrumental in bridging the gap between agricultural education and policy, making sure the voices of young agricultural leaders were heard at the legislative level.
Earle has served as president of the CAFLS Alumni Board and has led several selection committees, hosted alumni gatherings and sponsored scholarships in honor of his father, a 1948 Clemson graduate. He was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.
One nominator said, “Mr. Earle exemplifies the spirit of service and dedication that the Distinguished Service Award seeks to honor. His lifelong commitment to agricultural education, mentorship of young people and advocacy for agricultural interests has created a lasting legacy that continues to shape South Carolina’s agricultural landscape.”
Ty Woodard, 2025 Professional Achievement Award
Woodard, a 2007 graduate, is the owner of Woodard Farms and co-founder of Covered in Cotton, a company that produces 100% locally grown and manufactured cotton textiles.
He has worked closely with Clemson Cooperative Extension Services and the Pee Dee Research and Education Center, hosting tours, research projects and educational events on his farm. In 2024, Woodard was named South Carolina’s Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year.
Since graduating, Woodard has been an active member of the Darlington County Farm Bureau Board, serving as vice president (20014-16) and president (2016-18). At the state level, he has served on the Young Farmers and Ranchers committee and was named the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federations Achievement in Agriculture winner in 2017, placing in the top 10 nationally. He also serves on the board of directors for Cotton Incorporated.
Outside of farming, Woodard volunteers as a youth basketball coach and a Little League baseball coach.
“His unwavering commitment to agriculture, community and mentorship reflects the values and excellence that Clemson University strives to uphold,” said one nominator.
Emily Cope, 2025 Professional Achievement Award
Cope received both her bachelor’s (’97) and master’s (’99) degrees in fisheries and wildlife biology. She went on to become the first woman to serve as deputy director for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. In that role, Cope oversaw programs that manage fish and wildlife populations, expand outdoor recreation and steward more than 1.2 million acres of land across the state.
Her leadership helped secure millions in funding and forged partnerships that strengthen habitat protection, conservation research and species monitoring. Cope represented South Carolina in national policy discussions and through her work with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
After retiring from SCDNR, Cope accepted a position with Ducks Unlimited as the managing director of development for the South Atlantic region. She helps bring students, faculty and professionals together for networking and collaboration.
“Emily is a person of integrity, compassion and unwavering dedication to conservation and her SCDNR family,” said one nominator. “She works tirelessly on her staff’s behalf to ensure not only their professional growth, but also their personal journey as well.”
McCauley Frierson, 2025 Young Alumni Award
Frierson is a two-time graduate of CAFLS, earning his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness in 2016 and receiving his master’s in agricultural education in 2019. He served three years as the college’s student recruitment coordinator. Frierson connected numerous families to programs at Clemson, helping them to find their place in CAFLS.
Frierson currently serves as a loan officer with AgSouth Farm Credit where he manages a loan portfolio of more than $60 million. He also is active in the community, sponsoring and participating in agricultural events, supporting youth programs and investing time and resources back into Clemson.
One nominator said, “McCauley is a natural connector – I’ve long called him ‘Chamber of Commerce.’ This nickname comes from his natural talent to remember everyone he meets. He values relationships and leads with authenticity and heart.”
Jessica Egan, 2025 Young Alumni Award
Egan graduated in 2019 with a degree in environmental and natural resources. She began as an intern with Clemson Cooperative Extension Services and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
After graduating, she took a position with SCDNR and eventually became a social media manager, transforming the agency’s platforms into tools for education and outreach.
Currently, Egan serves as the East Piedmont District coordinator for SCDNR’s soil and water conservation districts, supporting 23 counties across the state. Egan promotes conservation partnerships, provides education and technical assistance, and advocates for new and emerging practices that strengthen South Carolina’s natural resources.
“In every interaction, Jessica is dependable, collaborative and thorough,” one nominator said. “She is easy to work with and brings a thoughtful, meticulous approach to every project she undertakes. Her attention to detail and drive for perfection set a high standard and have earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and partners alike.”
