CBSHS Alumni Spotlight: Psychology alumnus supports Clemson, CBSHS through Fiercely Forward campaign leadership

Meet Collen Reedy, 2004 graduate of the Department of Psychology and Fiercely Forward campaign cabinet chair.

Collen Reedy ’04 was in seventh grade when he visited Clemson’s campus for the first time. He was on a spring break trip to visit his older brother – and like many alumni, after just one visit, he knew he wanted to join the Clemson Family.

As a student, Reedy became fully immersed in the Clemson Experience. He served as a resident assistant (RA), worked at the Center for Career and Professional Development and was a member of Blue Key Honor Society. He also served as a senator and organizations director in Clemson Undergraduate Student Government and technical director for Tigerama.

Reedy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in international politics. He said the exceptional undergraduate training he received at Clemson prepared him for a successful career and equipped him with transferrable skills he continues to use to this day.

After graduation, he attended graduate school at Appalachian State University and received a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

Over the course of his career, Reedy has taken different paths, but a clear throughline remained in each position – his background in psychology. His deep understanding of people and how to manage teams led him to each new opportunity.

After college, he worked as a marriage and family therapist in Maryland. His proximity to Washington, D.C., provided opportunities to work with military personnel and veterans with traumatic brain injuries and he began working with the Department of Defense to build military programs for mental health. Later, he moved into a management role and began leading a team of therapists. Currently, Reedy works as director of strategic operations for Accenture, a global professional services company, where he oversees international business operations – a position that requires in-depth knowledge of people, personalities and decision-making processes.

“I have carried my experience as a Clemson student with me throughout my life,” said Reedy. “I am grateful for an education that laid the groundwork for a fulfilling career and the people who contributed to my personal and academic success. For that reason, it has always been important for me to give back to the University that means so much to me.” 

Reedy currently serves as chair of the FIERCELY FORWARD Campaign Cabinet for the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS). As an engaged alumnus, Reedy has spoken to psychology student groups, participated in mentorship opportunities and remained connected with faculty members in the psychology and political science departments.

In his role as cabinet chair, Reedy said he looks for opportunities to connect with alumni and share the College’s mission to build people and communities.

“CBSHS faculty, staff and students are doing incredible work on campus and in communities across South Carolina and beyond. The College is a leader in research, teaching and service, and it is an honor to support its philanthropic efforts in this capacity,” said Reedy. “Fiercely Forward will allow CBSHS to continue recruiting top-tier faculty and provide pathways for all students to attend Clemson. There are capable students throughout South Carolina who will now have an opportunity to attend Clemson – and that is why I am here, serving in this role.”

Fiercely Forward is the University’s capital campaign to launch lives of significance, unlock human potential and ignite change through ingenuity.

 The Department of Psychology is in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS). Established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in nine disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.