Clemson Computing and Information Technology (CCIT) celebrated the completion of the second year of the CCIT Emerging Leaders Institute, a structured leadership development program designed to strengthen the division’s leadership pipeline and invest in employees across CCIT.
The 2025-26 cohort included 11 CCIT employees who participated in sessions from September through May. Built in partnership with the Office of Human Resources’ training team, the University Ombuds Office, University leadership and governance areas, employee well-being partners and CCIT stakeholders, the program combines professional development, experiential learning and exposure to the broader Clemson community.
Across its first two cohort years, the Emerging Leaders Institute has developed 31 CCIT employees through an immersive experience focused on leadership growth, collaboration and practical problem-solving. The inaugural year established the foundation for the program, while the second year refined the curriculum and elevated each dimension of the experience for a selective cohort.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions designed for active discussion, reflection and applied learning. The cohort explored personal leadership journeys, built trust with colleagues and strengthened connections across areas of CCIT. Participants also took part in Clemson-wide experiences that expanded their understanding of the University and the ways technology supports Clemson’s mission.
A central component of the program is the capstone project. Each participant identifies an opportunity for improvement or a solution to a divisional need, then develops and presents the project to their supervisor and CCIT senior leadership. The capstone process gives participants a direct opportunity to apply what they have learned while contributing ideas that can strengthen services, operations and employee engagement.
The program has become a meaningful investment in CCIT’s workforce development and is recognized across the Clemson community as an asset for employee engagement and leadership growth.
2025-26 CCIT Emerging Leaders Institute Cohort
Joseph Barton, Data Engineer, Enterprise Data Services
Scot Cole, Workflow System Administrator, Enterprise Workflow Services
Curt Frazier, Project Manager II, Internal Operations
Lanita Hill, Tier 2 Network Operations Center Technician, Customer Support Services
Michael Hunter, Team Lead Consultant, Customer Support Services
Robert Kane, Senior Splunk Engineer, IT Infrastructure Operations
Tony Koontz, Network Architect, Network Services and Telecommunications
Alex Lee, Workflow Engineer, Enterprise Workflow Services
Holly Melton, Data Engineer, Enterprise Data Services
Matt Moersen, Director, Advanced Computing & Data Services, Research Computing and Data
Dylan Porter, Cybersecurity Operations Center Manager, Office of Information Security
