Clarke named interim associate dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Construction

Professor Shima Clarke of the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning has been appointed interim associate dean of undergraduate and graduate studies for Clemson’s newly formed College of Architecture, Art and Construction (CAAC). Clarke has been a pillar of the construction science and management program as a part of its faculty since 1998.

“I am honored and excited to serve in this interim role and thrilled to be working with Interim Dean Petersen, the CAAC leadership team, staff, and faculty as we seek to elevate our undergraduate and graduate students’ experience at Clemson University,” she said.

Clarke has served as the acting associate dean for CAAC since August 15, helping to guide the College, which was established on July 1, through a strong first semester.

Dr. Clarke’s leadership ability and institutional knowledge have been invaluable. I’m excited that she will continue to be a part of a leadership team that will take our College to new heights of success.

Interim Dean George J. Petersen, College of Architecture, Art and Construction

Clarke noted that her top priority in the new role will be to oversee and coordinate all programs and activities in CAAC that support student experience, recruitment, education, retention, graduation, and placement to fulfill the new College’s mission and support Clemson Elevate, the University’s bold new strategic plan.

“The strengths of our new college are Interim Dean Petersen, CAAC’s leadership team and the amazing and innovative students, staff, faculty and industry supporters of CAAC,” Clarke added.

Research and service in construction science

Prior to serving as acting associate dean, Clarke was the director of construction science and management programs in the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning, where she led the launch of the new Ph.D. in construction science and management. Previously, she led the research-based Center for the Improvement of Construction Management and Processes (CICMP) and served as associate department chair. She joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 1998 and achieved full professorship in 2013. Her research has focused on construction education, integrated project delivery (IPD), sustainability, structures and construction safety.

Her teaching career has been marked by outstanding service to education, industry and her community. She has been honored multiple times by the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) with awards including the Outstanding Educator Award, Outstanding Service Award and Director Appreciation Award. She earned the W.A. Klinger Construction Education Award from the American Institute for Constructors (AIC), and she was given a Recognition Certificate for Outstanding Contributions and Service from the Daniel High School Air Force JROTC.

She holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Before she began her academic career, she worked as an engineer at Bechtel Power Corporation and Impell Corporation. She has maintained her Professional Engineer license (PE) in Tennessee since 1990, demonstrating a commitment to professional practice from which her students continue to benefit.