On Wednesday, May 14, academic leaders, staff and special guests gathered at the President’s Suite in Memorial Stadium to celebrate the completion of the inaugural cohort of the Clemson Chair Academy’s New Chair Onboarding (NCO) program.
The event marked the culmination of a 9-month leadership development journey designed specifically for new and emerging department chairs. The program, a collaboration between the Office of the Provost, the President’s Office and academic deans, was launched in Fall 2024 to provide Clemson’s department chairs with the support, insight and community needed to thrive in one of higher education’s most demanding roles.
Clemson President James P. Clements joined the celebration to highlight some personal and professional achievements of cohort members during his remarks, which ended with a note of encouragement.
I want you to really lean in when I say this. What you do matters. Your leadership matters. Your work matters. And – I am so incredibly thankful for you. And – I am proud of you,” said President Clements.
Associate Vice President for Strategic Alliances Tia Dumas, who created and executed the program, opened the celebration with remarks that underscored the shared vision behind the Clemson Chair Academy and acknowledged the program as an investment in people and a commitment to the future.
Dumas also read a message from Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robert H. Jones, who championed the program’s creation and congratulated the cohort for leading with authenticity, courage, and heart.
“When we launched this initiative, it was with the deep belief that department chairs have one of the most pivotal roles in the University, often balancing leadership from the middle with a wide range of responsibilities. This program was designed to equip you with the tools, context and connections needed to succeed and reinforce that you are not alone in this work,” he said.
During the event, guests heard remarks from one of the inaugural cohort members, Dr. Karolina Mukhtar, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, who shared her personal experiences navigating departmental leadership at a new institution.
A special highlight of the event was the presentation of a custom watercolor painting by President Emeritus James Barker, titled “There’s healing in these hills,” gifted to each cohort member. The phrase, inspired by a quote from Dumas, honors the legacy of Joe Sherman’s iconic words, “There’s something in these hills,” while reflecting the transformative journey of leadership.
Additionally, University Historian Otis Pickett spoke to the deeper meaning behind the artwork and the importance of understanding Clemson’s history as part of its leadership development.
Throughout the program, participants were supported by success coaches – experienced chairs and academic leaders who offered insight and encouragement. These coaches were recognized during the celebration for their service and partnership in shaping the program’s impact.
2025 NEW CHAIR ONBOARDING PROGRAM GRADUATES
- Brian Aldridge, chair of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Kyle Barrett, interim chair of the Forestry and Environmental Conservation Department, College of Agriculture Forestry and Life Sciences
- Kristen Cuthrell, chair of the Department of Education and Human Development, College of Education
- David S. Fleming, chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning, College of Education
- Colin Gallagher, director of the School of Math and Statistical Sciences, College of Science
- Wiley Jenkins, chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
- Hans W. Klar, chair of the Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development, College of Education
- William Martin, associate director of the Department of General Engineering, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
- Karolina Mukhtar, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science
- Nick Richbell, head of Special Collections and Archives, Clemson University Libraries
- Debora F. Rodrigues, Dean’s Professor and Chair of the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
- Deanna Sellnow, chair of the Department of Communication, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
- Melissa C. Smith, chair of the Engineering and Science Education Department, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Science
- Chad Sosolik, chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science
- John Wagner, interim chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
- Danny Weathers, chair of the Department of Marketing, Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business
- Ben White, chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion, College of Arts and Humanities
The next New Chair Onboarding cohort will launch in Fall 2025. The Clemson Chair Academy will expand with communities of practice and leadership development workshops that will be open to chairs at any career stage beginning this Fall.