Clemson University’s Board of Trustees met on Feb. 5-6 to receive updates from Interim President Robert H. Jones and new Provost J. Cole Smith and other administration leadership on research, industry partnerships, artificial intelligence, student successes and more. The Board also approved several academic program modifications and facility enhancements and gathered along with officials from the Medical University of South Carolina to celebrate the groundbreaking of the University’s new state-of-the-art medical facility.
Slated to open on Clemson University’s main campus in Fall 2027, the medical facility is being constructed in partnership with MUSC Health and will replace Redfern Health Center, built in 1969. The new facility will expand Clemson’s current medical, counseling and psychological services to include advanced imaging, a human performance research center and an ambulatory surgery center. The new facility will provide a comprehensive approach to health and well-being while advancing academic and research relationships between MUSC Health and Clemson University.
ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH UPDATES
Cole Smith, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, provided an update on his first month in his new position. He provided the Board with updated metrics from the University’s strategic plan dashboard, including several milestones already eclipsed years ahead of target.
Provost Smith also updated the Board on an evaluation of the University’s academic calendar. The project, which began last year, has completed initial steps and conducted stakeholder engagement, and the next phase will be a draft of possible new calendar models. The earliest target date for a new academic calendar would be Fall 2027, and faculty, staff and students will have opportunities for input throughout the process.
Smith closed his report with an update on the University’s approach to artificial intelligence, including an emphasis on human-centered interactions and implications and the responsible use of the emerging technology.
Tanju Karanfil, vice president for research, scholarship and creative endeavors, informed the Board of Clemson’s remarkable success in research in 2025. During the past year, Clemson eclipsed a record $339 million in research expenditures, more than any other university in South Carolina. It marked the first time in recent history the University generated more research expenditures than any other university in the state.
The Research and Economic Development Committee hosted a panel discussion with senior leaders from Michelin, a strategic corporate partner of the University. Led by Senior Vice President for External Affairs Angie Leidinger, the discussion focused on Michelin’s decades-long relationship with Clemson University and the strategic mutual benefits gained when an innovative industry leader partners with a leading research university to develop top talent and advance discovery.
The Trustees also attended a ribbon cutting for the newly reimagined Clemson Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) presented by Michelin. The CCPD houses the center for career services, the Cooperative Education Program and the University Professional Internship and Co-op Program (UPIC). The Center, which had been housed in the Hendrix Student Center, moved into a new 15,000-square-foot space at the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center last year.
FINANCE AND FACILITIES
Clemson University remains fiscally strong, as Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed Clemson’s existing credit ratings with stable outlooks. Rick Petillo, senior vice president for finance and operations and CFO, outlined the successes of a budget sequester early in FY26 to proactively mitigate potential sector-wide disruptions. As a result of disciplined spending, the University is able to provide targeted relief in FY26 to support the University’s mission and restrictions have been lifted in some key areas such as start-up funds, professional development funds and indirect cost recoveries.
Petillo informed the Board FY26 is trending positively compared to initial projections, however uncertainty remains and is likely to extend into FY27 and beyond.
The Finance and Facilities Committee approved, as did the full Board, a series of projects with costs under $10 million. Those projects include HVAC upgrades in McCabe Hall and Riggs Hall and electrical and sewer upgrades.
PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH UPDATE
The search for Clemson’s 16th University president continues, and search committee chair Cheri Phyfer provided an update to the full Board. The search committee’s January meeting focused on feedback from various campus and community stakeholders, and the committee continues its work to finalize the position prospectus. Search Chair Phyfer again reiterated its commitment to keeping campus and the community updated through the process and previewed the launch of the presidential search website, set to go live in the coming weeks.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Interim President Robert H. Jones provided his initial presidential report to the Board highlighting the first month in his new role. Jones provided updates on the work done by the University in support of the strategic plan, Clemson Elevate, including continued progress towards creating the nation’s No. 1 student experience, continued research ascension and statewide impact.
Jones highlighted recruitment and retention achievements resulting in record application demand while continuing to provide a pathway to a Clemson degree for nine of 10 South Carolina applicants. Clemson also boasts a four-year graduation rate at an all-time high of 74.9 percent, 29 percentage points above the 45.3 percent national average.
At the conclusion of his report, President Jones said: “It is abundantly clear that Clemson University knows what its mission is, and we deliver on it. Since 1886, when Mr. Thomas Green Clemson wrote his Will, and when Clemson College was established in 1889, our focus has always been on education, research and service.” He continued: “Our strategic plan, Clemson Elevate, is directly connected to our mission and I am proud of all the work we are doing to meet our bold goals.”
