Clemson University’s Board of Trustees conducted its fall quarterly meetings on campus this week, with an overarching focus on the research impact of the land-grant university. Trustees also celebrated the career of outgoing Provost Bob Jones, approved a new naming convention for the Clemson University Forest and received reports on the University’s finances and fundraising efforts over the course of three days on main campus.
“Throughout this week, we’ve had the opportunity to highlight the incredible work our faculty, staff and students are doing at Clemson that supports our strategic plan, Clemson Elevate, and our three pillars — deliver the No. 1 student experience in the country, increase research and transform lives across the state of South Carolina and beyond,” said President Jim Clements. “Their commitment to moving Clemson Fiercely Forward affirms our land-grant mission of education, research and service and positions Clemson as a leader in higher education.”
PROVOST JONES RECOGNITION
At a lunchtime reception and through the adoption of a formal resolution, the trustees honored Provost Robert H. (Bob) Jones for his decade of transformative leadership as the University’s first Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. A two-time Clemson graduate, Jones guided historic growth in academic excellence, research funding and student success while helping align the University’s mission with the Clemson Elevate strategic plan. Through the resolution, the Board expressed its deep gratitude for his dedication to education, service and conservation, extending best wishes to him upon embarking on the next phase of his professional career.
RESEARCH ENTERPRISE UPDATE
Trustees received an update on the University’s research enterprise, including the University reaching a historic milestone in fiscal year 2025, surpassing $1 billion in proposal submissions for the first time. Competitive research awards totaled $228 million, with expenditures at $219 million, reflecting steady performance and continued progress toward the goals outlined in Clemson Elevate. In the past decade, Clemson has received 137 competitive awards of over $2 million for a value of over $794 million and has grown research expenditures from $89 million to over $200 million annually.
NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The administration received approval for the development of two new degree programs designed to meet emerging workforce needs and expand educational access. The College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences will launch a Ph.D. in communication and media, a 66-credit-hour program offering advanced training in communication theory, research methods and data-informed media analysis. The program prepares scholars and professionals to address real-world challenges in health, organizational, strategic and digital communication.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Trustees approved continued development of a revised academic calendar designed to expand opportunities and strengthen use of University resources. Preliminary work is underway, and progress updates will be shared at each quarterly meeting. The University aims to launch the new calendar as early as Fall 2026, with full implementation no later than Fall 2027.
ONLINE UNDERGRADUATE EXPANSION
The Board also approved a new framework and organizational structure for online undergraduate degree programs. The initiative establishes dedicated leadership, technology, marketing and quality assurance systems to support the development and delivery of fully online courses. The structure will enable Clemson to expand access for place-bound professionals seeking new skills and credentials, while maintaining the University’s high academic standards. Initial programs under consideration for launch in Fall 2026 include degrees in education, health sciences and criminal justice. Over time, the online academic unit will be designed to operate independently to deliver flexible, high-quality undergraduate education.
The College of Education will introduce a B.S. in athletic leadership, focused on coaching education, ethical decision-making and student-athlete development. Offered in hybrid and online formats, the program expands access for working professionals across South Carolina who aspire to lead in athletic and educational settings.
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, COMPUTING AND APPLIED SCIENCES REPORT
As is customary during each quarterly meeting, one dean provides a detailed update of their college. During the October meetings, Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, presented an update highlighting the College’s progress and strategic alignment. His report emphasized growth in student enrollment, retention and graduation rates, as well as the launch of new academic programs including an undergraduate degree in Automotive Engineering and an Engineering Leadership minor. These efforts, supported by strong industry partnerships, are preparing Clemson graduates to lead in rapidly evolving technology and innovation sectors.
Dean Gramopadhye also outlined record research growth, with annual expenditures more than doubling since 2020 and major investments in next-generation computing, future materials, health innovation and resilient infrastructure. He shared milestones such as the $100 million VIPR initiative and reinforced the College’s role in driving statewide economic impact, producing 60 percent of South Carolina’s engineering graduates and leading the University in patents, licenses and startups.
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY FOREST
To better reflect its mission and University-wide purpose, the Clemson Experimental Forest has been renamed the Clemson University Forest. The new name clarifies the Forest’s role as a vital University asset supporting teaching, research, recreation and outreach across multiple disciplines. This update will help eliminate confusion surrounding governance and ownership, reinforcing that the Forest belongs to the entire Clemson community.
LONG-RANGE FRAMEWORK UPDATE
The Board received information on the progress of the University’s updated Long-Range Framework Plan that will establish a unified vision for campus growth through 2035, aligning physical development with the goals of the Clemson Elevate strategic plan. The framework prioritizes infrastructure, mobility, campus life, open space and preservation of historic and cultural assets to enhance connectivity, student experience and sustainability. The plan ensures that future investments support academic excellence and research innovation while maintaining Clemson’s distinct character and sense of place. The administration is compiling final recommendations for main campus and will begin developing strategies for innovation campuses and Research and Education Centers across the state as the next phases of the long-range framework development.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee of the Board approved a contract extension for Vice President and Director of Athletics Graham Neff. Neff is in his 13th year at Clemson and his fourth year as Director of Athletics. Under his leadership, Clemson’s student-athletes have reached record levels in the classroom for Graduation Success Rate and Academic Progress Rate and claimed at least one ACC Championship in eight different sports. Clemson is nationally renowned for its investment in student-athlete wellness, its innovative business practices and its commitment to competitive excellence in a changing collegiate landscape.
Additionally, President Clements announced the promotion of Lisa Knox to Vice President for Institutional Excellence. Knox has served as associate vice president and executive director of institutional excellence since its inception in 2021. She has led the team’s collaborative efforts to operationalize Clemson Elevate and ensure all efforts are aligned towards reaching the goals of the University’s strategic plan.
